FILE PHOTO: An official monitors a thermal scanner as people wearing face masks arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, January 25, 2020. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo
BEIJING — China is considering cutting the time that inbound visitors have to stay in COVID-19 quarantine, from 10 to seven days, Bloomberg News reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
A strict “zero-COVID” policy has been a damper on the world’s second-largest economy, contributing to concerns about a global recession, and international investors are closely watching for any sign of a relaxation of the rules.
China now requires travelers to isolate for 10 days upon entry into the country, with seven days in a hotel room, followed by three days of home monitoring.
Officials are targeting a cut in the quarantine period to two days in a hotel and then five days at home, Bloomberg said.
The National Health Commission did not immediately respond to a fax from Reuters seeking comment on the report.
The reported cut in quarantine comes as Beijing boosts measures to stop COVID, strengthening public checks and locking down some residential compounds after a quadrupling of its case load in recent weeks.
The news agency said there was no clarity on how the new rules on home quarantine would apply to foreigners and other visitors without a residence in China.
In recent days, China has repeated its pledge to stick to its zero-COVID policy despite growing public frustration with it and its toll on the economy.
While China’s approach to containing outbreaks remains tough, it is mindful of not excessively curbing cross-border travel for reasons other than leisure, such as for business and study.
China last reduced its quarantine requirements on inbound travelers, including Chinese nationals, at the end of June. Since then, more international passenger flights in and out of China have also been allowed to resume.
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