Since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) first came to the attention of the WHO on December 31, 2019, and the news about this unknown strain found in Wuhan broke in early January, life in China has seemingly become a rollercoaster of ups and downs. In meanwhile, the death count has risen over 3,342, and most cities in Hubei are on lockdown in attempts to curb the virus, and most big cities are initiating the level-1 public health emergency plan.
Based on the positive results, Shaanxi province recently reduced the Coronavirus prevention and control primary response to from level 1 to level 3. This means that restrictions will slowly be lived (depending on the current risk level in each district), though coronavirus anti-epidemic and control through relevant laws and regulations will still be enforced throughout the province.
All localities have been requested to work out targeted prevention and control plans by following the requirements of prevention and control at different levels in line with the local situation.
The Shaanxi Provincial Government has extended the Spring Festival Holiday to Feb. 9th, meaning that work should resume on Feb. 10th. It is unknown at this time when the take measures will be lifted. Some businesses have been allowed to begin operations if they follow strict containment protocols, though most people work from home. Current estimations put that schools open at no earlier than end of March.The current time projections for the lifting of measures vary, and the situation will remain fluid.
The number of people confirmed infected almost reaching 81,000 in meanwhile speaks volumes about the challenge the country now faces. With recoveries on the rise, we’re hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel as everyone comes together to combat the new global crisis. Throughout this time, here are some helpful things to know. It is strongly suggested to stay inside, avoid any travel or spending extended periods of time in public places. It has been confirmed that the virus may be transmitted by people who are asymptomatic. Those with symptoms, such as fever, should quarantine themselves or report to a hospital. Anyone who has returned to Xi’an from Hubei Province since Jan. 8th should report to their building management or a hospital for quarantine.
The Foreign Affairs Office of Shaanxi Province has set up a multi-lingual hotline to handle questions regarding the virus. They can also any questions regarding transportation operations. They can be reached at: 029-87290355
Here are some important facts and numbers that you should know:
1. What is the Novel Coronavirus?
Wuhan coronavirus explained
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Click here
What is the Wuhan coronavirus and how worried should we be?
Explained by The Guardian’s Health Editor, Sarah Boseley.
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Click here
Source: The Guardian
2. Symptoms & Incubation Period
The average incubation period (the period between exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms) is 10 days, according to the head of China’s National Health Commission. It is now confirmed that some infected patients are not showing signs of a fever, a symptom goverments around the world have been using to screen for the pathogen.
3. Official Numbers (Shaanxi/ Xi’an/ China)
As of April 13th 08:00, there are currently 256 confirmed cases of the virus in Shaanxi Province (陕西), 251 recovered, 3 dead.
With 120 in Xi’an, 26 in Ankang, 8 in Tongchuan, 26 in Hanzhong, 15 in Weinan, 13 in Baoij, 17 in Xianyang, 8 in Yan’an, 7 in Shangluo, 3 in Yulin, 1 each in Hancheng, Yanglin.
11 Imported case from abroad are quarantined from Airport or train station, 110 close contacts are currently undergoing medical observation.
As a continuous stream of information comes out from various sources on China’s novel coronavirus outbreak – its useful to know how your city is being affected by the infectious disease.
DXY.cn, a Chinese online healthcare platform, has put together a real-time feed of the coronavirus case count as well as the latest updates.
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The information is in Chinese, though here are some guidelines:
确诊 = Confirmed cases (red)
疑似 = Suspected cases (orange)
累计确诊 = Accumulated cases (brown)
死亡 = Dead (dark blue)
治愈 = Recovered (green)
To see the stats, click here OR scan the QR code below:
When scrolling down, you can also see a map and details stats cases for each province or other administrative region, and the latest updates.
2.1% is the official nationwide death rate of confirmed coronavirus cases up until Feb. 3. The numbers are higher for Hubei and Wuhan respectively 3.1% Hubei and 4.9% Wuhan.
4. Preventative Measures, incl. Social Life Put on Hold
To learn how to protect yourself against coronavirus, please click here.
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, all big events and gatherings are cancelled, touristic spots, museums are closed, several bars/ restaurants/ clubs are also closed till further notice.
For yours and the safety of other people, police have been making door to door checks to see if people have returned from Wuhan. Universities are also making checks regarding the health of their students and some have reported health checks at communities that have cars with Hubei license plates.There is currently no sign that Xi’an or other cities in Shaanxi will be shut down.
Residents and Non-residents returning to Xi’an for work or school will be placed in quarantine in their homes or in designated hotels for 14-days upon arrival.
It is strongly recommended to not go outside, or wear a proper mask when in a public area/ facility/ transportation. In meanwhile wearing a mask is mandatory in the metro. For more information in Chinese about this, click here.
