Shanghai Disneyland closes due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, but Shenzhen reopens
Key takeaways:
- After a week of closure due to China's most populous city's worst coronavirus outbreak in two years, Shanghai Disneyland reopened on Monday.
- Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, and Wishing Star Park have all been closed until further notice, according to Disney.
- Shenzhen, a finance and technology hub adjacent to Hong Kong, allowed businesses and government offices to reopen on Monday.
Shanghai Disneyland reopened Monday after a week-long closure as China's most populous city battled its worst coronavirus outbreak in two years. Shenzhen's southern business district allowed shops and offices to reopen after a week-long closure.
Meanwhile, following a spike in infections, the northeastern cities of Changchun and Jilin began a new round of citywide virus testing. Jilin's anti-disease measures were tightened, with its two million residents being ordered to stay at home.
Although the number of cases in China's latest infection wave is low compared to other major countries, authorities are enforcing a "zero tolerance" policy that has resulted in the suspension of access to some major cities.
On Sunday, the government reported 2,027 new cases on the Chinese mainland, up from 1,737. There were 1,542 infections in Jilin province, which includes Changchun and Jilin.
With around a population of 24 million people, Shanghai avoided a citywide shutdown by urging residents to stay at home. The city's bus service has been suspended, and visitors must show proof of a negative virus test.
According to Disney, Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, and Wishing Star Park have all been closed until further notice.
Shanghai reported 24 new cases on Monday. The city had previously shut down two residential areas and conducted mass testing in dozens of others.
During a crowded Monday morning rush hour, Shanghai residents posted photos on the internet showing empty streets and subways.
Businesses and government offices in Shenzhen, a finance and technology hub adjacent to Hong Kong, were allowed to reopen Monday. At the same time, authorities took steps to prevent a resurgence of virus cases. The suspension of bus and subway service has been lifted.
Following an increase in cases, the city of 17.5 million people shut down all businesses except those that provide food and other necessities and advised residents to stay at home.
Shenzhen is home to some of China's most well-known companies, including Huawei, BYD Auto, and Tencent, the popular WeChat messaging service operator.
The closures have raised concerns that trade could be disrupted if ports near Shanghai and Shenzhen, which are among the busiest globally, are affected. The Shanghai port said the cargo was moving normally and that paperwork functions had been moved online. Foreign sailors were barred from entering Lianyungang, a smaller port.
Last week, the government stated that it was attempting to fine-tune anti-disease controls to reduce their economic cost and social impact.
According to state media, after seven cases were discovered, Tangshan, a steel industry center east of Beijing, China's capital, imposed controls Sunday, allowing only emergency vehicles to move around the city.
In Beijing, authorities looked into a duck restaurant where 4 staff members had contracted the virus. According to state media, owners of the Yu Le Xuan restaurant were alleged to fail to register the identities of 477 diners as required over five days, making it more difficult to track down potential contacts.