China: Officials ease COVID-19 curbs in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, March 22 /update 1

Event

Officials in Shaanxi Province have slightly eased COVID-19 measures in Xi'an City as of March 22. Authorities recommend residents cap social gatherings to at most 10 people. Individuals from low-risk areas in Xi'an with a "green" health code may leave the city without a nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours. Authorities urge people from districts and counties with high- and medium-risk areas to avoid leaving Xi'an unless necessary; such individuals must continue to show a nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours and a "green" health code to leave Xi'an. All businesses in low-risk areas may fully resume operations. Capacity limits are in place in food establishments and entertainment and sports venues. Organizers must seek approval from authorities to hold events of more than 50 people at least five days in advance. Workers in industries like sales and logistics must undergo nucleic tests on alternate days. Officials advise against holding in-person meetings and encourage video conferencing to the extent possible. Lingering public transport disruptions remain possible; at least 353 bus services remain suspended in Xi'an as of March 22.

The tightest curbs are in effect in high- and medium-risk areas in Shaanxi Province. As of March 22, two areas in Baoji City's Jintai and Weibin districts and one location in Tongchuan's Yaozhou District are high risk. At least 26 areas in Baoji, Hanzhong, Tongchuan, and Xi'an's Beilin and Xincheng districts and Economic and Technological Development Zone are medium risk. Residents of and individuals with recent exposure to these areas must remain in their homes; exceptions may be possible for emergencies and essential reasons. Authorities restrict travel to and from the affected communities. Security personnel will likely enforce checkpoints in these areas to ensure compliance with movement restrictions. Authorities typically maintain measures until two weeks after the latest confirmed community case. Officials will probably carry out several rounds of testing in these locations before easing restrictions.

Additional measures are likely if there are new COVID-19 cases. Strict controls, such as stay-at-home orders and closure of nonessential businesses, may occur in adjacent locations. Provincial and municipal governments may continue to require testing and/or quarantine for travelers from the affected areas in Xi'an and Shaanxi Province. Business closures and disruption to production operations in Shaanxi Province's industrial areas and flight cancellations and delays at regional airports like Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) are possible if new COVID-19 cases emerge.

Advice

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