A letter to all foreign friends in Hangzhou

Happy new year! On the occasion of Chinese Spring Festival, we extend our sincere greetings and best wishes to you all.

In response to the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Zhejiang Provincial Government has activated Level I public health emergency response since 23rd January. Attaching paramount importance to the situation, Hangzhou Municipal Government has taken high-level prevention and control measures to curb the spread of the virus. For the health of your own, your loved ones, and the people of Hangzhou, you are kindly requested to follow the requirements of the law of the PRC on the prevention and control of infectious diseases and other relevant laws and regulations, and respond to the calls of the central and local governments by cooperating in the following practices:

I. Follow official updates and do not trust false and unverified information.

Follow “hzswsjwx” (the official WeChat account run by Hangzhou Municipal Health Commission) and other official media outlets for the most recent updates. Check out the list of designated hospitals in Hangzhou, and look for prevention and treatment guides. If you have any questions, please call 24-hour inquiry line: 85155039. Avoid believing and spreading false and unverified information.

II. Minimize outdoor activities.

Avoid crowded places, parties and group activities. Correctly wear a mask (preferably a surgical mask) if you have to go and attend one. If you have mild to severe respiratory symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue, please go to a designated hospital with a mask on.

III. Increase prevention and self-protection.

Keep good hygiene by washing your hands often with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer. Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or your flexed elbow. No spitting. Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. Dispose of used masks appropriately. Maintain proper ventilation and keep rooms clean. Avoid close contact with wild animals or birds; eggs and meat must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

IV. Join in our mass prevention and control efforts.

If you have been to the infected areas recently, or if contacted people who are from the epidemic areas, please immediately report to the community where you reside, cooperate with community or medical staff if they inquire about your condition, and stay at home under medical observation for 14 days.

Our valued international friends, you have contributed significantly to the all-around development of the city which we all fondly call home and hold dear to our hearts. In the time of difficulties, we need to stay unified in solidarity to protect and defend our city.

Foreign Affairs Office

Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government

January 29, 2020