Data and facts: The current situation with the coronavirus in China
China is considered the starting point of the coronavirus; after all, a mysterious viral disease of unprecedented proportions was reported there for the first time at the beginning of 2020. The first confirmed cases, however, are said to have occurred in November of the previous year. According to current knowledge, Sars-CoV-2 actually appeared unnoticed in the People’s Republic of China in October or November 2019. See business opportunities on aceinland.
So far, almost a million cases of corona disease have been reported, with around 990,000 confirmed infections. Based on the number of inhabitants, this means an infection rate of 0.07 percent. The slightly more than 5,500 deaths recorded that are associated with the coronavirus result in a mortality rate of 0.53 percent.
In the last seven days (as of October 1, 2022), an average of 871 new infections were reported per day. If you take a look at the 7-day incidence, it shows a value of 0.4 new infections per 100,000 inhabitants. In comparison, the current 7-day incidence in the Federal Republic of Germany is 497.5, i.e. 1,243.75 times as high.
In terms of vaccinations, the People’s Republic can boast more than 1,300,000,000 first vaccinations, which is a rate of 91.4 percent. 89.1 percent of the Chinese population has the basic immunization of two doses of vaccine. 56.5 percent received the booster vaccination, the so-called booster.
Zero tolerance: The current corona policy at a glance
Internationally, it can be clearly seen that the international community is trying to find a way to live with the coronavirus without imposing major restrictions on the lives of the population. Things are different within China; the People’s Republic still relies on a strict zero-Covid policy. This means that if corona outbreaks emerge in Chinese regions, the government responds with consistent lockdowns and mass testing. Anyone who tests positive must spend the time in a quarantine center until they recover. These are considered poorly equipped.
In addition to too few health workers, there are said to be miserable hygiene conditions and no hot water supply. The effects of this form of isolation are said to be particularly fatal for mental health. The separation of children who tested positive from their parents resulted in a major outcry within the population. For this reason, the authorities were forced to relax this matter. The stated goal of their approach is to avoid a collapse in health care. Within China there are only 3.43 intensive care beds per 100,000 inhabitants; in Germany there are almost ten times as many with a value of 33.9.
Traveling to China in times of Corona: This is what you need to keep in mind at the moment
Anyone who is a German citizen and currently wants to travel to China is generally subject to strict entry regulations. Anyone who has a valid residence permit is allowed to enter the country for reasons such as studies, employment or family reunification. Holders of expired residence permits can submit an application for re-entry to the responsible representation abroad. Diplomatic, courtesy, service and C visas also represent entry options. New visas are still only issued in certain cases.
Basically, you cannot currently enter the country for tourist reasons and therefore currently have no chance of getting a visa. The situation is different for business travelers. The regulations for them have now been relaxed. The condition for obtaining an M visa for business purposes is full proof of vaccination. Over a longer period of time, the business partner had to apply for an official letter, the so-called PU letter, on site. This is currently no longer necessary. As soon as you have received the visa, which is valid for 90 days, you are allowed to enter the People’s Republic once.
At the moment, two PCR tests must be carried out before departure. Once you have entered the People’s Republic, you will be accommodated in a quarantine hotel for a period of seven days. You will then have to go into isolation at your destination for another three days.
In various large cities (e.g. Shanghai, Beijing) in China, regular PCR tests are necessary to enter public areas. Depending on the city, these may not be older than 48 or 72 hours. Valid PCR tests are also required to check into the property. The tests must be presented via the WeChat or Alipay apps. There is a strict mask requirement in buildings and on public transport. Temperature measurements before entry are also common. As a foreigner, you must be aware that it is entirely possible that you will be denied access to various facilities.
Travel warning for China: This is what the Foreign Office says
The Federal Foreign Office has currently not issued a travel warning for the People’s Republic of China. Depending on the infection situation, this can change at any time. In order to always be up to date on the current status, we recommend taking a look at the authority’s online presence before you start your journey.
Tips for entering China
In principle, you should find out about the sometimes serious medical measures before you start your trip to the People’s Republic of China. As a person who has tested positive, in addition to blood tests, computer tomography scans and rectal swabs are also on the agenda.
With regard to the infection protection measures, the German representations within China have no control whatsoever and can hardly provide any help if necessary.
False information about your state of health should be avoided as far as possible. Otherwise there is a risk of consequent criminal prosecution.
The individual provinces, cities and also the respective residential districts within the cities are sometimes subject to very different regulations. It should be noted that these are constantly changed or adjusted at very short notice. Mass testing, curfews and travel restrictions must be expected.
Easing of entry into China: Are they foreseeable?
Travelers crossing the border from 12:00 a.m. on October 13, 2022 will no longer be required to quarantine. Instead of quarantine, a seven-day self-protection phase is planned. Travel restrictions are also scheduled to be lifted on October 13th.
