Cluster of infections points to theater in Zhangjiajie

Authorities in Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, have ordered the closure of places where people gather in large numbers to curb the spread of COVID-19, after a new locally transmitted case was reported on Thursday.

The shutdowns apply to shopping centers, cinemas, theaters, KTVs and dance halls. The venues should cease business activities, disinfect their premises and organize all their employees to undergo nucleic acid testing, according to the city's headquarters for COVID-19 prevention and control.

Late on Thursday, Shang Shenglong, vice-mayor of Zhangjiajie, announced all scenic spots in the city will be shut from Friday. He urged all visitors to the city to take a nucleic acid test for the virus and not to leave until they had the results.

Zhangjiajie is home to the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular tourist spot, which health authorities suspect is the source of a major COVID-19 cluster.

Three asymptomatic carriers were reported on Monday, and one confirmed case on Tuesday, in Dalian, Liaoning province.

All four had been at the Charm Xiangxi Theater in the Wulingyuan scenic area on July 22, watching a show.

The three asymptomatic carriers flew to Zhangjiajie via Nanjing, Jiangsu province, on July 17. They stayed at Lukou International Airport for around two hours for flight transfer.

Zhangjiajie health authorities said on Wednesday that all audience members who watched the performance from 6 pm to 7 pm are at high risk of coronavirus infection and should report to their residential community or local disease control and prevention centers for immediate testing.