China: Officials imposing tighter COVID-19 curbs in Nanchong, Sichuan Province, as of Aug. 25

Event

Officials in Sichuan Province are implementing tighter curbs in Nanchong as of Aug. 25 due to COVID-19 concerns. Static management measures are in place in Gaoping, Jialing, and Shunqing districts through at least Aug. 27. Residents must stay at home and are advised not to leave Nanchong unless necessary. Mass testing is underway. Authorities have suspended public transport and only permit vehicles undertaking COVID-19 control measures on roads. Nonessential venues, like entertainment and religious establishments, must close. Individuals that need to leave Nanchong must present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours.

The strictest measures are in place in high- and medium-risk areas. As of Aug. 25, there are at least 32 high- and medium-risk areas in Nanchong. Authorities will restrict travel to and from the affected communities. Security personnel will 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. Officials will likely carry out several rounds of testing in these locations before easing restrictions.

Officials could extend the measure or impose tighter restrictions if there are new COVID-19 cases. Other provincial and municipal governments may require testing and/or quarantine for travelers from the affected areas of Nanchong. The government may impose gathering, business, and travel restrictions in other parts of Nanchong and Sichuan Province as a precaution if new cases emerge.

Nanchong is approximately 180 km (111 miles) east of Chengdu.

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.