China: Officials in Guangdong Province continue to adjust localized movement and gathering restrictions amid COVID-19 activity as of June 28 /update 8

Event

Officials have adjusted localized movement and gathering restrictions in parts of Guangdong Province in response to COVID-19 activity. Authorities have lowered all remaining medium-risk areas in Guangzhou, including Liwan, Nansha, and Baiyun districts, to low risk as of June 28. However, strict entry and exit controls are in place for the Heyuan Community on Baihedong Street in Liwan District as a precautionary measure. Provincial authorities continue to designate a community in Nanhai District, Foshan; one location in Bao'an District, Shenzhen; and communities in Nancheng Street and Mayong Town, Dongguan, as medium-risk areas.

Authorities severely limit entry and exit from designated high- and medium-risk locations. Residents cannot leave their communities until they undergo COVID-19 tests; officials could conduct several rounds of tests before permitting travel. Restrictions typically remain in place for at least two weeks, but extensions are possible depending on COVID-19 activity. Officials are limiting public gatherings in most cities with confirmed COVID-19 cases as a precaution. Shenzhen officials require green health codes to enter most subway stations.

Domestic travel controls remain in place as of June 28. Any individual leaving Shenzhen or Guangzhou for another area of China must present a negative result from a nucleic acid COVID-19 test taken in the previous 48 hours. Direct flights between Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) and Beijing's airports remain suspended through at least July 1, though transit flights may be available. Authorities have suspended passenger flights at Foshan Shadi Airport (FUO) until at least July 7. Officials at Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA) require outbound interprovincial passengers to present a green-colored health code and a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure. Individuals with identification cards issued in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan, or people with recent travel history in these cities, must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 48 hours of departure.

Some provincial and municipal governments have advised residents to avoid all nonessential travel to affected districts and cities. Testing requirements and disease concerns have significantly reduced demand for passenger services, prompting the cancellation of hundreds of flights at Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and SZX. Similar flight disruptions are possible at SWA and other regional airports.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Consider deferring nonessential travel to affected locations in the Pearl River Delta until restrictions are lifted. Confirm travel reservations throughout Guangdong Province.