China announced temporary ban to all foreign visitors

China announced temporary ban to all foreign visitors
A queue at a fever clinic in Hubei province on Friday. Source: Getty Images
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Daily US Times: China has announced a temporary ban on all foreign visitors as imported cases rise. The ban is applicable to even those who have visas or residence permits.

The country also imposed some other rules – limiting Chinese and foreign airlines to one flight per week, and flights must not be more than 75% full.

Although China’s local cases became nearly zero, almost all its new cases now come from abroad.

On Thursday, the country has reported 55 new cases, among them 54 were from overseas.

What are the new rules?

China’s foreign ministry said they are “suspending the entry of foreign nationals” because of the “rapid spread of Covid-19 across the world”.

The temporary ban does not apply to diplomats or those with C visas (usually aircraft crew), though it applies to people with visas and residence passes.

People with “emergency humanitarian needs” or those working in certain fields can apply for exceptions, the foreign ministry said.

Although the rules seem dramatic, a number of Chinese cities already had restrictions for arrivals and many foreign airlines had already stopped flying to the country.

What is the coronavirus situation in China?

The virus was originated in China, but the country fewer cases than the US and fewer deaths than Italy and Spain.

The National Health Commission of China said on Friday that the virus had cost 3,292 human lives and have been infected 81,340 people.

Among the confirmed cases in China, 565 were classed as “imported” – either foreigners coming into China or returning Chinese nationals.

On Thursday, there were no confirmed cases in Hubei, the epicenter of the outbreak.

The capital of Hubei, Wuhan classed as “imported” – either foreigners coming into China or returning Chinese nationals.