Shanghai Disneyland Closed Over Single Covid Case

Visitors wearing protective face masks pose for a picture at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Aly Song
Visitors wearing protective face masks pose for a picture at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Aly Song
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Shanghai Disneyland Closed Over Single Covid Case

Visitors wearing protective face masks pose for a picture at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Aly Song
Visitors wearing protective face masks pose for a picture at Shanghai Disney Resort in Shanghai, China May 11, 2020. REUTERS/Aly Song

Shanghai Disneyland was closed Monday over a single coronavirus case, as Chinese authorities pressed ahead with their zero-infection strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics.

China had reduced most domestic cases to a trickle throughout the pandemic, but a flare-up in recent weeks has tested Beijing's determination to eliminate Covid-19 as much of the rest of the world opens up.

There were 92 new cases reported Monday -- the highest since mid-September, AFP said.

Shanghai Disneyland closed after a woman who visited the park tested positive after returning home to a neighboring province, state media said.

Disneyland said it would be remain shut for at least Monday and Tuesday "to follow the requirement(s) of pandemic prevention and control".

The reopening date was yet to be confirmed, it added.

The park began barring new visitors from entering on Sunday, with everyone in the park required to take a Covid-19 test before leaving.

Nearly 34,000 people had been tested by Monday morning, the city government said.

All tests came back negative, it said, but added that those affected must stay away from work or school for at least two days and undergo further testing.

State media footage showed scores of health workers in hazmat suits inside Disneyland, as masked visitors waited underneath fireworks at the park's landmark castle.

The closure comes after Beijing's newly opened Universal Studios said Saturday that close contacts of infected people had been found among the previous weekend's visitors.

All staff at the theme park -- which entered a "state of emergency prevention" on Friday -- have tested negative and no trace of the virus had been detected on the site, the park added.

Chinese authorities have shown no sign of relenting on their strict zero-Covid policy.

Beijing is due to host the Winter Olympics in under 100 days, and authorities have said eradicating the virus is their biggest challenge in the run-up.

About six million people are under lockdown orders, mostly in northern parts of China.

Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a press conference Saturday that authorities would continue to "strictly prohibit people in locked-down communities from leaving their homes".

Beijing introduced new curbs on Saturday, including closing all cinemas in one western district.



Rapper Kendrick Lamar Lands the Biggest Wins at the 2025 BET Awards 

Kendrick Lamar accepts the Album of the Year award for "GNX" at the 25th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
Kendrick Lamar accepts the Album of the Year award for "GNX" at the 25th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
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Rapper Kendrick Lamar Lands the Biggest Wins at the 2025 BET Awards 

Kendrick Lamar accepts the Album of the Year award for "GNX" at the 25th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)
Kendrick Lamar accepts the Album of the Year award for "GNX" at the 25th annual BET (Black Entertainment Television) Awards, in Los Angeles, California, US, June 9, 2025. (Reuters)

Kendrick Lamar was the top winner on Monday at the BET Awards, an awards ceremony honoring Black actors, singers and sports stars.

The "30 For 30" rapper won the best male hip hop artist award, best album of the year as well as the video of the year award for "Not Like Us."

Lamar and filmmaker Dave Free also took home the video director of the year award at the event, which was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast on the BET cable channel.

"BET has always made sure they're representing the culture right and always put me in the midst of the cycle of what we represent," Lamar said on stage when accepting his award.

Host comedian Kevin Hart opened the ceremony by recognizing the BET Awards' 25th anniversary and all of the "history that has been made" on the stage.

The ceremony traversed the evolution of Black music, starting with a performance by R&B artist Ashanti that featured a compilation of songs, including her 2002 song "Foolish."

Additional performances included other 2000s songs "Ballin'" by Mustard, "1 Thing" by Amerie and "Like You" by Bow Wow.

Hart led with jokes while also highlighting the BET Ultimate Icon Award winners of the night, including Kirk Franklin, Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg.

The special award was given to those that have paid homage to music, entertainment, advocacy and community impact.

Presented by Stevie Wonder, Foxx accepted his award and reflected on his recovery journey after having a stroke in 2023.

"I gotta be honest, when I saw the in memoriam, I was like, 'Man, that could have been me'," he said.

Another honor included the best female hip hop artist award for rising rapper Doechii.