China: Officials ease COVID-19 measures in Urumqi, Xinjiang, Aug. 23 /update 2

Event

Officials in Xinjiang have eased curbs in Urumqi from Aug. 23 following a reduced number of new COVID-19 cases in nine consecutive days. Public transport, except for subway services, will gradually resume. Most businesses may reopen but nonessential and entertainment venues must remain closed. Restaurants must continue to suspend dine-in services. Large-scale gatherings, including exhibitions and forums, remain prohibited. Individuals that need to leave Urumqi likely need to present a green health code and negative nucleic acid test result taken within 24 hours.

Tighter measures remain in place in high- and medium-risk areas in Urumqi. Residents in high-risk areas must stay at home, while people living in medium-risk locations must limit movement to the immediate area. Authorities will restrict travel to and from the affected communities and enforce checkpoints in these areas to ensure compliance with movement restrictions. Officials typically extend measures until one week after the latest date of newly confirmed community cases, and will likely conduct several rounds of testing in these locations before easing restrictions.

Officials could extend or impose further restrictions if new COVID-19 cases emerge. The government could place additional localities in Xinjiang, especially adjacent communities, under localized movement controls if more COVID-19 cases emerge. Other provincial and municipal governments may require testing and/or quarantine for travelers from the affected areas of Xinjiang.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Make allowances for potential temperature checks and travel delays if operating in the region.