Equal Before Law

China adopts stricter measures to curb the rise of imported cases of COVID-19

- Xia Yuanyuan

It’s been over 10 years since John Vedasto Rwehumbiza, a Zambian businessman, settled in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province. He’s an old China hand and has seen a lot of change in that time, experiencing many highs and a fair share of lows.

Along with the rest of China and the world at large, Rwehumbiza is now trying to stay safe in the face of the deadly novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). He was recently placed under self-quarantine at home, following local regulations, but despite the inconvenience, he’s not complaining.

“From what I believe and what I have seen, the Chinese Government has been working very hard [in the efforts to combat COVID-19],” he said in an interview with CGTN. “When they [authorities] came to quarantine me, I knew they are trying their best to contain the problem.”

His remarks came amid viral international media reports in early April alleged that Africans in Guangzhou were faced with maltreatment and discrimination during the implementation of anti-epidemic regulations by local authorities.

After several months’ of dedicated efforts, China has achieved remarkable progress against the epidemic, thanks to a series of comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures. However, the country still faces great risks of new imported cases of COVID-19 and a domestic resurgence of the disease.

To prevent imported infections, China has taken stricter measures, requiring that everyone in China, whether foreigners or Chinese, follow the same rules, including medical treatment and community-based quarantine, according to the National Health Commission.