China’s Shenzhen cracks down on cross-border drivers to stop imported Covid-19 infections from Hong Kong
- Motorists crossing the border have been warned they will face strict penalties for breaching the rules after a number of imported cases
- Commercial travellers, such as truck drivers, can cross the border without quarantine if they undergo a number of checks
The southern Chinese province of Guangdong has tightened its Covid-19 controls to prevent imported cases from neighbouring Hong Kong.
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Xu Wei, deputy director of the Shenzhen Transport Bureau, said on Thursday night that Shenzhen had punished 882 truck drivers who violated the rules by suspending their exemptions from entry quarantine for 60 days or permanently cancelling them.
Two drivers who deliberately evaded supervision were also being investigated and might face penalties, Xu said.
Truck drivers crossing the border must make appointments in advance online before they are allowed to enter the mainland from Hong Kong without having to quarantine.
When they cross the border, they must provide a negative coronavirus test result and then undergo a range of further tests and stick to a strict route.