COVID-19: Lockdown Strands Over 80,000 Tourists In ‘China’s Hawaii’
The latest measures come as China's economy struggles under its stringent "zero-COVID" policy, which it aims to suppress the spread of infection via lockdowns, mass testing and tough border controls.
[ODUNEWS] August 8 – Around 80,000 tourists are stranded in the popular resort city of Sanya on China’s tropical Hainan island after authorities announced lockdown measures to stem an outbreak of COVID-19.COVID-19: Lockdown Strands Over 80,000 Tourists In ‘China’s Hawaii’
Public transportation was suspended and people’s movements inside the city were restricted from early Saturday morning, authorities said. Stranded tourists are required to stay for seven days and clear five COVID-19 tests before leaving.
Deputy mayor He Shigang on Friday said around 80,000 tourists remained in the city. All those currently in Sanya as well as people who have been in the city since July 23 were not allowed to leave Hainan province after 6 pm local time on Saturday, provincial authorities said.
The restrictions come at the height of the summer tourism season for the island province, a popular destination often called “China’s Hawaii” for its sandy beaches, tropical forests and high-end hotels.
Over 80 percent of flights leaving Sanya were canceled on Saturday, according to data from flight tracking company Variflight. All trains departing from Sanya were canceled, state broadcaster CCTV said Saturday.
Authorities in Sanya acknowledged the inconvenience to tourists and pledged during a Saturday afternoon press conference to do their best to solve issues that arise, including streamlining travel booking cancellations and offering half-price discounts on hotel stays for stranded tourists in Sanya.
The city was divided into high- and medium-risk zones, with control measures varying depending on risk level, according to local officials. The whole city, however, was considered under “static management” – an official term used to describe the deployment of lockdown measures.
