A letter to foreign nationals in Zhejiang

A Letter to Foreign Nationals in Zhejiang

In response to the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Zhejiang province launched the highest-level (Level One) public health emergency response on January 23, 2020. The CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and the Provincial People’s Government have attached great importance to and made comprehensive arrangements on prevention and control to contain the spread of the virus.

To all foreign nationals living and traveling in Zhejiang, we’d like to assure you that various lines of work are well under way and in addition, we want to remind you of the following:

I. Follow the latest updates on the epidemic through official channels.

Follow the WeChat/Weibo accounts of “浙江发布”(zjfabu)／“浙江政务服务网”(zjzwfww) to get updated information on the developments of the epidemic. Check out the list of designated hospitals in Zhejiang and their contact information, and look for prevention and treatment guides and other important public notices. You can also get onto the “浙江省新型肺炎公共服务与管理平台” (Novel Coronavirus Public Service and Management Platform of Zhejiang Province) by downloading the “浙里办”(zheliban) app，to get information on medical observation service and management at home or at a designated medical facility as well as other useful health tips.

II. Step up self-protection.

Keep good personal hygiene. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing. Clean hands as often as needed. Wear a surgical mask when going out and dispose of used masks appropriately. Keep the room clean and open the window for fresh air from time to time. Avoid unprotected contact with wild or farm animals. Avoid eating raw or cold food, have thoroughly cooked food and drink more hot water. Reduce or avoid outdoor activities. Monitor body temperature on a regular basis. Stay at home as much as possible and avoid crowded areas, and cancel parties, group dinners and other group activities. Beware of such symptoms as fever, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, and wear a surgical mask and seek medical care right away at designated hospitals in case of such symptoms.

III. Join in the mass prevention and control campaign.

In case of recent visit to affected areas or having contact with people from those areas, please report to the local CDC or designated departments as early as possible while closely monitoring your personal health condition. Please support and cooperate with the government, community or medical staff for health information inquiries and collection.

IV. The Chinese government attaches great importance to and cares much about the health and safety of foreign nationals in China. The ongoing epidemic is believed to be preventable, controllable and curable. China has full determination, confidence and capability to win this battle. Any problems or questions of foreign nationals living or traveling in Zhejiang will be addressed, through your embassies or consulates general in China, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the Department of Foreign Affairs of Zhejiang Province, as well as local foreign affairs offices in Zhejiang.

Foreign Affairs Department of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government

January 29, 2020