China Faces Emergency COVID-19 Measures During National Day Holiday... "Test, Test, Test" Whenever Moving

Concerns Over COVID-19 Spread Ahead of the 20th Party Congress
PCR Testing Sites Set Up at Train Stations and Highway Toll Gates

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Ahead of the seven-day National Day holiday commemorating the founding of the People's Republic of China, emergency measures have been put in place across various regions and epidemic prevention authorities in China. With the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (Party Congress), the country's largest political event, approaching, there is a high possibility that interregional travel could lead to the spread of COVID-19. As prevention guidelines have been tightened, residents wishing to leave their original provinces or autonomous regions are now required to undergo PCR testing every two days.

According to the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council on the 27th, ahead of the National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, on-site PCR testing stations have been set up at airports, train stations, and highway toll gates nationwide to test arrivals from outside regions.

From the 10th, passengers on airplanes, trains, intercity buses, and ships departing from provinces, municipalities directly under the central government, or autonomous regions must present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of departure. This effectively creates a 'prevention hurdle' centered on travel routes.

In Beijing, anyone who has traveled outside the city is prohibited from dining out, attending gatherings, or entering crowded places for seven days. If parents travel outside the city, their children are not allowed to attend school for seven days even if they did not accompany them. After returning from outside, a first PCR test must be completed within 24 hours and a second test within 72 hours. Test results are reported directly to the local community (社區, equivalent to a residents' center in Korea).

To visit Shanghai, the economic capital, travelers must carry a negative PCR test result within 48 hours. Shanghai is a popular destination during the National Day 'Golden Week' holiday, which can last up to nine days including weekends. According to the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, passenger tickets traveling to and from Shanghai will reach 200,000 between the 30th of this month and the 1st of next month.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Sichuan Province, also considered a popular travel destination, has strict prevention conditions. All highway rest stops check body temperature, health codes, nucleic acid test results within 48 hours of entry, and travel history to high-risk cities. Travelers must also carry the 'Sichuan Code' used within the province. If travel to a high-risk city is confirmed, a total of 12 days of quarantine, including home isolation, is required.

The problem is that epidemic prevention and control requirements differ by province, so if travelers do not accurately understand the information in advance, they may be stranded outside their home region or waste their holiday in quarantine. Chinese state media advise, "Passengers should check the latest prevention requirements with the airline, airport, or authorities before traveling to their destination."

Especially since this holiday coincides with the upcoming 20th Party Congress, epidemic prevention officials and senior provincial cadres appear to be taking extra care to avoid any missteps. This is likely influenced by recent incidents such as the bus fatality accident in Guizhou Province and the negative public opinion arising from strict 'zero-COVID' enforcement.

Meanwhile, separately, major cities are creating a festive atmosphere to celebrate National Day. On the 25th, Tiananmen Square was decorated with a 5,000㎡ flower bed and a large flower and fruit basket standing 18 meters tall. China Central Television (CCTV) reported, "The splendid basket, made with 10 kinds of flowers and 10 kinds of fruits, reflects the beautiful significance of the 20th Party Congress." Additionally, cities such as Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuhan, and Hangzhou have hung Five-star Red Flags and lantern decorations throughout their parks.