China's latest optimization of its dynamic zero-COVID protocols will aid the early resumption of its civil aviation industry, officials and experts said.
Aiming for more scientific, targeted and accurate virus containment, China rolled out 20 measures last week to upgrade epidemic control, and many of them are related to the hard-hit civil aviation industry.
The measures include cancellation of the "circuit breaker" policy — the suspension of air carriers' operations for two weeks when five or more passengers tested positive for the novel coronavirus upon landing in China, or four weeks if 10 or more passengers tested positive.
They also reduce COVID-19 quarantines for incoming travelers and close contacts from 10 to eight days, and inbound travelers will be asked to provide one negative result instead of two from nucleic acid testing conducted no more than 48 hours before boarding.
Shortly after the new measures were announced, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said he believed they will help improve cross-border tourism and travel, and ease the travel of global investors to China.
Song Zhiyong, head of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, said at a recent news conference that the administration, in line with the national strategy, will promote the recovery of the international air passenger market, improve the capacity and competitiveness of international air cargo, and continue to enhance the influence of Chinese civil aviation in the international community.
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