A short video clip that has recently gone viral shows a Chinese girl studying in the United Kingdom saying she wants to return home, promising to strictly follow the 14-day quarantine rule.

Her fears that she cannot come back are uncalled for. To minimize the risk of new infections, China is strengthening body temperature checks on arrival and requiring the visitors to stay at home or in isolation at hotels for 14 days.

But that does not mean China is "not allowing people to return home". How could that be? No rule has been introduced saying "no" to people coming to the country from overseas. China's airports are still open to flights from abroad. Those coming to China, whether tourists, or those returning from overseas trips or students studying abroad, are as welcome as ever, the only rider being they will be quarantined for 14 days.

Adhering to the rule will help minimize health risks for both the guests and local residents.

According to Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the UK, Chinese students in the UK wanting to go home can seek the embassy's help. Even under the video the girl posted online, many users left comments welcoming her back, indicating the Chinese people's attitude to those returning from abroad.

- ZHANG ZHOUXIANG, CHINA DAILY