China’s Ministry of Transport has vowed to ensure the smooth operation of international and domestic freights, the transportation of essential goods and commodities in particular, to help maintain stability of the global industrial and supply chains, the ministry said in a written article on its WeChat account on Saturday.
The ministry made the pledge during a meeting with the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce and other central government agencies, as part of the country’s logistical network was impacted due to the recent flare-ups of COVID-19 in Shanghai, northeastern Jilin Province and other localities, resulting in slower delivery of goods and backlog of some essential commodities.
In order to ensure faster delivery of essential goods, the ministry has established a nationally recognized “passport” system to issue anti-virus restrictive measures in accordance with laws and regulations, avoiding one-size-fits-all policies.
From now on, the ministry will disallow setting up epidemic prevention and testing points on major highways and service areas, not to shut down any highway services without authorization, in order to ensure smooth flow of the national transportation arteries.
And, the relevant authorities are required to provide basic public services to better cater to truck drivers.
The ministry noted that as the Yangtze River Delta and other epidemic-hit areas have suffered greater slowdown of goods in delivery, the authorities should take more practical and effective measures to ensure smooth logistical operations across the country.
Essential services availability for truck drivers has also attracted public attention, and some cities have issued supporting policies. In Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang Province, the local authorities released a notice on Wednesday, requiring local government provide free hot water and meals for truck drivers at the entrance of expressways..
Moreover, the authorities should provide free nucleic acid testing for the truck workers, as well as opening a highway green channel for trucks transporting anti-epidemic materials and other essential products.
Residents receive COVID-19 nulecic acid test in Shanghai on April 4. Photo: VCG
