More public places scrap PCR checks
MORE public venues in Shanghai will scrap nucleic acid testing requirements in a further relaxation of the city’s COVID-19 prevention and control measures.
From today, a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test report will be only required at elderly care institutions, child welfare institutions, medical institutions, schools (including kindergartens), indoor entertainment venues (including KTV, poker and chess rooms, room escape and live action role-play games and Internet bars), catering services (including bars) as well as other places in the city with special COVID-19 prevention requirements.
Except for these places, local residents will no longer be required to show a negative PCR report to enter public venues, the city’s COVID-19 prevention and control authority said yesterday.
However, people traveling or returning to Shanghai from other provinces will still be banned from entering a list of public venues, including eateries, supermarkets and entertainment venues, for five days upon arrival, Shanghaifabu, the city’s official WeChat account, explained in reply to online requests.
All the regular PCR sample collection sites will be retained across the city and will keep providing free testing services.
People who fail to receive a PCR test for a week will no longer see their health code turn yellow, the authority said.
Residents are still encouraged to scan the venue codes. They should keep wearing masks, maintain social distance and ensure personal hygiene as well as take the COVID vaccines as soon as possible.
“Citizens should take chief responsibility of their own health,” the authority reminded.
From yesterday, citizens are no longer required to show a negative PCR test report to take Metro, buses, ferries and other in-city public transportation amid a nationwide adjustment to pandemic control policies.
Yesterday morning, staff at the downtown People’s Square Metro
Station reminded passengers to show a green code instead of a negative 72-hour PCR test result.
Passengers who don’t have a smartphone are required to use a printed suishenma, Shanghai’s health code. Staff members will confirm their health information, according to Mao Xiaolei, a Metro official.
Metro stations have also prepared emergency plans for passengers whose codes are yellow or red.
Local parks, scenic spots and other outdoor public venues have also stopped checking PCR test report at the entrances.
The measures will be further adjusted according to the national policies and COVID-19 situation, the local authority added.