A letter to foreigners in Hefei

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, Hefei has been taking law and science-based measures to prevent and control the epidemic. Overall, the situation is improving. As of Feb 29, 2020, Hefei had seen no new confirmed or suspected cases for nine days in a row, and it has been listed as a "non-high-risk area". In the past few days, however, the world has seen a continuous increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases and the number of affected countries, causing alarm among many.

We all know that viruses know no borders. No matter where you're from, you have a responsibility to help fight and contain the COVID-19 epidemic. Hefei is our shared home. We should stand and fight together to keep our home safe. We hereby propose the following five initiatives.

1.Before you arrive in Hefei, please share your health conditions, arrival time, and itinerary to the unit that invites you, the enterprise that employs you, or the community where you live, so that they can make the necessary arrangements for you in advance.

2. When you arrive in Hefei, please fill in the required health registration card, truthfully provide your health conditions and valid contact information, and cooperate with prevention and control measures such as having your temperature taken, your certificates inspected, and your health examined by relevant local government departments.

3. If you're under medical observation, be it at home or at a centralized quarantine location, take self-protection precautions. Wear masks correctly, wash hands frequently, ventilate your room regularly, and maintain good hygiene habits. The costs of medical observation at a centralized quarantine location will be borne by yourself, and your employer or the local government will provide you with necessary assistance during this period.

If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue, and/or any other abnormal conditions, please dial "120" immediately, and an emergency center will arrange an ambulance to take you to the nearest fever clinic for examination and treatment. If you have any questions related to the prevention and control of COVID-19, please call our hotline at 12320.

4. If you are in good health after the observation period, a certificate of proof that you have completed the observation period will be issued by your employer or the local government and related restrictions will be removed.

5.Please read notices related to the epidemic issued by the Hefei Municipal People's Government.

Over the past few years, foreigners in Hefei have made outstanding contributions to the city's economic and social development and international cooperation, which we will not forget. The aforementioned measures are for the safety of everyone and we need your understanding and cooperation.

No winter lasts forever, every spring is sure to follow. Let's work together for a better future!

Foreign Affairs Office of the Hefei Municipal People's Government

March 2, 2020