Guyana rescinds COVID test entry requirement for travellers from China

The National COVID-19 Taskforce has rescinded an order that all travellers coming to Guyana from China must provide a negative COVID-19 test.

The order was rescinded a day after it was announced.

In a statement on Friday, the Taskforce explained why it rescinded the travel requirement.

“Considering that Omicron sub-variants circulating in Canada, China, the United Kingdom and the United States are similar to those across the Caribbean, it was concluded that no advantage would be gained through the testing requirements.

“Against this backdrop, the National COVID-19 Task Force has withdrawn the travel advisory.”

China is currently seeing a surge in COVID cases, with reports of hospitals and crematoriums being overwhelmed, the BBC reported.

The travel requirement had stated that all passengers originating from China were required to present a negative COVID test no more than two days before their departure.

The requirement applied to all passengers regardless of nationality and vaccination status.

The Taskforce also reminded the general public to adhere to all public health safety measures, social distancing and ensure that they get their booster shots.