Chinese authorities have begun testing fish caught at sea for the presence of the coronavirus in an attempt to contain the spread of the disease. However, this sparked mockery on social media, DPA reports.
Videos of fish sampling in the port city of Xiamen have been widely shared across China, prompting mixed reactions. “What do they do in close contact? Quarantine them at sea?” – wrote one of the users. “Do they send them to a quarantine center if they test positive?” – another reaction.
China’s policy on limiting the number of covids is the strictest in the world, with long-term lockdowns and mass testing being implemented repeatedly. A representative of the health authorities in Xiamen confirmed that not only returning fishermen are checked but also the fish they catch. “Everything that enters the country must be checked,” he said.
The measures came after the Himei Circle issued a directive last month highlighting the dangers of illegal trade with foreign fishermen at sea. The requirements include checking people and goods when fishermen return to shore with their catch, BTA quoted him as saying.
While most of the world is looking for ways to live with the coronavirus, in China, where the virus was first detected in December 2019, strict restrictions and intolerance remain. Despite these measures, there has been a major outbreak in China, and the highly contagious Omicron variant is reported to be spreading rapidly. The National Health Commission in Beijing reported more than 500 new cases and more than 2,000 asymptomatic cases today. Many of them are located on the popular resort island of Hainan.