THE Shenzhen health authority has announced that anyone who had been to the Xinfadi market in Beijing or had contact with people working at the market from May 30 to June 12 is required to report themselves to the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or to their local communities.

In an open letter to residents, the city’s health commission said that Beijing has reported dozens of new COVID-19 cases as well as asymptomatic cases. The confirmed cases are reported to have been linked to a major food wholesale market called Xinfadi.

The Huaxiang area of Fengtai District, where the Xinfadi market is, has been classified as a high-risk place for COVID-19 while another 10 areas in the city are at medium risk. Other areas in China are classified as low-risk areas.

The Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention has also issued a notice to residents, requiring them to report to local health authorities or communities if they had visited the Xinfadi market in recent weeks.

The provincial government said people who have traveled to high-risk areas within the past 14 days should undergo a 14-day centralized quarantine. They will receive a nucleic acid test upon arrival in Guangdong.

Residents are also reminded to take precautions, like washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands, wearing masks in public places and seeking medical treatment if symptoms such as fever and cough are displayed.  

(Zhang Yu)