Smooth freight and logistics must be ensured as well as epidemic prevention and control, according to a circular released on April 11 by the State Council.

To ensure smooth operation of main traffic lines, it is strictly prohibited to close highways, ordinary roads, navigation locks, highway service areas, wharfs, railway stations or airports without authorization, the circular said.

In addition, no more than two checkpoints should be set up in the same direction of an ordinary road. Furthermore, no checkpoints should be set up on the main line or service area of highways, as well as navigation locks without authorization.

The passage of freight vehicles and their drivers and passengers shall not be restricted.

At expressway entrances and exits, trucks must be released in time if their driver and passengers have a normal temperature with a negative nucleic acid test result taken within 48 hours, as well as a pass and green health and travel codes.

Hard-hit areas should speed up the establishment of material transfer stations, interchange stations or distribution sites based on surrounding logistics parks and expressway service areas.

Drivers and passengers of trucks entering and leaving material transfer stations of cities under city-wide lockdown will be subject to white-list management, and will not go through quarantine if they have negative nucleic acid test results taken within 48 hours.

Passage of postal and express delivery vehicles will be ensured, and e-commerce platforms and express delivery enterprises will be guided to make epidemic prevention and control more precise at work sites, as well as implement contactless delivery facilities where conditions permit.

Financial institutions should give appropriate priority to transport-oriented enterprises and individual businesses in the application of inclusive small and micro business loans while maintaining controllable risks and sustainable business development, according to the circular.