From today, travelers coming to the Netherlands from China must submit a negative corona test. We received many questions about this measure on our answer platform NUjij. Some readers fear that this could lead to new, strict measures. That is not the case: in the Netherlands we have nothing to fear at the moment thanks to the built-up immunity. The measures are primarily intended to monitor the development of the virus in China.
What exactly are the rules for travelers from China?
Since Tuesday, January 10, people flying from China to the Netherlands must submit a negative test result before boarding the flight. This can be a simple quick test, but the test must not be more than 48 hours old at the time of departure.
Travelers are reminded by the airlines of the mandatory test before departure. Travelers are also informed that they may be refused entry if they do not have a negative test certificate. GGD checks the tests on arrival in the Netherlands. The Marechaussee is responsible for enforcement and can fine people without proof of testing.
In addition to the mandatory test, travelers are strongly advised to wear a medical mouth mask during the flight. In addition, the waste water around Schiphol is examined for virus particles. Minister Ernst Kuipers (Public Health) is investigating whether it is also possible to test the toilet water on flights from China for new variants.
Do other European countries have the same measures as the Netherlands?
Yes, within the EU. After several countries took measures against travelers from China on their own, virologists already said a common European approach was needed. Last week, EU member states agreed on some precautions. However, EU member states were given the freedom to deviate from this. Some countries have therefore strongly discouraged travel to China.
Does the test obligation for travelers from China make sense?
In the Netherlands, we generally no longer have to worry about an infection. The built up immunity here is much greater than in China because many people have been vaccinated or have recovered from an infection. Medical microbiologist Andreas Voss therefore believes that it is primarily symbolic politics, he tells NU.nl.
“I see it primarily as a way to prevent all European countries from having different policies. The Netherlands would like to appear unequivocal. But with a measure like this you do not stop the introduction of viruses. Travelers can enter and travel through Europe in other ways.”
According to Voss, the Netherlands primarily wants to raise awareness of the corona problem. “With the test certificate, you prevent people who are really sick from boarding the plane. So you prevent a few infections, but it still comes to the Netherlands.”
Does the testing obligation help to keep an eye on new variants?
As in the Netherlands, the relatively mild omicron variant of the corona virus is dominant in China. But it is always possible that a new variant will emerge that behaves differently from the variants we have here now. Due to the current corona wave and the large population in China, the chance is greater. Nevertheless, according to Voss, mandatory testing does not contribute much to the search for new variants.
“There is always a chance that a coronavirus variant will emerge. If it appears in China, you know that there is one new variant circulating there anyway. The problem is: you don’t know what else is happening in China. You don’t know how many others are walking around.”
The latter is because there is a lot of doubt about the data shared by the Chinese government. Virologist Marion Koopmans told NU.nl “it seems that we are not getting good information about the actual size in China”. Belgian virologist Steven Van Gucht already said that the testing obligation is also intended “to check whether the data we officially receive from China is correct”.
“The only way to open up variants is to talk about them on a political level,” says Voss. “The numbers we see now make it seem like the situation in UMCG is worse than in China. The data gives us information about variants, but also answers the question of whether and how we can help China.”
How long will the measures apply?
It is not yet known. EU health ministers agreed last week to review whether the measures are necessary on a weekly basis. Voss does not think it makes sense to maintain the measure for long.
“A virus mutation can also come our way from Italy, France or Germany. It is of course more likely that it will come here from China because of the corona wave and the large population, but you cannot prevent it.”
The Netherlands and other EU countries will probably first be sure that the corona situation in China is under control. Koopmans predicted in conversation with NU.nl that the corona wave that China is now experiencing will be less bad than the first wave in the Netherlands in 2020.