'Hainan, the "Hawaii of China," COVID-19 Spread... 150,000 Tourists Stranded'

Sun Deputy Prime Minister "Take Swift and Decisive Action"

A rickshaw driver is carrying a passenger in a park near the Forbidden City in China on the 13th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] As COVID-19 rapidly spreads in popular summer vacation destinations in China, it is reported that 150,000 tourists are stranded in Hainan.

According to the National Health Commission of China (NHC) on the 14th, the number of COVID-19 infections in 31 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions was counted at 2,467 (including 1,844 asymptomatic cases) the previous day.

Recently, COVID-19 in China has been spreading mainly in popular summer vacation spots such as Hainan, Xinjiang, and Xizang (Tibet), with the situation in Hainan, known as "China's Hawaii" and the most popular tourist destination in China, being particularly severe.

In Hainan, 1,426 cases (including 832 asymptomatic) were reported on the 12th, followed by 1,340 cases (including 846 asymptomatic) the previous day.

As COVID-19 spread in Hainan this month, the southern coastal city of Sanya was locked down on the 6th.

Additionally, with flights suspended, it is reported that 150,000 tourists are trapped on the island.

According to the Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua, Vice Premier Sun Chunlan visited Hainan Phoenix International Airport and the Sanya Epidemic Prevention Headquarters the previous day to inspect the situation on site, stating, "We must achieve zero COVID in society as quickly and decisively as possible through swift and resolute measures," and emphasized, "We must ensure public health safety and normal production activities."