Authorities in Beijing are increasing their COVID-19 preventive and screening measures, requiring all people arriving from overseas to undergo nucleic acid testing and concentrated medical observations starting March 25, Beijing Daily reported on Tuesday.

Previously, only four types of arrivals were subjected to the test: those with COVID-19 symptoms, those with an epidemiological history, those showing signs of infection, and those with necessity to test.

According to the report, those who enter the city and have traveled from overseas to China in the past 14 days will also be subject to centralized quarantine and testing for COVID-19.

The move came as the Chinese mainland recorded 78 new COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths on Monday. Of the new confirmed cases, 74 were imported infections, up from 39 a day earlier.

Beijing reported 31 newly confirmed imported cases on Monday as the total number nationwide stands at 427.

In accordance with relevant provisions of the Frontier Health and Quarantine Law of the People's Republic of China and the Civil Aviation Law of the People's Republic of China, it is decided that all international passenger flights bound for Beijing will be diverted to designated first points of entry into China. It is hereby announced as follows:

1. Starting from 00:00 of March 23 Beijing Time, all international passenger flights bound for Beijing will be diverted to the following twelve (12) designated first points of entry: Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Taiyuan, Hohhot, Shanghai Pudong, Jinan, Qingdao, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Zhengzhou and Xi'an. The designated first points of entry for the specific flights operated by airlines can be found on the official website of CAAC and the websites of airlines.

2. Passengers on the international flights shall go through quarantine inspection and customs clearance formalities and claim baggage at the first points of entry. Passengers who passed quarantine inspection can fly to Beijing on the original flight. Customs clearance for belly-held cargo shall be conducted in Beijing.

3. Timely adjustment to the designated first points of entry for international flights bound for Beijing and relevant measures will be made based on the epidemic development.

Civil Aviation Administration of China

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China

National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China

General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China

National Immigration Administration

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Beijing Demands Nucleic Acid Testing for All Overseas Arrivals

Designer: Pu Hairui

Photo: VCG

Source: Civil Aviation Administration of China, Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality, CGTN