In response to gradual easing of border restrictions, CECC plans

On September 22, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced that, in response to the gradual relaxation of border restrictions, it will adjust the quarantine policy for arriving travelers in two phases. After observing the COVID-19 situation for a week, in the first phase starting 00:00 on September 29 (incoming flight's scheduled arrival time), the CECC will adopt the rule of one person per room for the first three days of quarantine. In the second phase, based on developments in the COVID-19 situation, border controls will be relaxed by lifting quarantine and enforcing a seven-day self-initiated epidemic prevention, which are scheduled to take effect on October 13. Adjustments to related plans are listed below.

I. Quarantine period: quarantine will be lifted, but a seven-day self-initiated epidemic prevention will be required.

II. Rapid testing using at-home rapid test kits:

A. Who will get at-home rapid test kits and how many rapid test kits: four rapid test kits will be given to arrivals aged 2 and older by workers at international airports/ports upon arrival.

B. When to use rapid tests:

1. On the day of arrival or the first day of the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.

2. During the self-initiated epidemic prevention period, a negative result from an at-home rapid test taken within two days is required before a traveler goes out.

3. Symptoms develop during the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.

C. In consideration of the age limit on who can use at-home rapid test kits, children under two years of age will not be required to take rapid tests during the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.

III. Epidemic prevention rules to follow during the seven-day self-initiated epidemic prevention period:

A. In principle, an arrival should stay at home or a residence of a friend or family member or a hotel room that meets the requirement of "one person per room" (with an en suite bathroom) in the self-initiated epidemic prevention period.

B. During the self-initiated epidemic prevention period, arriving travelers should avoid coming into contact with persons who have high risk of developing severe COVID-19 (including elderly people 65 and older, children under 6, and individuals who are immunocompromised or have a weak immune system.

C. During the self-initiated epidemic prevention period, arriving travelers should rest at home if they experience symptoms. If they don't experience symptoms, a negative result from an at-home rapid test taken within two days is required before they go out, go to work, or attend school.

D. Arriving travelers can dine alone or with specific persons in a separate space in a restaurant if they need to eat. They should immediately put on a mask when they leave their seat or finish eating. Masks can be temporarily removed when dining and should be put on after finishing dining.

E. Arriving travelers cannot visit or stay with a hospitalized individual in a hospital. Non-urgent medical services or examinations should be postponed. Arriving travelers should avoid going to long-term care facilities.

F. Travelers with COVID-19 who have mild symptoms can receive home care at a quarantine hotel or the place where they undergo self-initiated epidemic prevention (general hotel not included).