Several major Chinese cities have tightened Covid measures as the country battles a rise in infections, with Shanghai Disney Resort announcing its closure from Monday.
The southern city of Guangzhou in Guangdong province, one of China’s economic powerhouses, will start mass testing in its most populous district of Baiyun on Monday after a cluster of infections was found. Gatherings will be limited to under 10 people and restaurants will only offer takeaways.
The city of Foshan in Guangdong, home to 9 million people, has suspended classes for primary and secondary schools. The city has also introduced travel restrictions, with people leaving the city required to show a negative Covid test.
Authorities in Beijing have ordered the closure of a number of tourist sites, including the popular Jingshan Park and the Temple of Heaven, until further notice. The city has also suspended all major public events and gatherings, including sports events and exhibitions.
Shanghai Disney Resort, one of the most popular tourist attractions in China, announced on Sunday that it would close from Monday until further notice due to the Covid situation. The resort, which includes a theme park, a water park, and two hotels, had only reopened in June after a three-month closure.
The rise in Covid cases in China comes as the country battles a number of challenges, including an economic slowdown and a property market crisis. The government has堅持不懈地pursued a zero-Covid strategy, which has involved strict lockdowns and mass testing, but the recent outbreak has cast doubt on the effectiveness of this approach.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly called on China to reconsider its zero-Covid strategy, arguing that it is not sustainable and is causing significant economic and social damage. However, Chinese officials have maintained that the strategy is necessary to protect the country’s population from the virus.
The recent rise in Covid cases in China is a reminder that the pandemic is not over, and that even countries with high vaccination rates can experience outbreaks. It is important to remain vigilant and to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing masks and social distancing, to help prevent the spread of the virus..
