Wang Jingli

wangjingli0715@163.com

STARTING Saturday, inbound travelers are required to report their arrival via an online system before entering the city by road, said the epidemic prevention and control team at a news conference Friday.

Under the reporting scheme, vehicles that have announced their arrival in advance via the online system can quickly pass through checkpoints. Those who do not must stop at the checkpoint to fill out a report before proceeding, which may lead to delays and lower work efficiency, according to the authority.

Filing the report is required for cars that are registered outside the city, hold a license plate registered in Shenzhen but have visited or passed through Hubei Province since Jan. 1, or contain passengers with permanent residence from outside the city.

Taxis and ride-hailing cars should submit the report through their employers. Passengers must self-report via the authorized online platforms.

Trucks with a license plate for both Guangdong and Hong Kong will be handled by staff at customs.

People are advised to submit their report of arrival at least one day in advance. Reporting as early as possible is encouraged.

“At present, there are many vehicles that haven’t come back to Shenzhen. In order to reduce the impact of post-festival travel in terms of the epidemic, we hope to utilize information technology,” said Feng Xinyi, deputy director of the municipal traffic police bureau.

The report aids authorities and relevant workers in analyzing traffic flow and infection spread and reduces the time spent waiting at the checkpoints. It will also aid the government in learning about passengers’ situations and provide relevant information for residential communities.

For example, if a passenger did not show any symptoms when entering the city but is later found suspected or confirmed infected, people in the same car can immediately be quarantined with the information provided.

Reports can be submitted via the “i深圳”app and Shenzhen traffic police’s mini app.

Reports are shared between these platforms, so people only need to select one to make the report, said the authority.

There are a total of 52 checkpoints set up near tollgates across the city.

Cars will be allowed to exit highways after staff at sites conduct a temperature screening for each passenger, disinfect the vehicle and conduct an information check.

Drones have been used at the checkpoints to remind travelers to make the reports. Failing to do so could reportedly lead to a fine of 200 yuan (US$28.66) to 2,000 yuan and a 15-day detention for car owners depending on the situation.

Additionally, passengers will face a fine of less than 200 yuan or a warning.

When it comes to severe situations, passengers will face detention of five to 15 days with a fine of less than 500 yuan.

Violent resistance and reporting misinformation will be punished in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.