US warns African-Americans to avoid Guangzhou after reports black people are being targeted in coronavirus clampdown
- People of African descent or with ‘African contacts’ have been subjected to mandatory tests and quarantine
- Black people are reported to have been evicted from hotels and flats and denied service in restaurants in southern metropolis
African-Americans have been advised to stop travelling to Guangzhou, according to an alert issued on Saturday by the United States consulate in the city, citing a local government-led crackdown targeting people of African origin due to Covid-19 fears.
The warning followed reports that local authorities had imposed tough measures in recent weeks screening people entering and leaving the city’s “Little Africa” district in Yuexiu district after five Nigerians tested positive for the coronavirus.
As part of the campaign to tighten scrutiny of foreigners, those who appear to be of African origin and others suspected of having “African contacts” were subjected to mandatory tests, followed by mandatory quarantine, regardless of their recent travel history, the consulate notice said.
It also said members of the city’s sizeable African community had been denied service in hotels, bars and restaurants.
There have also been media reports this week that a large number of African students and businesspeople had been evicted from flats and hotels and were having difficulty finding food and shelter.
“The US Consulate General advises African-Americans or those who believe Chinese officials may suspect them of having contact with nationals of African countries to avoid the Guangzhou metropolitan area until further notice,” said the alert.