The European Commission convened the Health Safety Committee this week to assess potential coordinated steps in response to rising COVID-19 cases linked to China. The aim is to align policies across member states as Italy announced tighter entry rules for travelers arriving from that country.
Officials stressed that the gathering, which included representatives from EU institutions and member states, focused on how a unified approach could be applied if the situation deteriorates. The discussion followed Italy’s decision to require a negative COVID-19 test for travelers from China, a move seen as part of broader precautionary measures during periods of increased transmission.
The spokesperson clarified that the current environment calls for vigilance. The Union Council, which oversees freedom of movement within the EU and travel across its 27 member states, continues to monitor epidemiological trends and aims to adapt policies without impeding essential mobility as the health situation evolves.
Despite restrictions being eased in many areas, the emergency brake remains a possible tool. When triggered, it would enable a rapid, coordinated set of measures to curb transmission while preserving the integrity of cross-border travel to the extent possible.
The spokesperson noted that the updates were formally agreed by member states on 7 December. The consensus favors a return to the pre-pandemic model of free movement and travel, with the option to reintroduce COVID-19 safeguards if data show renewed risk.
It was emphasized that should the epidemiological picture worsen, COVID-19 related measures could be restarted in a coordinated fashion and with a people-centered approach, ensuring that any actions respond to real needs and protect public health without creating unnecessary disruption.
The discussion also touched on the omicron variant BF7, which has been present in Europe but not showing a sharp growth in activity. Authorities maintain vigilance and readiness to deploy the emergency brake if required to preserve health security while avoiding overreach.
Across the Atlantic, the United States joined a group of countries in announcing new checks and restrictions in response to a surge in cases following China’s relaxation of prior measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited rising infections and concerns about the transparency of information from Chinese sources, including the need for up-to-date genomic data to better understand circulating strains. The move aims to mitigate risk as international travel continues and as monitoring systems adapt to evolving data, with an emphasis on informed decision making and coordinated responses with international partners. [citation attribution]