Guangzhou reports 8,434 new COVID-19 cases

On the afternoon of November 20, Guangzhou held a COVID-19 Prevention and Control Press Conference to brief the latest epidemic situation in the city.

On November 19, Guangzhou reported 8,434 locally acquired COVID-19 cases, among which 27 were found in communities. Haizhu District reported 8,205 new infections, most of which were still detected in high-risk areas in Kangle-Lujiang Area of Fengyang Subdistrict, Datang Area of Nanzhou Subdistrict and Longtan Area of Huazhou Subdistrict. The number of infections in Datang Area of Nanzhou Subdistrict is rising at an alarming rate and the COVID-19 control work there is at a critical stage. The epidemic situation in Kuangquan Subdistrict of Yuexiu District still requires attention.

Zhang Yi, Deputy Director General and Spokesperson of the Guangzhou Health Commission, said that due to COVID-19 control requirements, some areas of Guangzhou are still subject to enhanced COVID-19 control measures, which caused some inconvenience to residents' life and work. However, in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, it is at times like this that solidarity, persistence and joint efforts are needed more than ever before.

According to Zhang Yi, Guangzhou has been promoting mass vaccination since the COVID-19 vaccination program was rolled out in December 2020. By far, 22.06 million people have been vaccinated, 55.5 million shots have been administered, and 14.7 million people have received booster shots. Among senior residents aged above 60 years old in Guangzhou, around 110,000 people are yet to receive the first shot, while around 220,000 people are yet to receive booster shots. The vaccination rate requires further improvement.

Zhang Yi pointed out that extensive data suggested that when exposed to COVID-19, the risks of hospitalization and death are much higher among the unvaccinated population than among those who have been vaccinated. The risk increases among older groups. Vaccination is an effective way to reduce hospitalizations and deaths and offers effective protection against the Omicron variant. Zhang Yi asked unvaccinated residents, especially senior residents and those with underlying diseases, to get vaccinated and receive booster shots in time so that they can be better protected against the virus.

Chen Xueming, Deputy Director General of the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Education, said that starting from November 21 (Monday), primary and secondary schools in Huadu, Nansha and Conghua Districts will carry on with in-person teaching. Children and teachers of kindergartens in these districts shall also return to school as usual. Primary and secondary schools in Panyu District should resume in-person teaching in an orderly manner. Kindergartens in Panyu District will also be reopened in an orderly manner.

Primary and secondary schools in the other seven districts will be temporarily closed and online teaching will be conducted. Kindergartens in these districts should also remain shut for the time being. Grade 12 students shall be subject to closed-off management in schools if on-campus accommodation is available. Off-campus training institutions shall suspend in-person teaching. Childcare institutions and nurseries shall also be temporarily shut. Closed-off management measures will continue to be implemented in universities in Guangzhou.

With regard to subsequent arrangements, municipal and district authorities will make timely decisions and targeted adjustments in accordance with the epidemic situation. Such decisions will be announced in advance. Chen Xueming reminded students and their parents that, "Everyone should keep paying attention to the health status of themselves and their family members. Parents and students should voluntarily abide by the COVID-19 control requirements of their community and school. They should provide their information in a faithful manner, take PCR tests and monitor their health status as required. Parents and students should also limit their movements and avoid unnecessary gatherings. At the same time, parents should pay attention to the emotional status of themselves and their children. Families and schools should work together to fight against COVID-19 with joint efforts."

According to Zhang Zi, Deputy Director General of the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Transportation, in order to ensure that Haizhu residents living in controlled areas can have unhindered access to medical assistance and transportation, the Municipal Bus Group established a "Fleet of Love" (Haizhu Branch) by selecting 3,00 experienced drivers and allocating 300 taxis in great condition to provide 24/7 car hire service in controlled areas. Since November 11, the fleet provided 1,759 transportation services, serving around 200 customers per day.

Currently, free PCR test stations can be found in airports, railway stations, coach stations and 35 expressway service areas across Guangzhou. Zhang Zi reminded visitors travelling (returning) to Guangzhou to complete a PCR test at transportation hubs or at nearby PCR test facilities as soon as possible. To board a flight, train or long-distance coach, residents must obtain a negative 48-hour PCR test report beforehand.

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