China: Officials ban nonessential movement in and out of Shijiazhuang from Jan. 7; other controls in Hebei Province continue /update 2

Event

Officials have banned nonessential movement to and from Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital of Hebei Province, in response to increased coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Stringent transport controls and gathering restrictions have also been maintained in other parts of Hebei as of Jan. 7. Officials have closed numerous sections of highways in Hebei to civilian traffic. Trains are no longer allowing passengers from Handan to board services bound for Beijing. The intended duration of the controls remains unclear. Additional movement restrictions may be imposed at locations throughout Hebei in the coming days.

Health authorities define 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 Hebei to enforce movement controls and conduct health screenings. Authorities will conduct temperature scans and ensure people wear protective face coverings on public transport. The government will continue to conduct mass testing in the province.

Authorities in many provinces and cities require people traveling from Hebei to undergo increased health screenings and prevent evidence of negative COVID-19 test results. Individuals traveling from Hebei face quarantine measures upon arrival in most 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.