Officials from two virus-stricken cities in southern China may now confiscate private property in an effort to combat the coronavirus outbreak that has pushed the country’s health system to the limit. According to a notice posted on Feb. 11, the city and district level authorities in Guangzhou city can, “when necessary,” “temporarily expropriate” houses, venues, transportation vehicles, and other facilities from companies or individuals.
The government could also ask for relevant organizations to produce or provide disease control equipment or daily supplies, according to the notice.
It noted that the officials carrying out such measures should compensate parties accordingly and return the materials if possible.
On the same day, the city of Shenzhen issued a similar notice authorizing local officials to expropriate supplies, equipment, and venues from the public to fulfill the needs of frontline health workers, provided they return the items or give compensation.
The Shenzhen notice also allowed the government to shut down factories, companies, schools, and limit public gatherings as well as the use of sites that are “susceptible to the outbreak’s harm.”
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