Chinese beach holiday city in Hainan imposes COVID-19 lockdown, shuts public transport

SHANGHAI: The southern Chinese language beach holiday associated with Sanya on Hainan island imposed a lockdown on Sunday (Aug 8) and shut its open public transport system to try to stop a COVID-19 outbreak during its peak tourist time of year.

Regulators announced the curbs would start at 6am, saying the COVID-19 situation was “very severe” and individuals movements were being restricted. It failed to say when the measures might be lifted.

“We urge lots of people and tourists to understand and give their support, ” authorities stated in a statement for the city government’s WeChat account.

The town on Hainan isle reported 263 COVID cases for Fri. Authorities said that they had detected the Omicron subvariant BA. 5. 1 . 3.

The lockdown comes during the high visitor season for the city, which is also known for the duty-free shopping and it is home to several sophisticated hotels run by international companies including IHG and Marriott International.

The particular deputy mayor, He or she Shigang, told condition broadcaster CCTV there have been about 80, 500 tourists in the city. People must have two negative PCR lab tests taken within forty eight hours to keep Sanya.

The city started imposing lockdown measures in some places on Thursday. More venues, including its duty-free malls which are well-liked by Chinese shoppers not able to travel abroad, were shut on Friday.