Latest spike in COVID-19 cases in China hampers tourists, restricts travel

BEIJING – The number of daily COVID-19 cases in China has risen to hundreds as the summer holiday begins.

Many of the cases hit regions in central China, rather than economic centers like Beijing and Shanghai. The number of infections has risen in Guangdong, a manufacturing hub, with no major restrictions on business so far.

However, a sudden business shutdown left a tourist area in southwestern Guangxi Province Stranded with over 2000 visitors As of Sunday, state media said. The report said local authorities would help the tourists leave.

Chengdu, in southwestern Sichuan Province, on Monday ordered bars, gyms and indoor entertainment venues to close temporarily for a week. The authorities said that the city – known for its spicy cuisine – did not prevent people from eating inside restaurants Encourage people to order delivery Or eat out instead.

Mainland China reported 108 new COVID-19 cases with symptoms and 827 asymptomatic cases on Tuesday. Gansu and western Guangxi provinces captured the majority, but at least a few cases were reported in 12 other province-wide regions.

The rise to hundreds of cases per day has only occurred in the past week and a half. The mainland has not reported any new deaths from COVID during that time.

Starting in late June, the central government I started easing quarantine measures. The capital, Beijing, has eased restrictions on entry from other parts of China.

But local visitors to the capital or different parts of China may still need to quarantine for a week on arrival depending on the presence of Covid in their travel history.

During the first half of the year, Domestic tourism trips fell 22.2% from last year to 1.46 billion, according to the Ministry of Tourism. A quarterly distribution was not available, although the report said the second quarter was significantly affected by Covid.