As China continues to refine its public health response to the ongoing pandemic, regional authorities have adjusted routine nucleic acid testing (NAT) requirements—shifting from weekly or daily protocols to less frequent, risk-based intervals. These updates reflect evolving epidemiological conditions and a strategic pivot toward more targeted surveillance, while maintaining readiness for rapid outbreak containment.
In Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, the standard interval for community-wide NAT has been shortened from every seven days to every three days. Similarly, Hefei, Anhui Province, has reduced its free, citywide sampling frequency from weekly to once every five days. In Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, individuals must present a negative NAT result obtained within the prior 48 hours to access public venues—including shopping malls, restaurants, and public transit. A comparable 48-hour requirement is now in effect for rail and bus station entry in Linyi, Shandong Province. Meanwhile, Haikou, Hainan Province, has temporarily suspended operations at entertainment and leisure venues for one week and mandates a 48-hour negative NAT for all outbound travelers departing the island. In Lanzhou, Gansu Province, authorities have initiated a four-round citywide screening campaign and require incoming or returning residents to provide proof of a negative NAT test taken within the previous 24 hours.
These localized adjustments underscore that while national transmission remains low in many areas, vigilance remains essential. Public health officials emphasize continued adherence to foundational infection prevention measures: consistent mask-wearing in crowded or poorly ventilated settings, frequent hand hygiene, adequate indoor ventilation, maintenance of physical distancing, and avoidance of large gatherings or nonessential group dining.
NAT results are accessible digitally through standardized national platforms. Users can retrieve reports via Alipay by searching “Nucleic Acid Test Result Inquiry” and selecting the official “Nucleic Acid Test Inquiry—National” service. The portal supports both self-inquiry and proxy verification—enabling caregivers to retrieve test records for elderly relatives or minors by entering the individual’s full name and national identification number. Results appear as downloadable, timestamped electronic certificates compliant with national health data standards.