China: Officials tighten curbs in parts of Baotou, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as of Feb. 24 /update 2

Event

Officials in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are implementing tighter curbs in parts of Baotou as of Feb. 24 due to COVID-19 activity. In addition to Manzhouli's south district, authorities have designated seven areas in Kundulun District and Xiaowengong Township in Baotou as medium risk. At least 66 localities in Hohhot are also classified as high or medium risk. Officials require residents of and individuals with recent exposure to the locations to remain in their homes; exceptions may be possible for emergencies and essential reasons. Authorities are restricting travel to and from the affected communities. Security personnel will enforce checkpoints in these areas to ensure compliance with movement restrictions. Authorities typically extend measures until two weeks after the latest date of newly confirmed community cases. Officials will likely carry out several rounds of testing in these locations before easing restrictions.

Lockdown measures remain in place in Manzhouli as of Feb. 24. Local residents are advised not to enter the south district area unless necessary. All nonessential businesses must close; companies that can reopen must abide by capacity limits and health protocols. Authorities have resumed some bus services in the city; domestic flights and rail services likely remain suspended. Exit and entry controls are in place; security deployment and closures are affecting most checkpoints along roads to and from the city. Interprovincial group tourism between Manzhouli and other provinces, regions, and municipalities are also suspended until further notice. Individuals that need to leave Manzhouli must hold a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours. Separately, Hohhot authorities require travelers leaving the city by air or rail to present a negative COVID-19 nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours.

Additional measures are likely if there are new COVID-19 cases. Strict controls, such as stay-at-home orders and closure of nonessential businesses, may occur in adjacent locations. Other provincial and municipal governments may require individuals who have recently traveled to Baotou, Hohhot, and Manzhouli to undergo COVID-19 testing and/or mandatory institutional quarantine periods.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Avoid all nonessential operations in areas impacted by travel controls. Confirm appointments. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers.