China’s Foreign Ministry announced Friday the temporary suspension of all entries into the country from Saturday.
The entry restriction came as the coronavirus pandemic hits over 540,000 people worldwide and the United States upstaged China and Italy as the new epicentre of the virus.
” It is a temporary measure that China is compelled to take in light of the outbreak situation and the practices of other countries,” the foreign ministry said in a statement..
The restriction affects foreign nationals holding valid visas or residence permits.
However, it exempted entry with diplomatic service, courtesy or C visas.
Also exempted from the entry ban are foreign nationals visiting China for economic, trade, scientific or technological activities, or out of emergency humanitarian needs.
The latter group of visitors may apply for visas at Chinese embassies or consulates.
The Foreign Ministry said entry by foreign nationals with APEC business travel cards will be suspended as well.
The ministry also curbed flights by Chinese and foreign airlines.
