China to resume elderly care services in an orderly manner: ministry

The resumption of elderly care services should be carried out in an orderly manner across the country, according to a guideline issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Urging elderly care providers in low-risk areas to restore their services, the guideline noted that a 14-day quarantine will not be required among elderly people or staff within the area before their entrance. However, reservations should be made, with their travel and health information checked.

The seniors and personnel at medium- and high-risk areas are supposed to undergo a 14-day quarantine and related medical examinations before entering local elderly care institutions, said the guideline.

The guideline called on local institutions to prevent the importation of the virus. Those who have had contact with people who have traveled outside China in the past 15 days, and who had close contacts with confirmed, suspected or asymptomatic cases, and people with suspected symptoms should not enter the institutions.

The ministry also stressed to strengthen management over asymptomatic cases and conduct nucleic acid testing on seniors and personnel before resumption.