Guangzhou has designated 16 hospitals across 11 districts for expats to take nucleic acid tests with their valid ID documents to further control the risk of imported novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, Xia Haihui, an official of the Guangzhou municipal health commission, said at a press conference held on April 16.

Medical workers that are able to speak foreign languages have been arranged at the hospitals to better serve foreigners. Translation machines are also available.

Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center (Zhujiang New Town) has been specially arranged to provide tests for foreign children, Xia said.

According to Xia, expats are required to take a test in one of the 16 hospitals on the seventh and 14th day after being released from quarantine and medical observation.

Those who might have had contact with confirmed or suspected cases are also encouraged to go for a test, especially those who have an international travel history or have developed fever or respiratory symptoms. "It's a responsible move for your own health and for others," Xia said, adding that those who want assurance also can take a test.

Besides the test sites at the following 16 hospitals, expats can also go to fever clinics to get tested under the guidance of medical workers, after reporting their epidemiological history.

List of hospitals designated to provide tests for expats:

After Guangzhou released its No 7 notification on COVID-19 prevention and control on March 22, the city had tracked down all inbound travelers from abroad who arrived after March 8 and weren't quarantined at that time, offering them tests.  

To date, the city has recorded 39 confirmed cases and 102 asymptomatic cases of foreign nationality. Among them, 15 confirmed infections are being treated in hospitals, while 72 without symptoms are still under medical observation.