Xi'an: Practical Advice During COVID-19

原创 HeyXian ShanghaiExpat

Finally it seems that nationwide efforts to control COVID-19, are acheiving the desired results, but we're still not quite at the turning point. We can't tell for sure how the epidemic may further develop, nor rule out the possibility of recurrence. Despite Xi'an not reporting any new confirmed cases for 14 days straight now, the situation remains severe and complex, not leaving any room for error.

However this good bit of news, is a good time to take a breath, after tireless work by authorities. We may be on the brink of a turning point, and life is slowly getting back to normal.

Image: 西安网

You can keep track of some up-to-date developments around China by scanning the QR code below.

Live English Language Updates

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More guidance and updated global information can also be found through WHO and CDC websites.

With recoveries on the rise in China, we’re hoping for a light at the end of the tunnel as everyone comes together to combat the global crisis. Throughout this time, here are some facts we've put together, that might be pip your interest:

Current Shaanxi/ Xi'an Facts

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There are currently 245 confirmed cases of the virus in Shaanxi Province (陕西), 218 recovered, 1 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.

Shaanxi Emergency Level Lowered

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 lifed (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.

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, click here.

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Housing communities limit access to non-essential personnel. Your waimai shuaige will call you to leave the order at the gate, and kuaidi should be collected from the secure pickup locations (keep an eye on your text messages).

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.

Transportation

✈️ 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.

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With the rapidly evolving situation, we recommend contacting the airline to confirm whether or not your upcoming flight will be affected.

"Wear a mask on the Metro"

🚇 Metro

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.
Metro Lines 1, 3 and 4: 6am – 10pm
Metro Line 2: 6 am – 11 pm

🚗 Taxi's and ride-hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing companies are operating, though there are few cars on the road. Please carry a valid ID as you might have to register.

Other Information

• It is still suggested to stay inside, avoid any travel or spending extended periods of time in public places as much as possible. 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.

• Schools will not resume classes at school until approval is given by the Ministry of Education. Current estimations put that at no earlier than end of March.

• 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

Hospitals

If you find yourself running a fever with no sign of improvement after a day or two of rest, you should visit your nearest designated medical institution for a check-up. Remind that you can also got to the designated fever clinics, as others can't help you. Most clinics are open 24 hours and some are specially equipped to diagnose the 2019-nCov, with isolation areas and dedicated channels for disinfection.

Below a list of designated fever clinics in Xi'an:

👉 https://hey-xian.com/clinics-hospitals-and-healthcare-in-xian/

If you need any mental health assistance in these confusing times, please click here for a list of psychological assistance hotlines in Shaanxi province.

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."