BEIJING, (Reuters) – China’s tourism and leisure industries are suffering from the negative effects of COVID-19’s strict tolerance. Cities with the virus or cities that have been infected may close down entertainment venues or restrict tourist travel.

Shanghai Disneyland closed its doors to visitors from Monday through Tuesday. State media reported that patrons and workers present at the attraction on October 30-31 were required to take COVID test immediately.

According to state TV, the measures are part of the city’s cooperation with COVID-19 investigators from Shanghai.

According to Reuters, there were 484 cases of domestically transmitted disease with confirmed symptoms reported between Oct. 17 and 31, mostly in north China.

Tourists who traveled to multiple countries are often the source of infections, which complicates and delays contact-tracing efforts.

Although the number of cases is still small compared to clusters in China, some local infected areas have seen a slowing or complete stoppage in recent days. China continues to make every effort to minimize transmission risk, even if it means disrupting local businesses.

Northern Chinese cities fighting local COVID-19 infections since mid-October https://graphics.reuters.com/HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/CHINA/gkplgxygmvb/chart.png

TOURISM HIT

China’s top three airlines posted greater losses in July and September than the quarter before. This was due to a strong decline in domestic travel following the resurgence in COVID-19 cases in summer.

The national tourism authority suspended travel agencies’ ability to organize inter-province tours that include provincial areas with higher virus risk. It also stopped dedicated trains linking tourist attractions.

Many indoor venues, including internet cafes, card and chess parlours, were closed in many cities due to local infection, including Beijing. Several marathon races, concert and theatre performances had been cancelled.

Some cities have been unable to detect local cases for several months.

An international exhibition center in Dongguan has been forced to suspend the hosting of events at various venues, despite the fact that no new cases were reported in Dongguan since the outbreak.

In early trade Monday, shares in China’s tourist- and consumption-related businesses were lower. While the consumer staples index fell 1.5%, the tourism subindex dropped by over 4%.