March 25, 2020

Chinese aquaculture bounces back as COVID-19 limits are lifted

The aquaculture sector of China, and the country in general, is now on the road to recovery following the outbreak of COVID-19 thanks to the extreme government lockdowns.

Nearly all public services were shut down due to the pandemic; people were not allowed to leave the highway in many cities; temporary roadblocks made from shipping containers were set at the entrance of each village.

After 50 days, China now seems to be recovering quite fast. Most provinces have reported no new cases of COVID-19 for the past week, while the situation in other countries is going the other way. China's cities have been graded according to the case numbers and risk of spreading. For those deemed the least affected by the pandemic, it is now possible to travel anywhere outside the provinces still most at risk and stay in hotels.

The government has now ordered that the roadblocks between villages and towns be taken down. Although the epidemic situation has not completely passed, Chinese society is waking up from its long hibernation.

On Saturday Lin in Huangsha seafood market in Guangzhou was busy harvesting fish from tanks in his fish shop for waiting customers. "I have been busy with selling since 6 o'clock this morning. Cantonese love fish. Indoorsmen all come out for shopping," he said.

In Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, the restaurants were once again all open as usual. Steam rose from hot pots and fogged up the windows, but there is still a sign on the door ordering patrons to wear a mask before entering and travellers need to fill in forms before checking in to hotels. Those who come from high-risk area have to live in designated hotels.