The Ministry of Culture and Tourism ("MCT") has recently issued the Guidelines for Epidemic Prevention and Control Measures for Reopening of Tourist Attractions (the "Guidelines").
The Guidelines lay down 18 measures in five aspects including general requirements for reopening of scenic spots. Among the measures are adhering to the principle of targeted measures for regions with different levels of epidemic risks to avoid a sweeping approach. Among others, the Guidelines call for comprehensive evaluations of the conditions and necessity to re-open tourist attractions, as required for preventing transmission of the coronavirus from other regions as well as within the local region. Tourist attractions in the regions with high risks should not be reopened at the time being, and whether those in the regions with medium or low risks could be reopened should be determined by the local party committee and government. Meanwhile, the Guidelines require employees to follow strict instructions while getting back to work, stating that they must carry out effective self-protection by "wearing the face mask, washing hands frequently and keeping a safe distance from others". Also, management of employees' meal time should be strengthened by suggesting employees to have meals at non-peak time, a move to reduce personnel gatherings; meetings should be lessened as much as possible, and those meetings that are a must should be convened with fewer attendees and be concluded in a shorter period of time. Furthermore, the Guidelines stipulate good medical services, strict control of foot traffic, swift response to emergencies, etc.