China: Officials further eases COVID-19 measures in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, as of Sept. 19 /update 5

Event

Officials in Sichuan Province have further reduced restrictions in Chengdu as of Sept. 19 amid lower COVID-19 activity. The government has ended a lockdown in most areas; public bus and subway services have resumed, and businesses can resume operations. Cultural venues will open gradually with capacity limits and reservation requirements. Residents must take a nucleic acid COVID-19 at least every seven days. However, individuals must hold a negative test result within 72 hours to enter public areas (community courtyards excluded) or use public transport. People must have a negative test result no older than 48 hours to enter nonessential and entertainment businesses and depart the city.

Local Restrictions
Authorities continue to impose tighter controls 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 conduct mass testing in these locations before easing restrictions; individuals who test positive must undergo quarantine.

Large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and cultural performances remain banned. Lingering business and transport disruptions are possible as operations gradually resume in 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.