China: Authorities continue to impose enhanced COVID-19 curbs in parts of Shandong Province as of March 24 /update 2

Event

Officials in Shandong Province are imposing tighter restrictions in parts of Binzhou, Weihai, Qingdao, Yantai, and Zibo cities due to COVID-19 activity. As of March 24, officials have designated at least 64 locations in these cities as high- or medium-risk, including buildings in Weihai Economic and Technological Development Zone, as well as some communities and villages in Qingdao's Huangdao District and Laixi City. Residents of the locations and individuals with recent exposure to them will likely need to remain in their homes; exceptions may be possible for emergencies and essential reasons. Authorities will likely restrict travel to and from the affected communities. Authorities typically extend measures until two weeks after the latest date of newly confirmed community cases. The government may also impose gathering, business, and travel restrictions in other areas of the affected cities like Weihai and Qingdao, especially adjacent communities, as a precaution if new cases emerge.

Authorities may continue to prohibit individuals from cities and districts with high- and medium-risk areas from entering Qingdao. Exemptions are in place for essential reasons; travelers may be required to take a nucleic acid test within 48 hours before departure, undergo on arrival testing and seven days of centralized quarantine, followed by seven days of health monitoring at home. Increased health screenings are likely at Qingdao International Airport (TAO), Weihai Dashuibo Airport (WEH), and other passenger transport hubs in Qingdao. Any additional COVID-19 controls could lead to processing and shipping delays at Weihai, Qingdao, and Yantai ports. Business operations and supply chain disruptions are possible in industrial areas affected by localized restrictions, like Weihai Economic and Technological Development Zone. Reports indicate that officials are gradually resuming business operations in Laixi.

Officials could launch testing operations in other cities in Shandong Province; several rounds of testing in high- and medium-risk areas are likely before restrictions ease. Officials could place additional communities under localized movement controls if more COVID-19 cases are found. Other provincial and municipal governments may require testing and/or quarantine for travelers from the affected areas of Shandong Province.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Confirm appointments and transport arrangements, especially at TAO and WEH. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers.