COVID-19 Chengdu: April 2020 Updates

CdExpat Team

April 21, 2020

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As confirmed cases of COVID-19 have exceeded 2.4 million globally, it’s becoming clear that the battle against the virus will not be a short one. Meanwhile in Chengdu work has resumed, schools have re-opened and we have slid back into relative normality. However there are still many restrictions to contend with. We’ve seen your questions in groups about the latest regulations, so have tried to answer them below:

Health Apps Foreigners Can Use in Chengdu

Foreign nationals and residents from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can now use the standard government Health Code that you may need to access malls, office spaces, compounds, and universities:

1. Scan the MiniProgram QR, click “ Declaration entry for foreign nationals, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents.”

2. Select the language (English, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean) by clicking the upper right corner.

3. Fill in the form based on your information.
*Note: Name and ID number should be exactly the same with your ID document such as passport or residence permit (Family name, Given name -using upper case).

4. After submission, your info will be reviewed and processed in the next 24 hours. If the review didn’t pass, there will be a reminder for re-declaration.

5. If your declaration is approved, login the page to see your Health Code, which will be updated every 24 hours.

Sadly, many sites in the city such as scenic spots and museums still needs time to recover so only accept residents with Chinese ID (身份证) to enter. Hopefully with this Health Code, foreigners will get access soon. We will keep you updated.

Other Alternatives You Can Use:

1. Cellphone Network Declaration

These QR’s will direct you to the app run by your network provider, who using the data from your mobile plan, can tell where you have been, and certify your location.

2. Alipay

3. Alternative Government MiniProgram

Another MiniProgram -this time from the government (yes, they are watching you) – that figures out where you’ve been, is called 国家服务平台. This one allows you to register/ check-in using your Chinese mobile number. It’s fairly easy, so scan the QR below, hit the green button, enter your phone number, obtain the code by text message, click the green button 通信行程卡 and – hopefully – see a green arrow appear.

Foreigners Required to Carry Passport at all Times

Recently The Exit and Entry Administration Division of Chengdu PSB announces that foreigners in China must abide by rules during the epidemic.

One of the new measurements is that foreigners having reached the age of 16, are now obliged to carry their passports or other international travel documents, or foreigners’ stay or residence permits, and accept the inspection of public security organs.

Click to see full text and details

Source: 成都出入境

Updated School Opening and Summer Holiday Dates

On March 27th, the Chengdu Education Bureau announced the schools re-opening dates, although on the 9th April some djustment were made. At this date, this is the most up to date info:

• High School, 11+12th grade: Open
• Junior school, 8+9th grade: Open
• Junior school 7th grade + High School 10th grade + Secondary vocational schools: April 20
• Primary schools 5&6th grade : April 27

• Primary schools 1-4th grade : May 6
• Secondary vocational schools: April 20

The Chengdu Education Bureau issued the new regulations on primary and junior school students: art festival, sports meeting and exchange travel programs will be suspended, though there won’t be classes on weekend. Primary schools summer vacation will start on July 8th, junior schools and secondary vocational schools summer vacation will start on July 16.

• Kindergarten: TBC

• Special education school: TBC

• International schools: TBC

• Colleges/ Universities: TBC

The general rule is that these they will re-open 3 weeks after they get approval from the education office. Certain areas within regions may have their own rules, regulations and starting time. Therefore, it is important to stay connected to local announcements.

Specific Measures on Asymptomatic Infections

Imported cases and asymptomatic patients, who show no symptoms but can still pass the virus on, have become China’s chief concern after draconian containment measures succeeded in slashing the overall infection rate.

The recent increase in asymptomatic cases in mainland China surged as the government vowed tighter controls at land borders. Moreover, asymptomatic infected and their closed contacts should be put under centralized quarantine for 14 days + 7 days home quarantine + 7 days social distancing.

The asymptomatic infected can be released from the 14-day centralized quarantine with two consecutive negative results of nucleic acid tests (at least 24 hours interval); If they develop any clinical symptoms during the isolation, they will be transferred to a designated medical institution for treatment.

What to Know about Traveling in China

As you may have already found out first hand, traveling inside China these days is without a doubt more complicated than it used to be. There is no more just hopping on a plane or even jumping into a taxi at your destination. In at least one case, an entire first-tier city is essentially closed to travelers. For others, while you might be able to get plane or train tickets, once you arrive, hotels may be tricky.

First thing you need for traveling outside of Chengdu is your physical health permit – click here to get all information about how to obtain. Second you should know the specifics about traveling in China right now. The list below will help: