According to the officially released information from the Jiangsu Provincial Health Commission, between 00:00 and 24:00, March 26, one imported case of COVID-19 was reported in Changzhou, Jiangsu. As of this update, a total of 10 imported cases have been reported in the province.

The case, a Chinese national, left Sao Paulo for Shanghai on March 18, took a connecting flight in Dubai and entered China via Beijing on the following day. The person arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on March 20 and got back to Changzhou by private car. On March 23, the person claimed to be sick amidst home quarantine, and was then sent to hospital for medical observation. On March 25, the person was tested positive for coronavirus with certain chest CT imaging features. On March 26, the person was diagnosed with COVID-19.

As of the 26th 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 12,763 close contacts, 12,652 have been discharged from medical observation, while 111 are still under observation.

Experts note that at the current stage of pandemic control, curbing imported cases has become the top priority which requires joint efforts in a coordinated manner. Concrete measures for targeted control should be adopted while orderly promoting the resumption of production and life.

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.