Q: Where should lockdown measures be applied during an COVID-19 outbreak?

A: High-risk areas, mostly confined to residential units or buildings, can be locked down, according to a protocol released by the State Council's Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism on Nov 19.

The protocol on COVID-19 risk categorization and management said that areas where infected people live and areas deemed to be at high risk of virus transmission due to frequent visits by those high risk people can be categorized as high risk. The scope of high-risk areas can be expanded moderately when transmission chains are unclear. 

It said high-risk areas should be locked down, and round-the-clock patrol or electric door seals can be deployed to prevent population movement. Meanwhile, designated vehicles and personnel should be arranged to transport residents who need medical treatment.