China: Officials continue localized restrictions and travel controls in parts of Yunnan Province as of Aug. 12 /update 10

Event

Generalized travel controls and localized movement restrictions remain in force in parts of western Yunnan Province due to COVID-19 activity. As of Aug. 12, officials continue to classify the Jiangjiegaoguowen Community in Ruili City as a high-risk area for the virus. A community in Nongdao Town, Ruili City, and another in Zhangfeng Town, Longchuan County, are medium-risk areas. Residents in these locations must stay at home; exceptions may be possible for essential reasons. Officials will continue to impose business and gathering restrictions in nearby areas of Ruili City and Longchuan County. While it is unclear how long the controls will remain in place, similar restrictions in other areas of China with high COVID-19 activity typically last about two weeks from the date of the latest confirmed COVID-19 transmission. Officials will likely carry out several rounds of COVID-19 testing before easing localized lockdown measures.

Authorities throughout Yunnan Province advise residents to postpone nonessential interprovincial travel as a precaution. Some generalized restrictions on travel to and from Longchuan and Ruili remain in place. Individuals leaving the region must get permission from local authorities and obtain a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure. Increased security has been deployed to ensure compliance with restrictions and travel controls. Officials in Ruili are imposing traffic restrictions on the Jiegao Bridge leading to the Myanmar border. Most provincial and municipal governments require individuals who have recently traveled to Longchuan County or Ruili to undergo a mandatory institutional quarantine period.

Some restrictions on nonessential businesses and gatherings have been imposed in other areas of western Yunnan, such as Mangshi, as a precaution. Additional communities could be subject to localized movement and gathering controls if additional COVID-19 cases are discovered.

Longchuan is approximately 380 km (236 miles) southwest of Lijiang.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Confirm appointments. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers.