In a just-released circular 144 of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, the State Council will implement twelve measures on January 8th. The measures focus on “protecting the health and preventing severe diseases.”

The complete translation of the circular is available via de following article:

[link].

The following three points are the most important takeaways for international business:

  1. The easing of travel quarantine to “optimize the management of Chinese and foreign personnel.” From January 8th, people who come to China will conduct a nucleic acid test 48 hours before leaving. Those who have negative results can come to China. There is no need to apply for a health code from embassies and consulates abroad, and one may simply fill in the customs health declaration card onboard the plane. The State Council will cancel all nucleic acid testing and centralized isolation after entry. Passengers with normal health declarations and whose routine inspections at customs ports are ordinary can continue into the social area.
  2. Airlines no longer must abide by the previous passenger capacity limit; the State council will remove the limit on international passenger flights. It is still mandatory to wear a mask onboard the aircraft.
  3. According to the international epidemic situation, Chinese tourism will resume outbound travel in an orderly manner. The Chinese government will gradually restore the entry and exit of passengers from waterways and land ports.