(Yicai Global) Sept. 15 -- Sanya, known as China’s Hawaii, announced the lifting of static management measures that shut down the popular resort for 40 days following a Covid-19 resurgence early last month, paving the way for normal life to gradually resume.

From 12 a.m. today, the resort on China’s island province of Hainan will allow supermarkets and barber shops to reopen, and will also allow restaurants to offer takeaway services but no dining-in for the time being, according to a statement issued by the local government.

Enclosed business premises such as cinemas, pubs and karaoke bars, will remain temporarily closed. Gatherings for exhibitions, performances and training are not yet allowed as well.

But Sanya is allowing buses, taxis and cars to return to the streets, though they are not permitted to leave the area or travel across districts.

Proof of negative polymerase chain reaction tests, also known as PCR tests, within 48 hours will also be needed to enter communities and public venues, the statement added.

As of midnight, Sanya had not found any new Covid-19 infection for two consecutive days, according to the local health authority. Since Aug. 1, the city has reported a total of 15,646 cases, of which 6,592 were confirmed cases and 9,054 asymptomatic infections. No deaths have been reported among the infected.

Following the outbreak, Hainan suspended all passenger flights. As of Aug. 6, when the lockdown measures kicked in, more than 80,000 visitors were stranded in Sanya. They have since left on charter flights.

Editors: Dou Shicong, Peter Thomas