China: Beijing continues to implement COVID-19 restrictions as of Jan. 13 /update 4

Event

Beijing continues to implement localized restrictions due to ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Officials have reduced controls in Donghaihong and designated the area as low risk. As of Jan. 13, authorities are classifying the Xidulan, Zhangxizhuang, Dongmagezhuang, Henan, Lianzhuang, Xizhaogezhuang, and Nancai neighborhoods in Shunyi District, and the Hanting Hotel in Dashanzi, Chaoyang District, as medium-risk areas. Officials require residents in these locations to quarantine until they receive a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test. Authorities have also restricted businesses that cater to large groups and halted group dinners at restaurants in Shunyi District. The government has also encouraged telework options for residents in medium-risk locations. It is unclear how long COVID-19 restrictions will continue, but measures could continue until an area does not report a new COVID-19 case for two weeks.

Additional security and emergency response personnel have likely deployed in and around the impacted districts to conduct health screenings. Authorities will conduct temperature scans and ensure people wear protective face coverings on public transport throughout Beijing. The government will likely continue to conduct mass testing as a precaution.

Authorities in many provinces and cities require people traveling from affected parts of Shunyi District to undergo increased health screenings. Provincial and municipal governments could advise residents to avoid all nonessential travel to the area.

Beijing continues to require inbound international passengers to quarantine or self-quarantine for seven days in addition to the initial 14-day period if a passenger tests positive for COVID-19 or officials discover COVID-19 on items on their flight. If authorities do not detect COVID-19, health staff will carry out enhanced health monitoring for arrivals for seven days following quarantine. The government will also prohibit individuals that enter China through other ports of entry from traveling to the capital until they have been in the country for 21 days.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Confirm travel reservations in Shunyi District. Consider deferring nonessential travel to the area as a precaution until localized restrictions are lifted.

Exercise 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.