A Letter to All Foreign Friends in Xinjiang

To the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has activated level I public health emergency response. Attaching paramount importance to the situation, the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee and Xinjiang People's Government have made unified deployment of resources and are conducting prevention and control work in a scientific and orderly way. Hereby we recommend following practices to all foreign friends in Xinjiang:

I.Follow official information release. Call the 12320 hotline, visit the official website of Xinjiang Health Commission for the epidemic update. Or, call the contact numbers of Xinjiang Foreign Affairs Office of Xinjiang People's Government for information: 0991-6176587 (24-hour); 0991-6176678 (Consular Affairs Division).

II.Strengthen prevention and self-protection. Keep good hygiene by washing hands often with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer. Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue or with flexed elbow. No spitting. Dump used masks according to regulations. Keep proper ventilation and rooms clean. Avoid close contact with any wild animals or birds. Eggs and meat must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

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

IV.Join in mass prevention and control efforts. If you have visited the infected area, or contacted with people who are from the epidemic area, please closely observe your health condition, stay at home and timely report to local Disease Control authorities or designated departments. Please cooperate with government or community personnel or medical staff if they inquire about your condition.

Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government

of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

January30, 2020