More than 80,000 tourists have been trapped in the town of Sanya on the Chinese island of Hainan since Saturday. Local authorities have put in place a lockdown due to a resurgence of the coronavirus.
On Friday, 263 positive tests were reported in the city, after which authorities imposed a lockdown on Saturday. Essential businesses such as supermarkets and pharmacies are still open, but almost everything else is closed.
Public transport is no longer allowed in or out of the city. Aircraft are no longer allowed to take off or land at the airport. Tourists are also not allowed to leave the city on foot. Most are locked up in their resort.
In order to depart, travelers must show no fewer than five negative PCR tests over a seven-day period. Authorities have asked hotels to give their guests discounts as long as they are not allowed to leave.
Sanya is a popular holiday destination. It is also called the ‘Chinese Hawaii’, because of the good conditions for surfing. The city is currently experiencing its busiest period in the tourist season.
China’s corona policy is still one of the strictest in the world. Cities regularly conduct mass testing rounds. Last month, Wuhan, where the virus was first found, went into lockdown after four positive tests. In April, the metropolis of Shanghai went into complete lockdown, which was only ended two months later.
Only essentials such as supermarkets are still open in Sanya.
Only essentials such as supermarkets are still open in Sanya. Photo: Getty Images
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