U.S. will require airline passengers traveling from China to test negative for Covid

The Biden administration will require airline passengers traveling from China to test negative for Covid before entering the U.S., a federal health official said on Wednesday.

All travelers two years of age and older originating from China, Hong Kong or Macau will be required to get tested for Covid two days before their departure to the U.S., the health official said. The requirements, which apply regardless of nationality and vaccination status, starting Jan. 5.

The testing requirements come as China battles a major outbreak of the virus after easing its stringent zero-Covid policy in the wake of social unrest earlier this year.