China: Officials to gradually ease COVID-19 curbs in Changchun and Jilin, Jilin Province, from April 28 /update 3

Event

Officials will gradually ease strict measures in Changchun and Jilin in Jilin Province from April 28 amid lower COVID-19 activity. While authorities will lift lockdown measures, officials will designate buildings, villages, or communities as closed, control, and prevention areas depending on COVID-19 activity, with a corresponding reduction in movement restrictions, business activities, and testing requirements. At most one person from households in prevention areas may leave daily and people are advised not to leave the main urban area unless necessary. In most places enacting the targeted approach, officials will typically ease measures from closed to control after seven days of no positive cases and control to prevention after the locations reach 14 days of no positive cases. All residents in Changchun and Jilin must also undergo testing during the transitional period. Public transport and business activities will also gradually resume.

As of April 28, officials have designated the Xiaonan Street Community in Kuancheng District, Changchun, as high risk. Another 11 areas located in Baicheng and Changchun are classified as medium risk. Officials require residents 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 the affected areas before easing restrictions.

Provincial and municipal governments may require testing and/or quarantine for travelers from Jilin Province; some local governments may ban travelers with a recent travel history to the affected locations in the province. Several affected cities require a negative PCR test result for interprovincial travel/for exiting passengers; the testing window can vary between 24-48 hours before departure.

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.