The Latest: China lifts pandemic bar on entry by foreigners

BEIJING — Chinese officials say foreigners holding certain types of visas and residence permits will be permitted to return to China as the threat of the new coronavirus continues to recede.

The decision lifts a months-long blanket suspension covering most foreigners apart from diplomats and those in special circumstances.

Beginning Monday, foreign nationals holding valid Chinese visas and residence permits for work, personal matters and family reunions will be permitted to enter China. Returnees will be required to undergo two weeks of quarantine and follow other pandemic measures.

Officials announced seven new coronavirus cases Thursday, all of them imported, marking 39 days since China has reported a case of domestic transmission.

___

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK

— Dr. Fauci: Scientists may know about safety of vaccine by December; don't send college students home if outbreak on campus

— Democratic senators highlight COVID-19 newest pre-existing medical condition

— Germany’s foreign minister quarantined after bodyguard tests positive

— The wife of Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has tested positive for the coronavirus after experiencing mild symptoms.

— Some South Carolina teachers are taking a personal day to fight for safer classrooms amid the pandemic.

— Johnson & Johnson to begin huge study to see if a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine can protect against the virus. It will test 60,000 volunteers in various countries.

___

Follow AP’s pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

___

HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS...