From Japan to Hong Kong, England to Canada: new anticovid restrictions
Anyone who wants or needs to continue traveling in the time of Covid-19, for pleasure or business, must be constantly updated on the latest [...]
Anyone who wants or needs to continue traveling at the time of Covid-19, for pleasure or business, must be constantly updated on the latest regulations. It is good to know one's duties before showing up at the airport, such as the requirement of a molecular or antigenic test in the 72 hours prior to departure. Just as it is necessary to know in detail the Italian regulations and those of the Countries we plan to visit. So here are some useful updates to note.
Japan closes its borders
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Impossible to travel to Japan at the moment. In fact, the government has decided to close their borders in terms of arrivals, in order to curb the spread of the new Covid-19 variant. A measure that extends, temporally, until the end of January 2021. No obstacles, however, for Japanese citizens who intend to return home, as well as for foreign nationals living in Japan.
The emergency was triggered around Dec. 24, 2020, when the first positives for the new variant of the virus were detected. All came from Great Britain. Tokyo suddenly found itself at worrisome alert levels, registering about 1,000 new cases in a single day late in the year. It is not known at this time whether the closure measure may be extended. The government will have to make its own assessments based on the data provided by tests conducted on the ground.
Hong Kong extends quarantine
La new variant of Covid-19 has resulted in a variety of changes in many countries' domestic regulations. Anyone wishing to set foot in Hong Kong, for example, will have to deal with a further extended quarantine for foreign travelers. In fact, it will increase from the previously stipulated 14 days to the well 21 days currently required.
A quick intervention made necessary by the first appearance of positives to the new variant. These were two students who returned home, which triggered the alert. It is hoped that the move from two to three weeks of mandatory quarantine will sharply and permanently curb the spread of the infection. However, this is not the only measure implemented.
Setting foot in Hong Kong is complex to say the least, considering that the doors can only be said to be open to resident citizens, locals or foreigners, their respective family members and political representatives. Added to this is the absolute ban on all Flights from the United Kingdom and South Africa, where the first cases of the new coronavirus variant have been recorded.
Travel to Turkey: test required
Until March 2021, anyone wishing to travel to Turkey will have to have with them the negative result of a PCR test carried out 72 hours before departure. It will not be possible to gain access to the country otherwise, the only exception being passengers under the age of six. While it is now well known that a test is required before being allowed to depart, in this case a not insignificant clarification is made. Only passengers with molecular, non-rapid and antigenic tests will be accepted.
Covid test at airport for arriving passengers
Quarantine in India
The new variant of Covid-19 has also triggered alerts in India. Mandatory quarantine of as many as 14 days for all passengers arriving from the UK, Europe and the Middle East. The lockdown will begin immediately upon arrival in the territory, and will then proceed with a PCR test at the end of the seventh day of quarantine. A negative outcome will allow individuals not to have to undergo mandatory isolation for the remaining seven days, with the advice to proceed to fiduciary quarantine for an additional week. This will take place within hotel and other facilities identified by the Government of India, at the expense of the individuals. If successful after 7 days, passengers will be transferred to designated facilities for treatment of Covid-19 patients.
Negative test to enter Canada
All passengers 5 years of age or younger must show a negative test Relating to Covid-19 in order to gain access in Canada. A change to the regulation active as of January 7, 2021. Transportation Minister Marc Garneau announced these access restrictions, noting the increase in recorded cases, with greater prevalence in more populous provinces such as Ontario and Quebec.
Passengers, therefore, will have to undergo a test within 72 hours before departure, which, however, will not allow them to avoid the mandatory 14-day quarantine, once they arrive in the country.
The new rules in the UK
As well as all countries, the UK is also changing the regulations inherent in arrivals. New lines to be followed announced. All passengers present on international flights will have to present a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 72 hours of departure. A restriction also applies to British citizens. Grant Shapps, minister of transport, emphasized the government's intention to show some flexibility in this regard. This means translates into the acceptance of a variety of test types, including those quick.
Different categories of people will be exempt, from truck drivers to anyone traveling from Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. No obligation also for all children of age less than 11 years old.
