A letter to all foreign friends in Ningbo

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, CPC Ningbo Committee and Ningbo Municipal People’s Government have taken high-level prevention and control measures to curb the spread of the virus. For the health of you and your friends, 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

Please follow “nbfb0574” (the official Wechat account run by Ningbo Municipal People's Government) and other official media outlets for the most recent updates. Check out the list of designated hospitals in Ningbo, and guides for prevention and treatment. If you have any questions, please call 24-hour hotline 87680042. Avoid believing and spreading false or unverified information.

II. Keep distance from infectious sources

Please follow the official release of epidemic information and avoid visiting epidemic area or contacting anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. Avoid close contact with wild animals or birds; eggs and meat must be thoroughly cooked before consumption.Avoid crowded places, parties and group activities. Correctly wear a mask (preferably a surgical mask) if you have to go out.

III. Keep personal hygiene

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. Dispose of used masks appropriately. Maintain proper ventilation and keep rooms clean.

IV. Join in our mass prevention and control efforts

If you have travelled to the infected areas recently, or have contacted anyone who is 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.

V. Ask for hospital treatment immediately

If you have a fever over 37.3℃, cough, fatigue or breathing difficulty, please wear surgical mask, avoid contacting anybody and immediately go to the designed hospitals for treatment. Please don’t forget to tell the doctor your travel record.

Dear foreign friends, you have contributed to the economic and social development of Ningbo City. Ningbo is our home and we need to stay unified in solidarity to protect and defend our city in the time of difficulties.

Foreign Affairs Office

Ningbo Municipal People’s Government

30th January, 2020