- Some shopping malls and hotels might cease operations.
- Most supermarkets remain open, but may have limited hours.
- Schools of all levels will not resume classes at school until approval is given by the Ministry of Education.
On February 23rd, the Shaanxi Provincial Government’s Epidemic Response Leadership Group issued a statement for the lifting of certain measures in order to enable the resturn to production. The notice calls for the restoration of shopping malls to operation, the unblocking of highways, and the lifting of restrictions on going out from communities that have had no confirmed cases of the virus.
Except for communities who have had confirmed or suspected cases within the past 14 days, all closures will be cancelled. As always, check with your building management, employer, and local government for confirmation before heading out.
If you have any specific questions about your district, call the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Shaanxi Province at: 029-87290355
5. Measurements and Restrictions
Anyone entering Xi’an is obliged to fill out a registration form. Anyone who has returned to Shaanxi from Hubei Province since January 8th should report to their building management or a hospital for quarantine.
Those returning from elsewhere are required to register their information online (and possible with your building management) and fill in your personal health information.
Except for requiered temperature checks, the government has requested each person to register using the MiniProgram below, and you’re often required to scan every time entering a exiting a venue (incl. compounds, malls, subway/ train station, airport, etc). For a guide how to complete the registration
The 一码通 or “One Code Pass” was launched recently in order to help coordinate the epidemic prevention and control measures. The code allows for quick access to the subway, malls, and other public places. The number of places using the 一码通 will continue to increase during this time, so having one at the ready will help your day go smoother.
The code can now be registered through a WeChat Mini-Program by scanning the QR code above with WeChat. This will take you to the following menu.
When you open up your 一码通, the center will be in one of three colors: green, yellow, and red.
These color codes are meant to give you an idea of whether you have been exposed to a potentially infected person or not.
Green: All Clear – You have not been in contact with a confirmed or suspected case.
Yellow: Possible Contact – You might have shared the same space with a suspected or confirmed case.
Red: Warning – You should contact a hospital (see our post at: https://hey-xian.com/clinics-hospitals-and-healthcare-in-xian/) as soon as possible
(If it is blue or grey, you’ve either just signed up, or there was an error. Don’t worry, simply try and reload it later.)
The mini-program is also accessed by swiping down while on the main page of your WeChat app.
Source: justxa.com, 西安发布， 陕西发布，发现西安。
6. Quarantine upon returning to Xi’an?
Lots of people ask us questions if they will be quarantined upon returning to Xi’an. The answer is yes, most likely – though it is self-quarantine, in your own house. How strictly this is imposed depends on your compound. Most people have reported coming home, and not having any trouble – where as a couple have had to present a health certificate.
Mandatory 14-day quarantine
If you’re you’re having symptoms, or return from Hubei or a country with a lot of infections (Japan, South Korea, Italy or Iran), you must have mandatory 14-day quarantine, even if their final city is somewhere other than Xi’an. If you live in Xi’an, you can quarantine at your home. If not, you have to quarantine at a hotel paid for by China. Those inside the quarantine area will not be allowed outside, nor will those outside be allowed in. Distribution of essential items will occur for those under quarantine.
7. Transportation: Temporarily Suspension or Limitation
Metro Operation:
The Xi’an metro is open with reduced time (see schedule below), though with masks are required to wear. Those not wearing masks will not be allowed in.
Line 1, 3 and 4: 6am – 10pm
Line 2: 6am – 11pm
After 11pm, 2 trains will be dispatched for passengers from Train Station every half hour.
New measures to disinfect Metro stations, trains, buses and taxis have been introduced as people return to Xi’an.
-Long-distance bus services,
back to normal since Feb.23.
Taxis and ride-hailing services
Didi and other online car hailing services returned to normal since Feb.23, though there are few cars on the road. Please carry a valid ID as you might have to register.
NOTE: Those traveling by taxi or public transportation may be required to register their information, so please carry a valid ID (Passport, ID card, etc.).Several highway exits will be closed and health checks will be instituted at those in operation.
Train lines:
several have been temporarily stopped. Check the 12306.cn website (Chinese only) for updated information.
Highway exits:
The quarantine stations on inter-provincial highway entrances and exits, national and provincial trunk roads, and rural roads will be completely revoked.
Air Travel
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport remains open, they have instituted screenings for all incoming and outgoing passengers. Budget a little extra time to ensure that you are able to make your flights and transfers. Global travel is in decline due to both falling demand and travel restrictions imposed by various countries. Additionally many foreign governments advising against non-essential travel to certain countries as the outbreak persists.
Below an updated list of the airlines that have announced travel restrictions, and a list of countries that have imposed travel bans or mandatory quarantines.
