China has simplified rules for international Covid flight suspensions

China shortened the length of suspensions for inbound airline flights that carry passengers infected with Covid-19, the latest sign that the nation may be ready to ease virus-control measures for international travellers. The change, starting Sunday (Aug 7), is aimed at promoting personnel exchanges between China and foreign countries, and foreign exchange and cooperation, while "scientifically and accurately" achieving epidemic prevention and control, the statement said. Authorities changed the so-called circuit-breaker mechanism for airline bans, cutting to 1 week the period that incoming flights will be suspended if they carry 5 Covid-positive passengers, or 4 per cent of the total,…