Foreign expats in Suzhou City have made active contributions to the fight against the latest COVID-19 resurgence, according to Wei Shujie, director of the Suzhou Foreign Affairs Office, at a press conference on February 19. 

In the city’s 6th press briefing held since the outbreak on February 13, Wei said foreigners living in the city have showed their understanding and support for prevention and control measures.  

Suzhou has maintained close communication and coordination with chambers of commerce from the US, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Germany and Singapore, made public the information such as government announcements in a timely fashion, explained prevention measures, and coordinated to address challenges, said Wei. 

Foreign friends in Suzhou volunteer in COVID-19 prevention in community.

Wei also said foreign chambers of commerce and expatriates have also actively involved with and contributed to the pandemic response. Some foreigners played an active role in the community-based efforts, and also shared their account of Suzhou's response honestly and objectively. 

Wei expressed appreciation to foreign-funded companies and expatriates for their understanding and support of the epidemic prevention and control work. 

Suzhou is home to some 17,000 foreign-owned enterprises and nearly 30,000 resident expats, the highest number in the province.  

Wei said the city’s COVID-19 service hotline for foreigners, 0512-68358782, has been running for nearly two years since its launch on January 30, 2020, handling more than 5,500 inquiries related to quarantine, visa, vaccination and other issues.  

Suzhou has also released government announcements in several languages, guided foreigners to take scientific and rational steps, and called for solidarity in the pandemic fight too.  

The city has also established a team of language volunteers who can provide assistance in English, French, Japanese, Korean, German or Spanish. 

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