Despite previously putting in place a "Zero COVID" policy, things haven't been going so swimmingly for China.

Various members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have been coming down with COVID like never before. Then, the virus is spreading to as many as thousands per day in China, if not more.

All of this comes in spite of China having a high vaccination rate. Here in America, some have speculated that because of the Zero COVID policy that once stood, folks in China were robbed of the opportunity to develop natural immunity against the virus.

However, given the very real problems that China is facing with COVID, it's encountering new travel restrictions.

What to know about travel restrictions against China

Thursday, January 5, 2023 is when travel restrictions from the United States will go into effect for China. These restrictions require that air travelers ages two and up produce a negative COVID test within 48 hours of departing from either China, Macau, or Hong Kong.

Thus far, there is no expiration date for this policy. Though it does apply to both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Before airlines allow travelers on board, they are mandated to verify the passengers' negative COVID tests.

However, if someone has COVID and recovered ten days prior to their scheduled flight, they may show proof of this recovery. Airlines must check this too before allowing anyone from China, Macau, or Hong Kong to board a flight to the United States.

The rule of showing a negative COVID test within 48 hours of flight departure likewise applies to travelers going through the following airports:

• Vancouver International Airport
• Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Incheon International Airport

These latest restrictions are designed to avoid even more COVID infections. Likewise, the US government has expressed concerns about additional variants that could materialize because of all the issues China is having with COVID.

More travel news to be aware of

Here in the US, travel problems continue to quickly pile up. Winter storms were initially a factor in flight delays and cancellations.

However, Southwest Airlines remains the subject of much attention these days. It turns out, Southwest has cancelled more flights than competing airlines.

To make matters worse, some travelers now accuse the airline of not fairly compensating them or aiding with rebooking and other customer service needs.

This has turned into such a crisis that the US Department of Transportation is now involved and in direct communication with Southwest Airlines.