Nationwide epidemic alert to remain at Level 2 from January 9 to January 24; CECC makes adjustments to related measures and urges public to continue following epidemic prevention and control measures


PublishTime:2022-01-09
In response to the threat posed by the Omicron variant, after discussions with relevant agencies and assessments, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on January 9 that it will maintain the Level 2 epidemic alert, effective from January 9 and January 24. Adjustments and related regulations are listed below.

A. Mask rules are tightened; masks are required when outside except for the exceptions listed below.
a. Masks are now required when exercising, singing, taking photos, livestreaming, filming, moderating an event, reporting news, delivering remarks, giving a speech, lecturing, or during activities or events involving conversations with others.
b. In the following situations, people are not be required to wear a mask, but they should carry a mask with them. Masks are still required if COVID-19 symptoms are present and social distancing cannot be maintained.
1. When people in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and animal husbandry sectors work in open spaces (such as farm fields, fish ponds, forests and mountains);
2.When people are in forests/mountains (including forest recreation areas) and on the beach;
3. When people are in hot/cold springs, dry sauna rooms, spas, steam rooms, saunas, during water activities, or in venues where masks can get wet easily;
c. Masks may be removed when consuming food/beverages;
d. Masks may be temporarily removed in venues or during activities (e.g. art performers performing a show, film crews/TV news anchors when filming, and athletes and referees participating in sports competitions) that comply with the CECC's or competent authority's epidemic prevention and control rules.

B. Commercial business venues and public venue (including transportation) must abide by: Contact information registration, temperature measurement, enhanced disinfection of environments, health management among staff members, and timely responses to the occurrence of confirmed cases.

C. Crowd control at stores, supermarkets, and markets: a distance of at least 1.5 meters per person (2.25 square meters per person) is required indoors and a distance of at least 1 meter per person (1 square meter per person) is required outdoors; food sampling is not allowed.

D. Dining venues should: implement contact information registration, take temperatures, provide hand washing and disinfection equipment; toasting each table is not allowed at banquets.