City launches 'people's war', rewards tip-offs on virus origins

 
Authorities of Heihe border city in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province launched on Monday a "people's war" against the latest COVID-19 flareup with rewards of 100,000 yuan ($15,640) to local residents who offer important clues for tracing the origins of the virus in the latest outbreak with 240 infections recorded as of Sunday. 

Tracing the sources of the virus and its transmission chain is the top priority and a people's war on epidemic prevention and control is needed, the city's government said in an announcement released on Sunday. 

"It is hoped that the general public could actively cooperate with the tracing of the virus and provide clues to the probe," the announcement said. 

To those who provide valuable clues to help find the origins, the government will provide a reward of 100,000 yuan. 

However, to those who intentionally conceal or refuse to provide true information that affects the probe, the government will impose severe punishment in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. Those who have committed slight violations and reported themselves actively could be pardoned.

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The government reminded local residents to immediately report to the police if they discover any clues related to crimes like animal smuggling, illegal hunting and cross-border fishing.

Since October 1, those who purchase imported goods online, especially frozen food, should immediately disinfect the articles and packaging, send them to the city's Center for Disease Control and Prevention for virus testing and keep the voucher of the courier for future reference, according to the announcement. 

If any evidence of transmission is found from humans, objects or locations that have been in contact with confirmed cases, local residents are required to immediately report to the source tracing team and voluntarily provide relevant materials, food and packaging.

In order to prevent imported infections and stop the transmission chain of the virus through goods, the local epidemic prevention and control work team of Xunke county in Heihe asked local residents on Sunday to stop purchasing any goods that come from countries affected by the pandemic .

Meanwhile, logistics and courier companies are required to immediately seal parcels mailed from abroad in a designated area and report to the county's epidemic prevention and control authority.