China: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions in Shanghai as of November 23 /update 84

Event

Chinese authorities announced that several coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related restrictions have been tightened in Shanghai as of Monday, November 23, due to a spike in cases in the city. As a result of the rise in cases, over 200 flights were reportedly canceled at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on November 22, after several cargo handlers were confirmed to have the virus. However, the airport remains operational.

Authorities have increased the risk rating of some communities in the Zhoupuand, Zhuqiao, and Zhangjiang areas of the city to 'medium' (the middle rating in a three-tier scale), with the rest of Shanghai remaining in the first tier.

As of November 23, there have been 92,189 reported cases of COVID-19 in China with 4742 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan. Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on the skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay. To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.