Epidemic control in key areas and of groups was increased immediately after an asymptomatic COVID-19 carrier surnamed Deng was discovered in Zhuhai. Deng arrived in the city July 19 via flight CZ5846 from Nanjing Lukou International Airport at which several staff have tested positive.

Deng was sent to a local hotel for centralized quarantine July 21 because Nanjing is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19. The person tested negative four times before found positive on Sunday and was then transferred to the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University for treatment.

An epidemiological survey of Deng's close contacts was promptly taken, and the related residence and workplace were disinfected. Key groups and venues in Xiangzhou District are now under strengthened supervision and management, Xu Chaolong, director of the Zhuhai Health Bureau, said at a July 26 press conference.

Press conference [Photo by Chen Jiazhe / Zhuhai Media Group]

A 14-day lockdown was imposed Monday on the Everbright (Guangda) International Trade Center, Greenery Hotel, Guizhou Weicai Restaurant, and Laochuanfang Restaurant in Jida Subdistrict.

The area west of South Haibin Road, north of Yuanlin Road, east of Jingle Road, south of First Jixing Alley, east of Jingyuan Road, and south of Jida Road may be entered but not left, (tentatively for 14 days, depending on the situation of epidemic prevention and control dynamic adjustment). Gatherings are banned there and at the corner between the Everbright International Trade Center and South Haibin Road.

In addition, residents in the larger area west of South Haibin Road, east of Jingshan Road and north of Jiuzhou Avenue must avoid travel other than commuting between home and work (tentatively for seven days). This area contains Crowne Plaza Zhuhai City Center (Holiday Inn), Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a kindergarten and primary school.

The entirety of Xiangzhou District is under close monitoring with strengthened management of key groups and venues.

Citywide nucleic acid testing will be completed by midnight tonight. As of 3 pm on Monday, 1.996 million residents had tested negative in the mass screening, while the results for 270,500 people are yet to be reported, according to the Zhuhai Health Bureau.

Locals should not go out or gather, increase self-protection, receive vaccinations, and pay close attention to epidemic control measures, which are subject to dynamic change, said Mei Wenhua, Party secretary of the Zhuhai Center for Disease Control & Prevention.