China has stepped up measures to check the resurgence of COVID-19 from cold-chain transportation during the winter months, after a series of reports across the country found the virus on the surface of packaged imported frozen food and even containers.  

At a press briefing on Friday, Sun Wenjian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Transport, said the ministry had issued a comprehensive guideline to lower the risk of virus transmission via cold chain logistics, which highlights efforts in four key areas. 

The first is to strengthen the protection of all staff working on cold chain transportation. Specific measures include regular monitoring and reporting of their health conditions, supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to them, targeted safety training to them, and regular nucleic acid tests for them. 

The second is to conduct regular and thorough disinfection of the cold-chain environment, including the transportation vehicles, containers and cold storage area, especially such places as doorknobs and steering wheels that are more frequently contacted by people. 

The third is to implement a strict and traceable information registration system, which can keep a record of crucial information such as the origin of cargo, its transportation vehicle and all staff who have handled it. 

The fourth is a complete emergency response plan when the coronavirus is detected. The plan should ensure that once the coronavirus is detected, companies and personnel involved should react quickly to isolate the confirmed or suspected cases and their close contacts, disinfect the related environment and cut off possible transmission as soon as possible.