Canada and Australia impose Covid rules on travellers from China

Australia and Canada have joined a growing list of countries requiring travellers from China to take a Covid-19 test prior to boarding their flight (Andy Wong/AP)

Australia and Canada have joined a growing list of countries requiring travellers from China to take a Covid-19 test prior to boarding their flight, as China battles a nationwide outbreak of coronavirus after abruptly easing restrictions that had been in place for much of the pandemic.

Australian health authorities said on Sunday that from January 5 all air passengers from mainland China, Hong Kong or Macao will need to show a negative Covid test taken within two days of their departure.