China: Officials continuing COVID-19 restrictions in parts of Hebei Province as of Feb. 3 /update 7

Event

Authorities in Hebei Province continue to implement movement and transport controls to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As of Feb. 3, officials are designating Gaocheng District in Shijiazhuang and Nangong City in Xingtai as high-risk areas. The government continues to ban nonessential travel from high-risk areas; however, some businesses within designated communities have reopened. Officials define nine other locations, including Xinle City, as medium risk. Residents of medium-risk areas must quarantine until they receive a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test.

Officials have eased transport controls in most of Hebei Province; however, transport remains restricted to high- and medium-risk areas. The government has resumed some public transport in Shijiazhuang; bus services have resumed at 50-percent capacity, and taxis can operate in certain areas, though carpooling remains suspended. Nonessential movement to and from Shijiazhuang remains mostly banned. However, officials permit some nonresidents to depart the city with permission and a negative COVID-19 test result obtained within seven days of departure. Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW) remains closed to passenger transport, though cargo flights have resumed.

Outside of Shijiazhuang, the government has reopened most sections of national highways to passenger transport. Officials in many locations continue health inspections at highway toll booths, especially in areas along Hebei's provincial borders. Passengers must present a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test result obtained in the previous 72 hours to enter train stations in Shijiazhuang and Xingtai. Authorities will conduct temperature scans and ensure people wear protective face coverings where public transport is operating. Mass testing in the province is likely to continue.

Authorities in many provinces and cities require people traveling from affected communities in Hebei to undergo increased health screenings and present evidence of negative COVID-19 test results. Individuals traveling from affected areas of Hebei face quarantine measures upon arrival in most other locations in China. Negative COVID-19 test results are required for travel from parts of Hebei to Beijing. Provincial and municipal governments may advise residents to avoid all nonessential travel to the province.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Confirm travel reservations throughout Hebei. Consider deferring nonessential travel to affected areas of the province as a precaution until localized restrictions are lifted.