CanCham Update on COVID-19 Situation

février 19, 2020 / CanCham

CanCham Shanghai would like to keep you informed of the ongoing COVID-19 situation in China.

February 19th 2020

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (CanCham Shanghai) takes the safety of Canadian communities living in China very seriously and is fully mobilized to in the face of the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the COVID-19 virus.

CanCham Shanghai has been closely monitoring the emergence of the new coronavirus since the first documented outbreak in late 2019. Regular updates including advice and recommendations issued by the Canadian and Chinese governments and the WHO are provided to nationals living in China in order to prevent and control the spread of the virus.

Our staff remains fully mobilized throughout these difficult times to support members of the Canadian business communities and provide advice and on how to mitigate the impact of this crisis on their businesses while ensuring the safety of those involved.

RETURN TO WORK

Shanghai, as well as many other provinces and municipalities, returned to work on February 10th, after an extended holiday designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Shanghai government estimated 70% of manufacturing companies went back online, while 80% of tertiary industry companies resumed operation. Many companies are opting to work remotely until able to return to office. Companies who intend to return to the office must comply with regulations outlined by the government in the “Notice on Resuming Work and Production of Enterprises”. These include reporting travel patterns of employees over the past two weeks and ensuring public office spaces are to standard to prevent further outbreak, including temperature measuring checkpoints, protective masks issued to all employees, hand sanitizer stations set up, the cessation of central heating system use unless ventilated, and other prevention and control measures.

Relief for hard hit businesses has been announced by the Shanghai government. These include reduction and exemption of corporate rents during the months of February and March for tenants in government owned properties. Various district level governments have outlined additional measures, while the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission called on banks to provide optimal rates and better financing services. Additional policies are expected to be announced in the future.

SCHOOLS CONTINUE CLOSURE

Kindergartens, schools, universities, and training centers continue to be closed until further notice. There is no new date given for expected reopening. Many schools are offering remote online classes and courses in the interim. Grades 1-12 will begin regular scheduled remote classes on March 2.

COMMUNITY VIRUS PREVENTION MEASURES

Residential complexes in Shanghai have been ordered to set up checkpoints at compound entrances and exits in order to monitor and record the temperatures of all residents. In many compounds, visitors are not allowed entry until further notice. All deliveries must be picked up at the gate.

Large-scale meetings and events are banned until further notice. Sporting venues, gyms, theatres, museums, and other public institutions are also closed until further notice.

Some people with no residential or business connections to Shanghai have been temporarily barred from entering the city.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Note that at the time of writing this notice (Feb 18), Canada has NOT placed restrictions on travellers travelling from China, but advises against non-essential travel to Mainland China, and all travel to the province of Hubei. Additionally, if you are arriving to Canada from Hubei province, or have visited the province in the last 14 days, you may be subject to quarantine. Please consult www.travel.gc.ca for more and updated information as the situation progresses.

To date, 64 countries have announced travel advisories, restrictions, travel bans, or flight suspensions to and from China. See Annex I of this notice for a full list of such announcements. Please advise the status of these announcements may change without notice.

AIR CANADA FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

Air Canada announced the cancellation of all flights between Shanghai / Beijing and Canada until March 27 from Canada and March 28 from China. Please see last section of this email for an official notice from Air Canada regarding rebooking, refunds, and other details regarding pre-booked flights during this time.

If you have issues contacting Air Canada Support, CanCham Shanghai and Air Canada started a group chat to help serve affected flyers during this time. Join through the QR Code below:

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

If you are in an emergency or in need of consular assistance, any specific questions or concerns should be directed by email to sos@international.gc.ca or by phone at 1-613-996-8885. The situation is being managed in real time in Ottawa.

LATEST COVID-19 NUMBERS

(As of Feb 18)

72,530 Confirmed cases in China
6,242 Suspected cases in China
12,697 Recovered patients released from hospital in China
1870 Fatalities related to COVID-19 in China (including Hong Kong & Taiwan)
806 Confirmed cases internationally
115 Recovered patients released from hospital internationally
3 Fatality related to COVID-19 internationally

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE COVID-19 VIRUS

1. It is a large size cell (roughly 400-500nm diameter). Normal masks should offer enough protection. N95 masks offer additional protection to those who need it.

2. If an infected individual sneezes, it will travel 3 metres before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.

3. When the virus drops on a metal surface, it can live for 12-plus hours. If your touch metal surfaces, wash your hands with soap thoroughly.

4. The virus can remain active on fabric up to 12 hours. Normal laundry detergent should kill the virus if present.

SYMPTOMS

1. Throat infection. Lasting 3 to 4 days.

2. Nasal fluid, dripping into the trachea, entering the lungs, causing pneumonia. Lasting 5-6 days.

3. High fever and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia causes severe nasal blockage and a sensation of drowning in water. Seek immediate medical attention.

PREVENTION

1. Most common transmission of virus is through touching things in public, then touching your face. Wash your hands with soap often, especially after being outside.

2. Some reports state you can contract the virus through your eyes. Be vigilant not to rub your eyes after touching things before washing your hands.

IN CASE OF SICKNESS

If you feel the described symptoms, foreign expats in Shanghai have been instructed to go to the following hospitals to receive treatment:

Adults:

– HuaShan Hospital

12 Wulumuqi Rd. Middle

contact: Mrs. Lu, 13918274328

– ZhongShan Hospital

1609 Xietu Rd./ 180 Fenglin Rd.

contact: Mr. Suo, 13681941201

– RuiJin Hospital

197 Ruijin er Rd.

contact: Mr. Yang 18917762964

Mr. Gao 18917762055

– Shanghai 1st People’s Hospital

85 WuJin Rd.

contact: Mr. Shen 13386259607

– Renji East Branch hospital

160 Pujian Rd.

contact: Mr. Zhang 13341967859

Children:

– Pediatric Hospital of Fudan University

399 WanYuan RD.

contact: Mr. Zhang, 18017591020

– Shanghai Children’s Medical Center

1678 Dongfang RD.

contact: Ms. Yang, 18930830672

Annotation: Those who are confirmed of the new coronavirus will be transferred to two special medical centres (one for adults and one for children).

COMMUNITY MATTERS

During this time, we hope you will continue to conduct your business in a safe and healthy manner with China. Do not hesitate to contact CanCham for any assistance or inquiries at info@cancham.asia. We are working remotely, and will be back in office soon. All CanCham in-person events are postponed until further notice.

Join us in the meantime on our upcoming Webinars!

The CanCham community wishes you good health, and we will see each other in person again soon!

ANNEX I– GLOBAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

Global Travel Restrictions

Imposed Amid Novel Coronavirus Outbreak

Updated Feb 17, 2020