China is now requiring all incoming passengers to present a negative COVID IgM antibody test, in addition to their negative nucleic acid (or PCR) test result.  There is understandably some concern around why a negative antibody test is required and whether this would mean that any students who have recovered from COVID-19 would no longer be able to return home.

There are several different antibodies which the body creates to fight a new infection.  Immunoglobulin M (IgM) is the first antibody the body produces, usually detected 4-7 days after infection.  As these antibodies are short-lived, there existence could signal that a new infection is present. In other words, a person who has tested positive to an IgM antibody test could still be contagious.

Please do not confuse the required test above with an IgG antibody test. IgG (Immunoglobulin G) is an antibody which is produced much later after infection and stays in the body for months, possibly even years.  This type of antibody helps you to recover faster from reinfection.

After they have received a negative test result, travellers will need to obtain a green QR code via an app on their mobile phones.  Connexcel will publish some guidance for this very soon.