IATA ønsker ikke covidtesting av passasjerer fra Kina - Australian Aviation

 

CHINA TESTING ABOUT POLITICS NOT SCIENCE, SAYS IATA

written by Adam Thorn | January 5, 2023

Rob Finlayson shot this Cathay Pacific 777 in Hobart

IATA has accused countries of playing politics by introducing COVID testing rules for passengers travelling from China.

In a strongly worded statement, its director general, Willie Walsh, called the decisions “extremely disappointing” and said the rules would prove ineffective at keeping infections down.

It comes after countries including the US, UK, Italy, and Australia asked those arriving from China to test negative before boarding the aircraft in response to China announcing it would effectively open its borders after three years.

The decision has proved controversial, with many epidemiologists arguing the rules would make little difference now the virus is epidemic around the world.

“Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections,” said Walsh.

“At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected.

“That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the WHO, that advise against travel restrictions.

“We have the tools to manage COVID-19 without resorting to ineffective measures that cut off international connectivity, damage economies and destroy jobs.