China: Some coronavirus-related movement and gathering restrictions relaxed in parts Hebei Province as of Jan. 26 /update 6

Event

Authorities in Hebei Province have slightly relaxed some movement and transport controls meant to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As of Jan. 26, Shijiazhuang's Gaocheng District, Xinle City, and Nangong City remain designated as high-risk areas. The government continues to ban nonessential travel from high-risk areas; however, most nonessential businesses within designated communities have reopened. Officials define 31 communities in Shijiazhuang, one community in Xingtai, and one community in Langfang as medium risk. Residents of medium-risk areas must quarantine until they receive a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test. Authorities could expand restrictions to additional areas in the coming days, depending on COVID-19 activity.

Transport restrictions continue in and around Shijiazhuang, though controls have eased in most other locations. Nonessential movement to and from Shijiazhuang remains banned. Shijiazhuang has also suspended public transport within the city until further notice. As of Jan. 26, Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW) remains closed to passenger transport, though cargo flights have resumed at the facility.

Outside of Shijiazhuang, sections of national highway previously closed to passenger transport have reopened in most areas. Officials in many locations continue health inspections at highway toll booths, especially in areas along Hebei's provincial borders. Ticket sales for trains from Handan, Shijiazhuang, and Xingtai to Beijing remain halted through at least Feb. 3. Passengers must present a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test result obtained in the previous 72 hours to enter train stations in Shijiazhuang and Xingtai.

Additional security and emergency response personnel have deployed to Hebei to enforce movement controls and conduct health screenings. Authorities will conduct temperature scans and ensure people wear protective face coverings where public transport is operating. Mass testing in the province is likely to continue.

Authorities in many provinces and cities require people traveling from affected communities in Hebei to undergo increased health screenings and present evidence of negative COVID-19 test results. Individuals traveling from affected areas of Hebei face quarantine measures upon arrival in most other locations in China. Negative COVID-19 test results are required for travel from parts of Hebei to Beijing. Provincial and municipal governments may advise residents to avoid all nonessential travel to the province.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Confirm travel reservations throughout Hebei. Consider deferring nonessential travel to affected areas of the province 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.