Amid the recent COVID-19 flare-ups, Shenzhen has introduced a venue code, also known as the integrated code, upon entry to public venues citywide.
People are required to scan the venue code with their mobiles before being allowed in public areas like markets, pharmacies, restaurants, cultural and entertainment venues, and workplaces. The integrated code can verify people’s information such as health codes and travel history, as well as register their locations and time of entry, which enables precise monitoring in challenging environments.
The code works for Chinese nationals with a Chinese ID. However, it doesn’t work for expat residents because their ID information is diversified, making it incompatible to the current unified Chinese ID recognition system, according to Yang Yan, director of Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (SMSCE).
Instead, foreigners are advised to show their green Guangdong Health Code (GHC) upon entering public places. The alternative, according to Yang, is that health code inspectors choose the corresponding inspection venue feature in the GHC app to scan expats’ GHC. This way, inspectors can learn about expats’ health information and confirm the places they have visited.