Beijing Olympics hotel. (Mark Khouzam / CTV News)
Mark Khouzam CTVNews.ca Staff
Updated Feb. 2, 2022 1:11 p.m. EST Published Feb. 1, 2022 1:58 p.m. EST
BEIJING - As thousands of travellers arrive in Beijing ahead of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, athletes, media and other foreign officials are getting a sense of the restrictions and COVID-19 protocols.
Olympic officials had made it clear prior to the ramp-up to the Games, anyone accredited would have to follow strict guidelines while making sure every document was correctly filled out well before landing in China. They weren't kidding. Only a limited number of flights were scheduled to land in Beijing, carrying those who are participating in or covering the Games. Before even setting foot into the country, proof of two negative PCR tests was mandatory as well as proof of vaccination. |
|
Travellers had to upload what's called a "Green QR Health Declaration" to the official Beijing My2022 app, which stores all travel-related documents, ahead of approval to enter the country.
Then there's the "customs health declaration," which had to be filled out within 24 hours of landing. The declaration is very similar to a regular customs document. Travellers were required to declare whether they had tested positive for COVID-19 before in the past, provide address of hotel and whether they are staying inside the what's known as the "Closed loop," the area for athletes, Olympics rights holders and media-types.
Beijing Airport. (Mark Khouzam / CTV News)
|
It appears health concerns is top of mind for staff inside the Beijing Airport. Even before landing, flight crews took the temperatures of passengers on board the flight. Once on the ground in Beijing, staff guided travellers through Beijing Airport via different hallways and escalators to a waiting area all while full, white hazmat suits.
After filling out the passport information, a PCR test within the airport is required. After the test, it's through customs and onto a bus.
Read more on CTVNews here. ---------ADVERTISEMENT--------- All-in-one Online Marketing Tools Top Email Marketing Platforms The No.1 Marketing Tools on SEO, PPC, Competitors' Analysis & more! |