Notice on n-CoV Coronavirus and Special Measures Enacted
| CanCham Shanghai would like to keep you informed of the ongoing Coronavirus situation in China. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the n-CoV Coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This follows on extraordinary measures already taken by the Chinese Government to contain the outbreak, including the quarantine of the city of Wuhan and other cities largely in the province of Hubei. Additional travel restrictions across the China were similarly implemented, while public places were closed until further notice. EXTENSION OF HOLIDAYS The Chinese Government has extended the Chinese New Year holiday to February 2nd, while the Shanghai Government extended the holiday to February 9th. Before this time, no companies are to resume work. The measure is applicable to government and private companies but is not applicable to utilities and some other firms such as medical equipment companies and pharmaceutical companies. We advise you to check with your company’s HR department for further details, including the possibility of remote work until further notice. In addition, all universities, vocational schools, high schools, secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens, and nurseries are to remain closed until February 17th. Similar measures have been enacted by other city governments, including Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Chengdu, and more. Please consult your local city government press releases for specified additional information. For Shanghai, official notice can be found on the city government website www.shanghai.gov.cn INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS Since the WHO announcement, 62 countries (at time of writing) have placed travel restrictions on people travelling from China. These may include health declarations upon entry, enforced temperature checks, temporary denial of travel visas, quarantine, or outright temporary travel ban. Some destinations have banned travellers who have travelled through or originate from Hubei province, while other destinations have temporarily banned travel from the China Mainland en masse. Note that at the time of writing this notice (Feb 2), Canada has NOT placed restrictions on travellers travelling from China, unless travelling from Hubei province. 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. For destinations other than Canada, as these policies are constantly shifting, we cannot provide an accurate list of each country’s current travel restrictions at this time. Please consult the tourism or immigration department websites of the country you are travelling to in order to know the most recent official policy regarding your entry into your destination location. AIR CANADA FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS Air Canada announced the cancellation of all flights between Shanghai / Beijing and Canada until February 29. Please contact Air Canada regarding rebooking, refunds, and other details regarding pre-booked flights during this time. |
| 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 n-CoV NUMBERS(As of Feb 2) 14,483 Confirmed cases in China 19,544 Suspected cases in China 359 Recovered patients released from hospital in China 304 Fatalities related to n-CoV in China 146 Confirmed cases internationally 12 Recovered patients released from hospital internationally 1 Fatality related to n-CoV internationally ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE VIRUS It is a large size cell (roughly 400-500nm diameter). Normal masks should be able to filter it out. N95 masks offer additional protection to those who need it. If an infected individual sneezes, it will travel 3 metres before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne. 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. The virus can remain active on fabric up to 12 hours. Normal laundry detergent should kill the virus if present. SYMPTOMS Throat infection. Lasting 3 to 4 days. Nasal fluid, dripping into the trachea, entering the lungs, causing pneumonia. Lasting 5-6 days. High fever and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia causes severe nasal blockage and a sensation of drowning in water. Seek immediate medical attention. PREVENTION 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. 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. We will be working remotely until further notice, but fully reachable. The CanCham community wishes you good health, and we will see each other in person again soon! |
