You’ll more than likely know, given that you’re reading this, that air passengers entering China are subject to 14 days quarantine. So how does that work? As it happens, I am writing this on day 9 of my 14-days isolation, therefore, I’d consider myself a reliable authority on this subject.
As of 21.07.21 passengers to China must undertake both a PCR and IgM antibody test in the UK 2 days prior to departure. Test results need to be submitted to the Chinese Authorities via https://hrhk.cs.mfa.gov.cn/H5/ where a green Health Declaration Certificate will be issued to allow you to board your flight.
If your flight has a transit, you will need to arrange both tests again and then re-apply for a fresh Health Declaration Certificate, all before boarding your second flight.
On Arrival in China
- You will undertake a PCR test i.e. throat and nose PCR test
- You’ll need to show your Health Declaration – This is NOT to be confused with your Health Declaration Certificate – The Health Declaration is required to pass through Chinese Customs and can be applied for here: https://health.customsapp.com/
- Collect your luggage
- At the exit, you’ll be ushered onto a coach that will take you to a quarantine hotel
At Nanjing airport on 12 July 2021, there was no choice of hotels. This was seemingly pre-arranged, with busses ferrying arrivals throughout the day.
The Hotel Experience
- On arrival at your hotel, you may be asked to pay upfront
- Once in your room, three meals-per-day will be left outside of your room. You will be expected to leave the plastic packaging outside your door afterwards
- Your room will not be cleaned or entered by staff for the duration of your quarantine
- Twice-per-day hazmat-clad medical personnel will knock on your door and take your temperature
- Twice-per-week said personnel will administer a throat and nose swab PCR test
- Staff will ask you to join a group-specific WeChat group. Any medical or organisational requests will be managed through this group
Towards the end of your stay, you’ll be asked to show proof of your post-quarantine onward travel and staff will arrange transport to railway stations and airports
Additional Notes
Because someone close to me on my flight subsequently tested positive for COVID, I was moved to another hotel. I received a message on WeChat asking me to pack my belongings and after dinner, don the PPE that was delivered to my room. This comprised hazmat suit, foot coverings, hair net, facemask, visor and gloves.
I was refunded the difference from the hotel and boarded a minibus to a specialist isolation hotel. This was seemingly stricter i.e. definitely no leaving the room, catering waste placed into medical waste bags and we were provided with disinfectant tablets to clean our rooms with.
Pricing
The first hotel, prior to my being moved to a higher risk hotel was the Nanjing Shenzhenair – this cost roughly £600 for two weeks, including three meals per day. The hotel was like a 3 to 4 star UK hotel, was very spacious and the decor, fixtures and fittings were to a high standard.
The second hotel was the Nanjing Lishui Airport Road Hotel. This resembled a UK 3 star hotel, was smaller, yet clean and modern. The hotel charged 2,240 yuan (circa £253) for accommodation and arranged meals through a nearby restaurant at 100 renminbi for three meals per day (£11.30).
Thoughts on the Experience
Entering China seems like a world apart from the UK. Regardless of opinions on COVID politics and origins, China takes COVID far more seriously and handles the entire situation much more effectively.
Staff were assigned to manage communications with the quarantine group and relayed information relating to tests, welfare, actions and stages effectively.
Hotel staff at the second hotel set up their own WeChat group which was used for ensuring the management of catering and food deliveries.
