China: Officials continue to impose tighter COVID-19 curbs in Urumqi, Xinjiang, Aug. 16 /update 1

Event

Authorities continue to impose strict localized controls in Urumqi, Xinjiang, as of Aug. 16 due to COVID-19 activity. Lockdown measures are in effect in Urumqi's Midong, Saybagh, Shuimogou, and Tianshan districts; as well as the High-tech Industrial Zone in Xinshi District and Economic Development Zone in Toutunhe District through at least Aug. 20. Residents in the affected areas must remain at home. Officials have enacted checkpoints in Urumqi to ensure compliance with the measures. Nonessential businesses must close and employees must telecommute. While the government has stated that public transport will remain operational, local reports indicate that some flights to and from Urumqi are canceled. Individuals that need to leave Urumqi must present a green health code and negative nucleic acid test result taken within 24 hours. Similar measures are in effect in other cities in Xinjiang, including Aksu, Ili, and Turpan.

As of Aug. 16, officials have classified at least 203 locations as high risk and 96 places as medium risk in Xinjiang. Residents in 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 and 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, and will likely conduct several rounds of testing in these locations before easing restrictions.

Officials could extend or impose further restrictions if new COVID-19 cases emerge. The government could place additional localities in Xinjiang, especially adjacent communities, under localized movement controls if more COVID-19 cases emerge. Other provincial and municipal governments may require testing and/or quarantine for travelers from the affected areas of Xinjiang.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Make allowances for potential temperature checks and travel delays if operating in the region.