As of March 30th, Guangdong had reported 6 new imported cases, with 4 cases in Guangzhou (2 arrived from the UK and the US respectively), 2 cases in Shenzhen and Foshan (both arrived from the UK), according to the 49th press conference on Guangdong's fight against COVID-19 today.

On March 31st, Guangdong reported a further 4 new imported cases in Guangzhou (2 arrived from Nigeria, 1 from the US, and 1 from the Philippines).

(Photo: Cao Yaqin)

At the press conference, Yang Pengfei, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, said that Guangdong’s authorities have recently issued new measures to promote information services and consumption during the pandemic.

In 2020, Guangdong will invest over 50 billion yuan in new information infrastructure, speed up the construction of 5G networks, and strive to build 60,000 5G base stations across the province. Moreover, the province will further develop infrastructure in rural areas, increasing network speed, and reducing charges for connectivity.

Guangdong plans to increase the utilisation of 5G mobile phone and 4K/8K Ultra high-definition television. Information service providers are encouraged to offer discounts and promotions such as trade in schemes. It is predicted that 5G individual user’s consumption will create 10 trillion yuan of revenue in the province this year.

To further upgrade utilisation of digital government services, the province will develop new sectors, including ‘Smart Health Care’ and ‘Smart Education’.

Consumers of wild animals to be fined 20 times of the value from May 1st

Guangdong has released a new regulation to stop the hunting and consumption of wild animals. Those found to be consuming wild animals will pay a maximum penalty equal to 20 times the value of the animal (or related products) from May 1st.

The regulation was voted through by the province’s legislative department on March 31st, and is also the first local regulation released by Guangdong this year. In February, China's top legislative body decided to ban the illegal trade of wildlife and eliminate the consumption of wild animals to safeguard people's health and livelihoods.

The regulation also includes restrictions on keeping pets. Wild animals like birds and reptiles, or other animals that are deemed to be a risk to public health, or pose an ecological hazard can not be kept as pets.

Author: Hannah, Will, Zero (intern)

Editor: Olivia, Nan, Simon