China reopens Everest’s northern slope to 38 virus-tested climbers
- Nepal and China closed the mountain to foreign climbers last year because of the coronavirus pandemic
- Would-be climbers must show a clean bill of health before attempting the summit, state media says
Nepal mountaineering officials have denied any outbreak on the mountain, citing only altitude sickness and other ailments common in the cold, harsh, low-oxygen environment where climbers stay in close quarters. This week, the Himalayan nation halted all flights as part of a strict lockdown of its capital and major cities amid its recent surge.
In contrast, China, where Covid-19 first emerged, has now largely contained domestic transmission of the virus, but it has maintained restrictions such as health checks and is on guard against imported cases.
The 38 people who were issued Chinese permits to climb the peak, known as Qomolongma in Tibetan, must come from parts of China that are at low risk for infection and must show a clean bill of health before attempting the summit, state media reported on Friday.
They must undergo temperature checks regularly, use bottled oxygen and stay four metres (13 feet) from other climbers at the summit. They will be provided with masks, thermometers and disinfectant.
Climbing schedules from the south side of the mountain, which is in Nepal, will be consulted so packs of climbers do not meet, said Nyima Tsering, head of the bureau overseeing Chinese climbing operations. People not registered to climb on the Chinese side are strictly barred from that side.