China: Authorities in Shanghai continue to conduct mass COVID-19 testing as of July 12 /update 14

Event

Officials in Shanghai continue to carry out mass testing for residents as of July 12 due to COVID-19 activity. The latest testing exercise is occurring July 12-14 in Baoshan, Changning, Hongkou, Huangpu District, Jing’an, Minhang, Putuo, Xuhui, and Yangpu districts. Individuals in the affected locations must undergo two rounds of COVID-19 tests with a minimum of 24 hours between each test; people that test negative within 48 hours will not be subject to movement controls. Authorities continue to require individuals to present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours to enter public venues or take public transport in Shanghai. The government could conduct additional rounds of mass testing across Shanghai if new COVID-19 cases emerge.

Authorities are implementing eased COVID-19 measures in low-risk areas of Shanghai as of July 12; residents may leave their housing compounds and return to work. Public transport, including bus, metro, and rail services, can resume. Taxis, ride-hailing services, and private cars are allowed in areas with low COVID-19 activity. Shopping malls, cinemas, convenience stores, pharmacies, and beauty salons may operate at limited capacity. Companies will no longer require approval from the government to resume operations. Dine-in services may resume at food establishments. Nevertheless, businesses in areas with strict lockdown measures in place will most likely remain closed. Workers arriving at ports in Shanghai must abide by closed-loop transportation and quarantine measures.

Tighter curbs remain in medium- and high-risk areas. Authorities have designated 230 areas in Baoshan, Changning, Fengxian, Hongkou, Huangpu, Jiading, Jing’an, Minhang, Pudong New Area, Putuo, Songjiang, Xuhui, Qingpu, and Yangpu districts as high- and medium-risk as of July 12. 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 and Exit Requirements
Travelers leaving Shanghai must present results of a negative nucleic acid test and antigen test taken within 48 and 24 hours, respectively. Officials do not require antigen tests for travelers who receive a nucleic acid test within 24 hours of departure. Individuals entering Shanghai must present a negative nucleic acid test taken within 48 hours. Passengers traveling to Shanghai by air must present a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours before departure. Inbound travelers must undergo centralized quarantine for seven days, followed by three days of self-isolation.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Confirm appointments and transport arrangements, especially at PVG and SHA. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers.