Recently, COVID-19 cluster infections have arisen in Beijing. Regarding common concerns expressed by citizens, we have referred to relevant requirements and information released by National Health Commission, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Guangdong Headquarters for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and other authorities to come up with a list of answers for your information.
1. Can I still travel between Beijing and Guangdong?
Residents who’re currently in Beijing should follow all requirements for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Beijing, keep updated about the city’s prevention and control strategies, as well as information on the city’s traffic and community management (for example, residents in high-risk subdistricts are prohibited from exiting) and abide by all prevention and control measures. According to a notice released on the official website of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality on June 17, Beijing raised its public health emergency response from the third to the second level on June 16. Residents in Beijing's medium- and high-risk subdistricts and townships, as well as those related to the Xinfadi Market, shall not leave Beijing. Other residents should not leave the city unless the trip is necessary.
People in Guangdong should avoid traveling to medium- and high-risk areas unless the trip is necessary. (Source: Health Commission of Shenzhen Municipality)
2. I have just returned to Guangdong from Beijing. What should I do?
According to the Notice on a Patriotic Health Campaign and the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Key Venues including Farmers’ Markets released by the Office of Guangdong Headquarters for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, travelers visiting or returning to Guangdong who have been to high-risk areas over the previous 14 days should undergo a 14-day collective quarantine for medical observation. In addition, travelers visiting or returning to Guangdong who have been to medium-risk areas over the previous 14 days should accept community health management, under which the staff members will issue a health notice, implement health inquiry and check the health QR code of the traveler. Such travelers should also take nucleic acid tests on the day of arrival, and stay at home for quarantine if necessary.
Travelers returning from medium- and high-risk areas: if you have been to medium- and high-risk areas in Beijing over the previous 14 days, you should immediately contact the local disease prevention and control center or community health service center and accept collective or stay-at-home quarantine under the guidance of the staff members.
Travelers not returning from medium- and high-risk areas: if you have been to places in Beijing which are not rated medium- and high-risk areas, you should apply for a health code as required, report relevant information to your employer or community, take preventative measures and closely watch your health conditions. Also, please avoid using public transportation, joining gatherings and going to confined or crowded spaces in 14 days. Once symptoms such as fever, fatigue or dry cough arise, please immediately report to your employer or community and seek medical attention at a nearby fever clinic after putting on a surgical mask. You should also honestly inform the doctor of your travel or residence history to Beijing. Besides, residents who have traveled to or from Beijing should pay close attention to changes in the risk level of areas in Beijing. (Source: Health Commission of Shenzhen Municipality)
3. If I have had contact with someone who’s been to an epidemic-affected area and my nucleic acid test result is negative, should I undergo quarantine?
According to current epidemiological investigations and research findings, the COVID-19 incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days, and confirmed cases usually have an incubation period from 3 to 7 days. If the person you had contact with has ruled out COVID-19 infection, you don’t need to be quarantined. If the person is infected, but you took preventative measures during your contact with him or her and your nucleic acid test result is negative, then you don’t need to be quarantined. However, if you didn’t take preventative measures while you had contact with the person, even if your test result is negative, you’ll have to undergo a 14-day collective quarantine according to related policies. (Source: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
4. When should I wear a face mask?
At present, the epidemic prevention and control landscape in Guangdong is constantly improving, yet sporadic cases and even cluster of infection are still possible. Therefore, citizens are still advised to take a face mask with them. If you have respiratory diseases and symptoms such as fever or cough, you should always wear a face mask. You should also wear a face mask if you go to crowded places, such as a supermarkets, public transportation, confined spaces or medical institutions. In addition, remember to wash your hands frequently, keep your rooms well ventilated, avoid gatherings, keep social distancing and avoid going to medium- and high-risk areas. If you have symptoms such as cold or cough, please put on a face mask and seek medical attention at a nearby fever clinic. (Source: Health Commission of Guangdong Province)
5. Can I still buy and eat seafood?
Current studies show that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted mainly through droplets and close contact. Transmission through aerosol is also possible if you’re exposed to high-concentration aerosol in confined spaces for a long time, and other transmission channels are still to be confirmed. Currently, there’s no evidence showing that eating seafood can cause COVID-19 infection. In daily life, citizens should pay attention to food hygiene and safety. Different chopping boards should be used for raw ingredients and cooked food. After processing raw meat, poultry and seafood, please wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and running water. (Source: Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
Foreign Affairs Office of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government
Health Commission of Shenzhen Municipality
June 19, 2020