Staffers conduct disinfection on packages arrving from outside the country in the terminal site of Beijing Air Mail Processing Center on November 19, 2021. Photo: CFP

Local health authorities across China have been stepping up efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the winter season by further strengthening protocols and measures for imported non-cold-chain goods. 

The Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a revised version of guidelines targeting imported non-cold-chain goods on Monday. 

According to the guidelines, imported non-cold-chain goods should be tested and properly disinfected upon arrival, registration should be completed at each stage of processing, including customs clearance, storage, logistics and other procedures. 

Personnel who come into contact with imported goods should strengthen prevention measures, while monitoring and detection mechanism for personnel such as cleaning staff and environment should be improved.

The Beijing CDC also suggested consumers to disinfect imported packages and dispose packaging immediately after receiving the goods. If individuals experience symptoms including fever within 14 days of receiving an imported package, they should seek assistance at their nearest hospital or medical facility. 

Southwest China's Sichuan Province held a meeting on November 11 issuing new guidance aimed at further deploying disease prevention resources for dealing with imported non-cold-chain cargo containers from high-risk countries and regions, according to a recent statement posted on the provincial government's official website on November 18. 

Global Times