According to the officially released information from the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission, between 00:00 and 24:00, March 24, two imported cases of COVID-19 were reported in Jiangsu, one in Nantong and the other in Yancheng. As of this update, a total of seven imported cases have been reported in the province.

Case 1, a resident of Nantong, left London for Shanghai on March 18 and arrived at Pudong International Airport the following day. The person was seated in a quarantine area en route after showing relevant symptoms. With throat swab taken at the airport for a nucleic acid test (NAT), the person was then sent to a designated hotel for medical quarantine. Tested negative for coronavirus on March 22, the person was shuttled to a designated quarantine venue in Nantong. On March 23, the person was sent to hospital after being tested positive for the virus, and was later diagnosed with COVID-19 on March 24.

Case 2, a resident of Yancheng, left London for Beijing on March 18 and arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport on March 19. Arranged by the Jiangsu task force in Beijing, the person took a CRH train to Yancheng the same day, and was then shuttled to a designated quarantine venue. On March 23, the person was sent to hospital after being tested positive for coronavirus. On March 24, the person was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Yancheng.

As of the 24th of March, no new confirmed local cases were reported in Jiangsu. All the previously confirmed 631 local cases in the province have been discharged from hospital.

Of the traced 12,746 close contacts, 12,649 have been discharged from medical observation, while 97 are still under observation.

To further reduce the risk of imported cases, starting from March 23, all Jiangsu-bound travelers will be shuttled to designated venues at their destinations for the mandatory 14-day quarantine. Passengers must comply with the regulations for pandemic control, truthfully declare their travel history and health condition, and report to their employers and residential communities prior to the return journey. Those who visited or returned to Jiangsu from abroad should seek treatment at designated fever clinics if symptoms such as fever or cough occurs, and report their whereabouts during the past two weeks.

Experts urge the public to take necessary health precautions and maintain healthy hygiene habits such as wearing a mask when going out, washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and keeping your room well-ventilated. Avoid crowded places so as to reduce your risk of infection.

Different population groups should follow the precautionary recommendations and tips included in the Guidelines on the Use of Masks, and properly wear a face mask under various circumstances. This is not only protecting yourself, but also being supportive to others.