On 11 April 2022, the U.S. Mission in China issued a Health Alert regarding the citywide lockdown in Shanghai, which reads in part as follows: “On April 8, the U.S. Department of State authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. Government employees and their family members at U.S. Consulate General Shanghai, effective immediately. The Department of State made this decision due to the surge in COVID-19 cases and impact of restrictions related to the implementation of public health response measures. While the Consulate General remains closed to the public due to local COVID-19 control measures, it will remain staffed and continue to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in need. This authorization does not impact U.S. Embassy Beijing or the other Consulates General in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), or the services provided to U.S. citizens.
“The United States has no higher priority than the safety, health, and well-being of U.S. citizens overseas. The U.S. Mission to China is closely following the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak with great concern, particularly in the areas of Shanghai and Jilin. PRC authorities continue to expand COVID-19 prevention and control measures as outbreaks occur. These measures may include residential quarantines, mass testing, closures, transportation disruptions, lockdowns, and possible family separation. These measures are dynamic, implemented with little warning, and can change very quickly.
“For U.S. citizens in Shanghai who wish to depart, commercial flights remain available but are limited.? As lockdowns are extended, we are monitoring this issue closely and we are engaged on the issue of airport access for travelers with confirmed air tickets.”
