Li Keqiang Orders to Reduce Unnecessary Immigration... Directs Suspension of Cross-Border Travel Operations

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[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, following President Xi Jinping's directive to fully block overseas re-importation of COVID-19, has ordered strengthened airport quarantine measures and the restraint of unnecessary overseas travel.

According to the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper, People's Daily, on the 20th, Premier Li Keqiang held a meeting of the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Leading Group the previous day to seek measures to block the spread of overseas re-imported cases. Premier Li stated, "The overseas spread of COVID-19 is rapidly progressing, increasing the number of re-imported cases in China and intensifying control pressures. We must strengthen international cooperation and properly manage quarantine measures for flights."

He particularly emphasized the need to strengthen quarantine and prevention measures for flights arriving from key COVID-19 outbreak regions, instructing, "Those who provide false information or conceal illness must be held accountable according to the law."

He also said, "Travel advisories should be updated to raise awareness of risks related to cross-border travel and unnecessary overseas trips," adding, "Outbound and inbound travel services will be suspended."

Premier Li explained, "Cross-border passenger transport via roads will also be suspended, and international passenger ship management will be strengthened. Areas with a high likelihood of re-imported cases must enhance the stockpiling of quarantine supplies and medicines, and medical and quarantine facilities must be well prepared in advance."

While ordering strengthened quarantine management to prevent COVID-19 re-importation, Premier Li noted that the response level to COVID-19 is decreasing in most regions within China, stating, "We must proceed with the full restoration of production and daily life order, focusing on low-risk areas. For people coming from low-risk areas, there is no need to implement quarantine measures before returning to work."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.