Zhejiang Province Launched an International Version of Its Health QR Code System in Early February

Zhejiang province launched an international version of its health QR code system in early February, to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The system, which tracks travel history and health data, categorizes individuals by color to enforce containment protocols for imported infections.

The system assigns orange, yellow or green designations to applicants based on their declarations. Chen Guangsheng, executive deputy director of the province’s leading group for the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus, identified the containment of imported cases as the region’s top priority. “The health code system is an effective and precise tool to help control the virus from spreading,” Chen stated.

By noon on Monday, authorities had issued 31,000 international health QR codes. This digital infrastructure is for overseas Chinese returning to Zhejiang, as well as foreign students and foreigners residing in the province. The Health Commission of Zhejiang reported 15 confirmed imported cases as of that date, which drives the urgency behind the province-wide rollout.

Arrivals face rigorous health inspections at ports of entry, followed by localized monitoring. Bao Han, a student returning to Hangzhou from New York, endured a six-hour inspection process at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Assigned a yellow code, she was mandated to self-isolate at home for at least 14 days. “My mother reported my return to the community several days ago, and I applied for my health code online,” Bao said.

In the port city of Ningbo, the Maritime Safety Administration has integrated the system to manage risks from international maritime crews. By analyzing vessel route data, the agency pre-screens ships prior to docking.

Vessels originating from regions with high infection rates receive a red code, triggering immediate, heightened quarantine protocols. Du Weijie, a staff member at the Ningbo Pilot Station, noted that the system allows staff to receive information in advance, reducing the administrative burden during vessel arrival.