A Letter to All Foreign Friends in Chongqing

Dear foreign friends:

On the occasion of the 2020 Spring Festival, we would like to express our best wishes to you and a happy new year!

Since the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and Municipal Government have attached great importance to combatting it and have taken aggressive action to contain the outbreak. On January 24, 2020, the first-level public health emergency response was initiated, and various efficient and orderly epidemic prevention efforts have been made. Hereby, we advocate the following to all foreigners in Chongqing:

I. Strengthening self-protection with less outdoor activities, avoiding crowded places, and reducing group activities such as gatherings and dinners. Please wear appropriate masks correctly when going out. Medical-surgical masks are preferred. Discarded masks should be placed according to regulations. Maintain good hygiene habits such as regular hand washing and avoid touching alien surfaces and then your face. Avoiding contact with any wildlife or poultry. Meat and eggs should be cooked thoroughly.

II. Pay attention to official information. The official website of the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission (wsjkw.cq.gov.cn) will regularly update information on the novel coronavirus in Chongqing. You can also refer to the news released by the National Health Committee of China to learn about the nationwide situation. If you have any questions or suggestions, you can leave a message on the official website mentioned above, or you can call the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission’s foreign affairs line: 159 3221 1975, and we will respond to your concerns promptly.

III. If you have visited high-risk areas recently or have come in contact with people who come from high-risk areas, please pay close attention to your health and report to your employer or local community staff as soon as possible. If the community workers or medical staff ask about your health, please provide them with information in a timely manner.

IV. Chongqing has designated the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Address: No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuanjiagang, Yuzhong District, Chongqing) and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (Address: No.76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing) for foreigners. Please visit these two hospitals when needed. The consultation telephone of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University is 189 6005 7408, and the consultation telephone of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University is 159 2266 6878.

We should stand together to fight the virus. With your support, we are more confident in overcoming the epidemic as soon as possible. We wish you all good health and safety!

Foreign Affairs Office of Chongqing Municipal People's Government

January 27, 2020