China: Officials impose localized movement restrictions in a community in Shanghai's Huangpu District from Jan. 21 due to COVID-19

Event

Officials have imposed movement and business restrictions in a community located in Shanghai's Huangpu District due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. From Jan. 21, authorities have declared the Zhaotong Road residential area a medium-risk area. Residents of the designated area must quarantine until they receive a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test. Officials have suspended some public transport service, nonessential businesses, and large gatherings in nearby parts of Huangpu District. Similar measures may be applied in other parts of Shanghai in the coming days.

Authorities have not announced the duration of the restrictions; however, similar measures in other parts of China have typically been in force around two weeks. Extensions are likely if officials discover additional cases. Additional security and emergency response personnel have deployed to conduct health screenings. Officials will conduct temperature scans and ensure people wear protective face coverings on public transport throughout Shanghai. The government will likely continue to conduct mass testing as a precaution.

Authorities in most provinces and cities require people traveling from designated medium-risk areas to undergo increased health screenings. Provincial and municipal governments will likely continue to advise residents to avoid all nonessential travel to affected communities.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Confirm travel reservations and appointments in Huangpu District. Consider deferring nonessential travel to the area as a precaution until localized restrictions are lifted.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.