China: Authorities tighten COVID-19 curbs in Shaoyang, Hunan Province, as of April 19

Event

Authorities in Hunan Province are enacting tighter curbs in Shaoyang as of April 19 following a COVID-19 case in Shuangqing District. Residents in closed and control areas are prohibited from leaving. Authorities will provide daily necessities to residents in the affected locations; one person from each household may leave once every two days to obtain essential items. Officials are implementing traffic control measures in the main urban area of Shaoyang; only authorized vehicles are allowed on roads. Public transport including buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services are suspended. All nonessential businesses in Shuangqiu District must close. Enhanced measures, such as restricting access to certain areas, may be enforced in other areas of Shaoyang in the coming days. Separately, testing of residents is underway in Furong, Kaifu, Tianxin, and Yuelu districts in Changsha, as well as Liuyang and Ningxiang.

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 be expanded to more locations. The government may impose gathering, business, and travel restrictions in other parts of Hunan Province as a precaution if new cases emerge. Other provincial and municipal governments may require individuals who have recently traveled to areas with higher disease activity 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.