Belgium to test Chinese aircraft wastewater for new corona variants. According to Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Public Health), the measure should provide a better insight into the situation in China, where the virus has flared up with lightning speed.
The measure applies to all flights from or through China to Belgium. According to virologist Steven Van Gucht, the tests are intended as an additional measure, “to verify that the data we officially receive from China is correct”. Van Gucht is a virologist at Sciensano, the Belgian counterpart of RIVM.
Belgium acknowledges that not all corona-infected passengers use the toilet during the flight. “That’s why the measure is not meant to follow people, but to keep an eye on the situation in China,” says Van Gucht.
Travelers from China are also being asked to get tested if they develop corona symptoms seven days after arriving in Belgium. This is a request and not an obligation, so this measure is not enforced by the authorities.
In recent days, several countries have taken measures due to the explosive increase in corona cases in China. Italy and the United States, among others, have required corona tests for travelers from China.
Spain requires travelers to the country to show a negative test or proof of vaccination. Morocco has even closed its borders completely to travelers from China. Malaysia will check if people have a fever and examine wastewater from China for virus particles.
EU health ministers will meet on Wednesday to discuss a joint approach. Vandenbroucke has already reiterated the need for this in his press conference. Most EU countries, including the Netherlands, do not yet consider a testing obligation for travelers from China to be necessary. Travelers from China will receive a free self-test upon arrival in the Netherlands.
