China: Officials in Hebei Province imposing tighter curbs in Tangshan City as of March 21 /update 1

Event

Officials in Hebei Province are imposing tighter curbs in Tangshan City as of March 21 due to COVID-19 activity. Only emergency vehicles, including those transporting essential supplies, are allowed on roads in the city, except expressways. Authorities urge residents that need to travel for essential reasons to seek permission from local officials beforehand. Tourist attractions and recreational venues like cinemas and gyms must close, while schools and bus services are suspended. Shopping malls, supermarkets, and hotels may operate with health protocols in place. Gatherings are prohibited at public squares and parks. Most businesses in Tangshan, including steel plants and logistics companies, have temporarily shut down operations. Testing of residents is underway and lockdown measures are in effect in parts of Tangshan, including Lubei District.

Authorities continue to impose lockdown measures in Langfang City as of March 21. Stay-home measures are in effect throughout Langfang and in high- and medium-risk areas in Hebei Province; exceptions may be possible for emergencies and essential reasons. The government has designated Geyu Town in Anci District, Langfang, as high risk, and Taohe and Taoyuan villages in Donggugang Town as medium risk. Authorities will restrict travel to and from all communities in Langfang, and high- and medium-risk areas in Hebei Province; security personnel has set up checkpoints to ensure compliance with the movement restrictions. Authorities typically extend measures until two weeks after the latest date of newly confirmed community cases. Officials will probably carry out several rounds of testing in these locations before easing restrictions. Nonessential business closures and restrictions on public transport are likely in the affected areas.

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 or other cities if more COVID-19 cases emerge. Provincial and municipal governments may require testing and/or quarantine for travelers from the affected areas in Hebei Province; some local governments may ban travelers with a recent travel history to such locations. Officials could launch testing operations in other areas of Hebei Province; several rounds of testing in high- and medium-risk areas are likely before restrictions ease. Business closures and disruption to production operations in Hebei Province's industrial areas, as well as flight cancellations and delays at regional airports like Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW), are possible.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Confirm appointments and travel reservations due to possible restrictions.