DURING this year’s National College Entrance Examination, also known as gaokao, and high school entrance examination, also known as zhongkao, Shenzhen will strictly control and monitor noise levels in schools and the surrounding areas, according to a notice released by the Shenzhen Municipal Ecology Environment Bureau recently.

The notice stated that the weeks before gaokao, May 31 to June 6, and zhongkao, June 19 to June 25, noise-producing activities will be forbidden within 300 meters of senior and junior high schools and building areas that will require a quiet environment. These activities include car honking, commercial promotion, interior decoration, cleaning and disinfection, and construction.

During the exams, any noise-producing activities will not be allowed the entire day within 500 meters from exam venues.

From May 31 to June 28, construction will be banned during two time slots, specifically 12 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Rush repair and emergency activities should be evaluated carefully before operation. Special vehicles such as police cars and fire trucks should avoid honking and turning on sirens in the surrounding areas near exam venues when exams are in session, the notice said.

The authorities said they will penalize violators in accordance with law and expose the instances of disobedience. Residents can call 12369 or 12345 to report violations. (Wang Jingli)