A Letter to Foreign Friends in Foshan

　　As the COVID-19 virus has continued to spread globally, a number of newly confirmed cases and asymptomatic infections have been reported in Foshan recently. Currently, we are taking swift, strict and decisive actions to curb the spread of the virus. All of our approaches are science-based, and we need every resident in our city to cooperate with us. Foreign nationals have always been important members of our community, and we have always cared about your health and safety. We now urge you to take the following actions:

　　First, support our control and prevention policies.

　　Our healthcare professionals are treating patients, tracing contacts, conducting nucleic acid tests, and disinfecting key areas within the city. If you are approached by government employees, community organizers, or healthcare workers, please support them by answering their questions. Our professionals also need to clean and disinfect the areas contaminated by the confirmed or asymptomatic patients based on epidemiological investigations. We urge you to postpone or cancel large-scale events and suspend non-essential group activities. Be cautious when you invite guests to your private residence.

　　Second, get vaccinated.

　　Vaccination is a scientific and effective way to achieve herd immunity and reduce infection. In accordance with the principles of "informed consent, voluntariness, self-paying, and own risk-bearing", vaccination is recommended for you and your family unless special circumstances prevent you from doing so. Please, consult a healthcare provider to assess the risks.

　　Third, stay safe by taking some simple precautions.

　　Follow the latest updates from official sources, such as Guangdong Health Commission (广东卫生信息), Updates in Foshan (佛山发布), Foshan Foreign Affairs (佛山外事) and other public accounts on WeChat. Do not trust nor spread unverified information. Please keep good personal hygiene, for example, wear masks, wash hands often, keep rooms well ventilated, keep social distance, avoid crowds and gathering and dine out less. Please have good food hygiene and purchase frozen food from authorized supermarkets. Follow the instructions from the community and avoid visiting any medium-or-high-risk areas recently unless necessary.

　　Fourth, keep monitoring personal health conditions.

　　If you or your family members have fever, cough, ageusia or anosmia, please seek for medical treatments from our designated fever clinics immediately. Please wear masks well, avoid taking public transportation and make an honest disclosure about the personal history of traveling.

　　Foshan Foreign Affairs Bureau

June 1, 2021