China: Officials lift COVID-19 lockdown measures in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, March 21 /update 10

Event

Officials in Guangdong Province will lift lockdown measures in Shenzhen from March 21. The move comes after authorities partially lifted strict restrictions in five industrial districts including Dapeng, Guangming, Pingshan, Shenshan Special Cooperation Zone, and Yantian March 18. Business and government offices may resume normal operations, though nonessential indoor venues like internet cafes must continue to close. Bus and subway services in the city can operate; however, Shangfen, Shangsha, Shawei, and Xiasha stations will remain temporarily closed. Authorities require individuals to present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours or a negative nucleic sampling record taken within 24 hours to board public transport. Additionally, Futian District will remain under tighter localized curbs due to COVID-19 activity in some areas. Business closures and a ban on large-scale gatherings are in effect in parts of the Futian District, while dine-in services are suspended. Officials are also imposing movement controls in Futian and prohibiting people from entering or leaving affected communities.

In Dongguan, residents no longer need to present a negative nucleic acid test result to travel within the city but must have a "green" health code. Checkpoints remain in place in communities and villages. Officials continue to urge residents not to participate in social gatherings or leave Dongguan unless necessary. Individuals who need to leave the city must present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours before departure. Government offices and state-owned enterprises may operate, but schools, recreational establishments, and dine-in services remain suspended. Tourist attractions can open with capacity limits in place.

The tightest restrictions are in effect in high- and medium-risk areas. As of March 21, officials have designated a building on Fubao Street, Futian District in Shenzhen as high risk, and nine locations in Futian, Nanshan, and Luohu districts as medium risk. In Dongguan, the Taike area of the Songshan Lake High-tech Industrial Development Zone is designated as high risk, while two buildings in Changping Town are medium risk. Residents of and individuals with recent exposure to these areas must remain in their homes; exceptions may be possible for emergencies and essential reasons. Authorities restrict travel to and from the affected communities. Security personnel will likely enforce checkpoints in these areas to ensure compliance with movement restrictions. Authorities typically maintain measures until two weeks after the latest confirmed community case. Officials will probably carry out several rounds of testing in these locations before easing restrictions.

Increased health screenings will likely continue at border checkpoints, ports, and other passenger transport hubs throughout Dongguan and Shenzhen. Lingering supply chain delays and disruptions are possible at border checkpoints in Shenzhen due to COVID-19 health protocols. Lingering flight disruptions are also possible at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) and other regional airports in Guangdong Province.

Provincial and municipal governments may continue to require testing and/or quarantine for travelers from Dongguan and Shenzhen; some local governments may ban travelers with a recent travel history to affected cities. Travelers entering Shenzhen from Hong Kong must present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours from a designated testing center. Individuals who have visited Dongguan or Shenzhen within the last 14 days must present a negative nucleic acid test taken within 48 hours to leave Guangdong Province.

Advice

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