Chinese consulate in Chicago urges Chinese in U.S. to step up self-protection against COVID-19

The Chinese Consulate General in Chicago on Wednesday sent a letter to Chinese living in the United States and Chinese students studying in the country, advising them to better protect themselves during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The consulate has been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19, while maintaining communication with local governments, colleges and universities, as well as institutions, in an effort to promote the adoption of specific measures to ensure the safety and health of Chinese in the United States, including Chinese students, the letter said.

Citing a state of emergency declared and a "stay-at-home" order issued in a number of U.S. states, the consulate urged Chinese in the country to stay at home, stick with social distancing, wash hands frequently, wear masks when they go outside, and avoid long-distance travel, among other preventive measures.

Governments at various levels in the United States have been rolling out a series of measures to fight the virus. "As long as we deal with the outbreak rationally and take proper preventive measures, we will tide over the difficulties," the letter said.