Shanghai Airlines: Suspended its Xi’an – Budapest flight between Feb. 6 – March 28.
Turkmenistan Airlines: Will decrease frequency on scheduled flights to Xi’an between Feb. 5-29.
Airport Bus lines:
Seven stations of the Airport-City Metro Rail Line are closed, leaving only the Airport and North Railway Stations in operation. Operating hours are 7:00-21:00.
City Bus lines:
Urban buses in the city will recommence since Feb.23. Transport stations and vehicles should strictly follow the “Guidelines for the Protection of Passenger Stations and Transportation Vehicles” by implementing ventilation, disinfection and other epidemic prevention measures, and control loading factors according to regulations.
8. Shaanxi Foreign Affairs Office Hotline
Foreign nationals in Shaanxi Province or Shaanxi citizens in foreign countries have any questions, need any assistance, or need any services concerning the pneumonia outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus, please call the 24-hour hotline of Shaanxi Provincial Foreign Affairs Office: +86-29-87290355
Or the service hotlines of the following institutions:
Shaanxi Provincial Health Commission: 029-89620600
Shaanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism: 029-85261059
9. Shaanxi Fever Clinics
Got fever or other symptoms?
Designated medical treatment of confirmed foreign cases
西安交大一附院为省级外籍确诊病例定点收治医院。各市（区）均设有境外输入病例定点收治医院。
The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University is a provincial designated hospital for the treatment of confirmed foreign cases. All cities (districts) have designated hospitals for the treatment of imported cases.
Visit one of the Xi’an Hospitals listed below ASAP!
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Tier 1 Designated Provincial Hospitals
1. 空军军医大学第二附属医院（唐都医院）Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (Tangdu Hospital). Tel.: 029-84777114
2. 陕西省传染病院（西安市第八医院） Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases (Xi’an Eighth Hospital) Tel.: 029-85331103
Tier 2 Designated Provincial Hospitals
1. 西安交通大学第一附属医院. The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
2. 西安交通大学第二附属医院 The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University Tel.: 029-87679000
3. 市级定点医院西安市 Xi’an City Municipal designated Hospital. Tel.: 029-83608315
4. 西安市中心医院 Xi’an Central Hospital. Tel.: 029-87218916
10. Applying for Visa Extensions and Residence Certificates
During the epidemic prevention and control, the exit and entry department of the national public security organs will continue to provide visa extension and residence certificate services for foreigners, so as to guarantee their legal stay and residence. Urgent need for relevant documents will be expedited. In order to effectively avoid personnel gathering, the exit and entry administration department of the public security organ will arrange appointments for registration service based on the actual situation. Foreigners can contact related departments in advance and make reasonable time arrangement. For institutions such as universities, scientific research institutes and enterprises that receive a larger number of foreigners, the entry and exit departments will allow them to handle certificates on their behalf or provide other necessary convenience according to their needs. for those who are unable to leave the country on time due to the prevention and control of the epidemic and are unable to handle the visa or residence certificates extension in time, the immigration administration authorities may, in accordance with the regulations, give a lighter or mitigated punishment or exempt the punishment for overstaying.
11. Legal Advice for Salaries
Many of us by now will have been informed our salaries will have been cut. If you can no longer work, or working from home isn’t an option, employers and emplyees will negotiate salary agreement for the first month. We know for the international community, our ability to effectively negotiate, will be very low.
From month two when work still cannot be resumed, your employer can resort to “living expenses”, which in Shaanxi is 75% of the minimum wage standard, meaning less than 1350RMB… which we know will be unlikely to cover most of our rents. For more detailed information (Chinese), click here. Note: if you’re in obligatory quarantine, your employer is obliged to pay full salary.
This is just a baseline of what you /should/ get. However it’s being reported that many companies may (a) try to avoid paying anything; or (b) be in genuine in financial difficulty and be unable to pay.”
Source: 陕西人社
12. Scientists working on Possible Treatments
Shanghai scientists on Saturday suggested 30 possible treatments for pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus.
The medicines and bioactive compounds include some used to treat HIV, according to the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and the Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies.
Source: Shine
Several COVID-19 Drugs in Clinical Trials
Several antiviral drugs have been tested in clinical trials against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and some have shown fairly good clinical efficacy. New products and technologies have been adopted to treat severe and critically ill patients, a key approach to reduce mortality, and some have achieved good clinical effects.
Finding a vaccine against the novel coronavirus will take more time, though China is testing different types of vaccines, and some, including a recombinant protein vaccine, have entered animal trials.
13. Coronavirus – Latest update
Extract QR code to Read
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www.Hey-Xian.com
