Under the joint efforts of all citizens, Hefei is making stable and positive progress in fighting against COVID-19. By March 8, all patients with the virus in hospitals had been treated, cured and discharged. By March 14, the city had achieved a zero increase of cases for 22 consecutive days. However, zero increase does not mean zero risk. The epidemic is spreading faster globally. New infections have been rising sharply in some countries and regions, so that the risks of cross-border transmission are much higher than ever. To forestall imported cases of infection is the latest priority of COVID-19 prevention and control. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and take no chances.

Hefei is our shared home and deserves our joint endeavors. In the face of COVID-19, we're all soldiers and it's our common responsibility to strictly prevent and contain COVID-19 cases imported from abroad.

If youre currently living overseas, studying, working or doing business abroad, in view of the unknown situation of passengers on airplanes, ships, high-speed railways and other means of transport and those in small enclosed spaces, the risk of COVID-19 transmission is much higher. Therefore, youre advised not to rush back to China in the near future in case of possible infection on the way. Meanwhile, we expect you to take care of your health, and protect yourselves properly.

If your relatives plan to return from abroad in the near future, please report this to your community (village) 24 hours in advance of their arrival, with messages including their names, health status, return date and time, and itinerary. A 14-day centralized quarantine observation shall be strictly implemented.

If there are employees in your company or organization planning to return from abroad in the near future, please get to know their health condition in advance, stay in contact with them, offer them necessary services and persuade them to postpone the trip if necessary. For those who have to return from abroad due to business reasons, a 14-day centralized quarantine observation shall be arranged by their company, organization or relevant local government. Relevant information shall be reported to the community (village) in proper time. 

If you have already come back from abroad, please report truthfully your personal information, cooperate with the relevant local government to carry out centralized quarantine observation and follow other relevant regulations on COVID-19. Those who make false declarations or conceal necessary information such as travel history shall bear legal liability. 

For anyone returning from abroad, a 14-day centralized quarantine observation shall be strictly implemented. These strict measures reflect our deep concerns. All measures adopted are for everyones health, including your relatives and neighbors. Lets join hands tightly and abide by the regulations on the epidemic, and we will surely win the war against COVID-19! We hereby extend our heartfelt gratitude to all citizens, especially Hefei-bound passengers and their relatives, for all of your understanding and great support.

Office of Emergency Command of Hefei Epidemic Prevention and Control

           March 15, 2020