China: Authorities in Beijing withdraw COVID-19 vaccination mandate for public venues as of July 11 /update 13

Event

Officials in Beijing have rescinded a planned COVID-19 vaccination mandate. The plan, which was supposed to begin July 11, would have required people to be fully vaccinated or medically exempt to enter crowded public venues. Instead, officials will continue to require individuals to present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 72 hours to enter public venues and transport.

Domestic Restrictions
Eased COVID-19 restrictions are in effect in low-risk areas of Beijing. Dine-in services may resume at food establishments. Office workers may work on-site. Public transport, including bus, subway, and taxi services, may operate. Shopping malls outside of locked down and controlled areas can operate. Public parks, cultural venues, and fitness centers can open at 75 percent capacity. Delivery couriers may enter residential communities but must place items at the door to minimize physical contact. Officials allow interprovincial group tourism in Beijing for fully vaccinated individuals.

Tighter curbs remain in medium- and high-risk areas. Authorities have designated 12 areas in Changping, Shunyi, Tongzhou, and Yanqing districts as high- and medium-risk as of July 11. Residents and individuals with recent exposure to these areas must remain in their homes; exceptions may be possible for emergencies and essential reasons. Officials restrict travel to and from the affected communities. Authorities typically maintain measures until two weeks after the latest confirmed community case and will probably carry out several rounds of testing before easing restrictions. Authorities will usually distribute food and essential items to households under strict stay-home protocols.

Entry Requirements
People entering or exiting Beijing must take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours before departure and have a "green" health code. Individuals from medium- and high-risk areas and sites under COVID-19 isolation measures cannot leave Beijing. Individuals must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within seven days to enter airport terminals.

However, officials have eased restrictions on inbound travel, permitting residents from counties in border and port cities may enter the capital. Authorities have reduced the ban period for individuals who have traveled to towns with at least one local infection to seven days. The government will gradually restart direct international flights, but officials have not announced details of the resumption. Inbound travelers must also take nucleic acid tests within 24-72 hours of arrival in Beijing and cannot go to restaurants, gatherings, and crowded locations for seven days. Inbound international travelers must undergo seven days of centralized quarantine, followed by three days of home isolation. Increased health screenings are likely at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), and other transport hubs. Officials may suspend flights and ticket sales for travel from cities regarded as high- or medium-risk areas.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Confirm travel reservations to, from, and in Beijing.

Resources

Beijing Area Designation (Mandarin Chinese)
People's Government of Beijing Municipality