China: Authorities implementing eased COVID-19 curbs in Sanya, Hainan Province, as of Sept. 16 /update 4

Event

Officials in Hainan Province have eased COVID-19 measures in Sanya as of Sept. 16. Authorities previously imposed lockdown measures in the city since Aug. 6 due to COVID-19 activity. Residents in Sanya may gradually resume normal activities. Supermarkets, shopping malls, and outdoor public venues may reopen. Restaurants can offer takeaway services but dine-in remains suspended. Public and private transport, including buses and taxis, may resume operations. Individuals must present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours to enter communities and public venues. Officials require people in Sanya to undergo regular nucleic testing. Residents and tourists must take a COVID-19 test once every two days, while staff from key industries must take a COVID-19 test daily.

Localized curbs remain in place in areas with COVID-19 activity. Residents in designated 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. 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 continue to carry out mass testing in these locations before easing restrictions; individuals that test positive must undergo quarantine.

Lingering business and transport disruptions are possible as operations gradually resume in Sanya. Other provincial and municipal governments will likely withdraw COVID-19 testing and/or quarantine rules for those with recent travel history to Sanya.

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.