China: Authorities further expand and tighten COVID-19-related restrictions in parts of Heilongjiang Province as of Jan. 13 /update 2

Event

Officials have expanded and intensified restrictions in parts of Heilongjiang Province due to ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Restrictions originally began in Heihe, but have subsequently been imposed in additional areas. As of Jan. 13, authorities have declared eight communities in the province, including parts of Heihe, Qiqihar, and Suihua, to be medium risk. Residents of affected areas must quarantine until they receive a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test. Authorities are requiring all individuals traveling from Heihe to provide negative COVID-19 test results before leaving the city; tests must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. Officials have also suspended nonessential travel from Suihua. Similar measures may be applied in other parts of Heilongjiang Province in the coming days. The government has also suspended large gatherings and closed some nonessential businesses in affected areas. Further closures are most likely in medium-risk communities.

Authorities have not announced the duration of the restrictions; however, similar measures in other parts of China have typically been in force around two weeks. Extensions are likely if officials discover additional cases. 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 region. The government will likely continue to conduct mass testing as a precaution. Additional restrictions are possible throughout nearby areas of Heilongjiang, and possibly communities in adjacent provinces, if officials discover additional outbreaks.

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

Qiqihar is about 270 km (168 miles) northwest of Harbin; Suihua is about 127 km (79 miles) north of Harbin, and Heihe is located on the Russian border, approximately 488 km (302) miles north of Harbin.

Advice

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