China: Authorities impose new coronavirus disease-related transport and gathering restrictions in multiple areas of Hebei Province from Jan. 6 /update 1

Event

Authorities have imposed stringent transport controls and gathering restrictions in certain areas of Hebei Province in response to increased coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Effective Jan. 6, officials have closed numerous sections of highway to civilian traffic. Trains are no longer allowing passengers from Handan and Shijiazhuang to board services bound for Beijing. Authorities are requiring all individuals traveling from Shijiazhuang to provide negative COVID-19 test results before leaving the city; tests must be taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. Additional movement restrictions may be imposed at locations throughout Hebei in the coming days.

Health authorities have declared the entirety of Shijiazhuang’s Gaocheng District a high-risk area for COVID-19. Officials also continue to designate three communities in Nangong City as medium-risk; the designation applies to the Tiandiming, Tianyiheyuan, and Fenggang communities. Residents of the specified locations must quarantine until they receive a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test. Schools in both Shijiazhuang and Nangong have suspended classes as a precaution. Authorities in Gaocheng District have closed all nonessential businesses, banned gatherings, and instructed residents to remain inside their homes as much as possible. Similar measures may be applied to additional areas in Hebei.

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

Authorities in many provinces and cities require people traveling from affected areas of Hebei to undergo increased health screenings. Individuals traveling from Hebei are likely to face quarantine measures upon arrival in other locations in China. Provincial and municipal governments could 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 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.