A letter to all expats in Guangzhou

In response to the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Guangdong Province has activated a Level I public health emergency response since 23rd January. The Guangzhou Municipal Government has mobilized resources and is engaging in prevention and control efforts. Your health and confidence are important to us, so we are reaching out to you. We recommend the following practices to all of Guangzhou's international residents:

I. Do not trust false and unverified information. Use official updates instead. Follow "gzwjwwx" (the official WeChat account run by Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission) and other official WeChat accounts for the most recent updates. Check out the list of designated hospitals in Guangzhou, and look for prevention and treatment guides. If you have any questions, please call the inquiry hotline: 12320 (Guangzhou Health Hotline). If you need English, Japanese or Korean translation service, please call Guangzhou Multilingual Public Service Hotline 960169. The translators will start a three-side call with 12320 to answer your questions.

II. 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. 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. The general guidelines for avoiding cold viruses apply to coronavirus: get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly to maintain your health.

III. 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. Wear a surgical mask when going out and change it every four hours. Staff members from shopping malls, marketplaces, hotels and buses should wear masks. 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 our mass prevention and control efforts. If you have been to the infected areas and returned to Guangzhou within 14 days, or if you contacted people who are from the epidemic area, please monitor your health condition closely, 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

Guangzhou Municipal People's Government

January 28, 2020