China opens borders to world; ends quarantine for inbound travellers

It is reported that China will not subject inbound travellers to quarantine from January 8. This move comes as the last major shift from its strict COVID policy, and to boost the economy of the country.

If reports are to go by, those arriving in China will only be required to get a COVID negative test result within 48 hours of departure, and the same was issued in a statement from the National Health Commission. As of now, the requirement is of eight days’ isolation; out of which, five days should be at a designated quarantine central facility or hotel, followed by three days’ quarantine at home.
The authorities have further added that it will facilitate visa applications for those keen to travel to China for various purposes, such as business, studies, family reunions etc. It's still unclear if that will include tourist visas; however, officials added that a pilot programme would soon begin for international cruise ships.

Reports also state that limits on the number of international flights between China and the rest of the world and passenger capacity will also be scrapped.
The country has also downgraded the management of COVID from the top level to the second highest, which means scrapping the legal justification for aggressive COVID zero restrictions.

The National Health Commission, however, added that it will continue to monitor the virus's spread and informed that it will not hesitate to take appropriate measures to avoid COVID outbreaks.

If reports are to go by, the Chinese Government also changed the Chinese name of COVID-19 from ‘new Coronavirus pneumonia’ to ‘new Coronavirus infections.’