Infection threads intersect in Zhangjiajie, Hunan

Eleven areas in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, have been classified as medium-risk areas for COVID-19, local health authorities said in a notice on Friday morning. The city reported a new locally transmitted case on Thursday.

Based on the recent jump in confirmed cases linked to Zhangjiajie in various domestic cities — including Chengdu, Sichuan province, and Huai'an, Jiangsu province — Zhangjiajie was listed as a hot spot for spreading the current infection, the authorities said.

Access restrictions have been enforced in all of Zhangjiajie's residential communities since Friday to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the city's headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control said.

Residents have been ordered not to go outside unless absolutely necessary. All scenic spots and places where people gather in crowds, including theaters and KTVs, have been shut down.

Activities involving large groups of people are prohibited. Conferences should be held through online platforms, the authorities said.

Facilities supporting people's daily lives, including agricultural products markets, supermarkets and restaurants, were ordered to adopt strict measures for safety, including disinfection of their premises and ensuring good air circulation.

In Zhuzhou, Hunan, four asymptomatic carriers were reported by health authorities on Friday. These carriers had taken the same sightseeing boat in Changde, Hunan, as three previously confirmed cases that were reported on Tuesday in Sichuan. The three Sichuan patients had traveled to Zhangjiajie before going to Changde.

In addition, Xiangtan, Hunan, reported a new confirmed case on Friday. That person had also shared the same sightseeing boat with the three confirmed cases from Sichuan, the authorities said.