According to the officially released information from the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission, between 00:00 and 24:00, March 21, two imported cases of COVID-19 were reported in Jiangsu, one in Suzhou and the other in Suqian.

Case 1 is a citizen of Suzhou who recently went to Thailand for training. The patient left Phuket and entered Shanghai on March 12, and was then picked up by a friend. On March 18, the patient was sent to hospital after showing relevant symptoms amidst self-quarantine at home. On March 21, the patient was diagnosed as a moderate case of COVID-19.

Case 2 is a citizen of Suqian who was studying abroad in the United Kingdom. The patient left London on March 18 and entered Guangzhou via Singapore. On March 20, the patient flew to Nanjing and was then picked up by the Suqian Working Group to a designated quarantine venue. The next day, the patient was sent to hospital after showing relevant symptoms and was diagnosed as a moderate case.

As of the 21st 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 12,676 close contacts, 12,648 have been discharged from medical observation, while 28 are still under observation.

To further reduce the risk of imported cases, all Jiangsu-bound travelers 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. Passengers who have traveled to or lived in “key countries under surveillance� must abide by the regulations released via notices by Foreign Affairs Office of Jiangsu Provincial People’s Government. 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 in 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.