An airport personnel wearing protective suit asks passengers to present their health declaration exit form before departure in Beijing, China (Picture: EPA)

The US will begin requiring airline passengers traveling from China to present negative coronavirus tests for entry.

Federal health officials announced the requirement, effective January 5, on Wednesday as Covid-19 becomes more widespread in China.

‘The recent rapid increase in transmission in China increases the potential for new variants emerging,’ one of the officials told CNBC.

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Travelers from China will be required to present a negative coronavirus test starting January 5 to enter the US.