Michael Baker: Epidemiologist says that many countries are concerned about unknown level of risk regarding China - Holiday Breakfast

An information vacuum out of China is forcing countries to put COVID restrictions in place.

The Asian country is grappling with a surge in Covid cases and outbreaks, at a time where it's abandoning its Covid-zero policy, and allowing people to fly in and out.

Some countries, such as the US, Japan, and India, have taken action by introducing negative test requirements for all Chinese air travellers.

Otago University Epidemiologist Michael Baker says that China has stopped reporting cases, deaths and genome sequencing.

He says many countries will be concerned they don't know the level of risk within China and travellers coming from the country.

Our Health Ministry says New Zealand's current public health measures remain appropriate.

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