China: Authorities adjust coronavirus disease-related measures in Heilongjiang Province as of Jan. 28 /update 5

Event

Health officials have adjusted some business and movement restrictions in Heilongjiang Province, with tighter controls imposed in some areas due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. As of Jan. 27, authorities have designated Yutian Street in Harbin's Limin Development Zone, Wangkui County in Suihua, along with Dongda Village and Zhongfa Village in Hailun, as high-risk areas. The government has suspended all nonessential travel, gatherings, and business operations in designated high-risk communities. Officials define 39 communities in Heilongjiang Province, including 22 in Harbin, 15 in Suihua, one in Qiqihar, and one in Daqing, as medium risk. Residents of medium-risk areas must quarantine until they receive a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test. Officials have suspended some public transport services, nonessential businesses, and large gatherings in cities with medium-risk communities. Authorities in multiple areas of Heilongjiang have suspended long-distance bus and train services. Similar measures severely restricting, or effectively suspending, long-distance transport may be imposed in locations throughout Heilongjiang in the coming days.

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 the province. The government will likely continue to conduct mass testing as a precaution. Authorities have suspended nonessential businesses in multiple areas. Additional restrictions are possible throughout Heilongjiang, and possibly communities in adjacent provinces if officials discover additional outbreaks.

Authorities in many provinces and cities require people traveling from affected areas of Heilongjiang to undergo increased health screenings. Provincial and municipal governments will likely continue to advise residents to avoid all nonessential travel to affected regions.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Confirm travel reservations throughout Heilongjiang. Consider deferring nonessential travel to Heilongjiang as a precaution until 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.