As most of the world relaxes its Covid-19 measures, China continues to implement testing and lockdowns in full swing.
Recently, a spike in cases in the coastal city of Xiamen prompted Chinese officials to commence a mass-testing drive.
And while the city’s residents are on the list for tests, so are the abundant aquatic life residing in the waters at the city’s ports.
Videos of officials swabbing freshly-caught fish and crabs went viral on Chinese social media, and while this may seem odd, there is a reason behind the bizarre occurrence.
According to maritime officials in Xiamen, this procedure ensures that the city’s residents are safe amidst a worsening outbreak.
CNN reports that authorities have ordered more than five million people to undergo Covid-19 testing in the coastal Chinese city of Xiamen after some 65 cases were detected.
Xiamen’s Jimei Maritime Pandemic Control district committee even issued a notice saying that all “fishermen and their catch” must be tested.