COVID-19 has spread to 61 countries as of March 2. New cases in South Korea, Japan, Italy, Iran and other countries have increased significantly. Imported cases have been found in many regions of China, including Beijing, Zhejiang and Shenzhen. We suggest the following prevention and control methods for overseas Chinese:

Keep up to date on the local epidemic situation and cooperate with the local government in carrying out prevention and control measures pursuant to infectious-disease-related laws and regulations of the country or region you are in.

Read the websites of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing Center for Diseases Prevention and Control and other official agencies to see prevention and control requirements and health tips with regard to COVID-19.

Eight personal protective measures:

First, maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, drink plenty of water, and change and wash clothes frequently. Wash hands after coming home, before eating meals and after using the toilet; hands must be washed or disinfected with hand disinfectant after touching articles that may be contaminated.

Second, wear a face mask when going out, taking the elevator, taking public transportation, or in other closed environments.

Third, maintain a clean living environment. Ventilate 2-3 times a day for more than 30 minutes each time while keeping yourself warm during ventilation.

Fourth, avoid peak meal times in public places and reduce close contact with others.

Fifth, wear a mask when receiving visitors. Avoid shaking hands, giving hugs, and maintain a distance of more than one meter.

Sixth, avoid dinner parties and activities in crowded public places, especially places with poor air flow, such as theaters, bars, internet cafes, shopping malls, stations, docks, exhibition halls, museums, public baths, hot springs, etc.

Seventh, avoid spitting anywhere, use elbows or paper towels to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with hands. Wrap nasal and oral secretions with a paper towel and dispose of them in covered dustbins.

Eighth, if you share a room with others or live in someone else’s home, observe whether any living mates are running a fever, receiving medical treatment or experiencing other abnormal conditions.

If you have a fever, dry cough and other symptoms, please immediately seek medical treatment at the nearest medical institution and inform the medical personnel of your relevant contact history. During treatment, avoid touching articles in the clinic, and avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.

During the COVID-19 outbreak period, please remains calm and do not travel unless necessary. Please conduct international travel in strict accordance with the relevant recommendations and requirements of local authorities and Chinese embassies. If you have been in close contact with COVID-19 cases, you should cancel any travel plans and conduct isolated medical observation on site.

The World Health Organization has raised the global risk assessment level of COVID-19 to “very high”. Therefore, it is necessary for every country and every person to work together to fight against the epidemic.