Lying about coronavirus in Beijing now affects social credit scores

China’s taking tougher measures to screen travelers coming in from overseas, where coronavirus cases are soaring

Chinese citizens who lie about or hide medical history related to Covid-19 could see a negative impact on their social credit score. Beijing authorities announced on Monday that the new rule affects people entering the city from overseas, adding that they will be punished according to Chinese law.

The new rule comes after a Chinese woman surnamed Li flew back from the US to Beijing last week and tested positive for the virus. Li lives in Massachusetts in the US and had developed a fever and cough before flying to Beijing. She allegedly took antipyretics before boarding her flight and hid her health conditions from flight attendants. Li is under investigation and could face charges for impairing the prevention and control of infectious diseases, Beijing police said on Monday.

Shanghai instituted a similar policy last month, saying social credit scores would be affected for people who conceal travel history in coronavirus-affected areas or contact with patients or suspected patients. Other local governments have also called for applying the social credit system to reward or punish certain behavior during the coronavirus outbreak.

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