China talks about ‘imported covid-19 virus’ as it suspends Visas for foreigners

Chinese officials announced on Friday that they will be suspending visas of foreigners to prevent the danger of coronavirus that is fast spreading in the country. China blamed it on the ‘imported covid-19 cases’ while talking about the increase in numbers.

The Chinese embassy released a statement saying, “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is hereby announced that China has decided to temporarily suspend the entry into China by foreign nationals in India holding valid Chinese visas or residence permits.”

Among the countries it has chosen to restrict movement with are India, Philippines and the United Kingdom. After the announcement, the Indian government clarified that the announcement is not specific to India and it was indicated that it was only a temporary measure by China.

“The Chinese embassy/consulates in India will not stamp the health declaration forms for the holders of the above-mentioned categories of visa or residence permits,” it said. However, it also said that visas issued after November 3 are valid for travel.

The statement added that the coronavirus pandemic is getting worse in foreign countries and that makes China face a greater risk of importing the cases. It released data revealing that the number of imported cases increased by around 45 percent in October itself, which is a great increase from September.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin added while addressing the media that domestic cases were also traced in the country while assuring that this has led to strengthening the ‘country’s pre-departure formalities to prevent and control measures for travelers coming to China.’

Earlier China had allowed Vande Bharat flights to repatriate over 2000 stranded Indians in the country but now, it has also cut down the number of flights. The spokesman also said that even though pre-departure nucleic acid testing has been beneficial for the China bound travellers, it is still impossible to get 100 percent accuracy with any of the testings available.