Dalian, a major northeastern port city in China, is undergoing its third round of lockdowns due to a fresh outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19. Commencing around the beginning of November, this latest wave has prompted health officials to close non-essential businesses, including segments of the port operations critical to the cold chain food supply. Residents have been instructed to remain at home except for necessary travel, as the city reinstates mass testing and sanitation measures.
As of recent reports, Dalian has seen 80 new domestic cases of COVID-19, with further media coverage suggesting an additional 52 symptomatic cases. The city has recorded over 200 cases in less than two weeks, concentrated in several identifiable clusters that health officials are actively working to isolate. The initial case of this current outbreak reportedly stemmed from a worker at a warehouse involved in the port’s cold chain food operations, where 14 employees have tested positive out of a total workforce of approximately 600,000.
China’s stringent zero-tolerance policy towards the virus led to the suspension of all cold-chain food operations at the port as of November 8. This decision has raised concerns about disruptions in the circulation of cold-chain food products within China’s domestic market. The port of Dalian is a critical hub, managing around 70% of the nation’s imported cold-chain goods and about one-third of all cold-chain products in China.
Historically, Dalian has experienced multiple waves of COVID-19 outbreaks linked to its cold storage operations. Similar incidents occurred in July and December 2020, highlighting the persistent vulnerability of these facilities to viral transmission.
The current lockdown measures also encompass restrictions on road access into the city, allowing only individuals with a green health pass and negative test results. Airports, railway stations, and many parts of the port are reportedly suspended, alongside closures of educational institutions and cultural venues. Officials are keen to minimize public gatherings to curb the spread of the virus.
While the extent of these lockdowns on container terminal operations remains uncertain, it is noteworthy that Dalian ranks among China’s busiest ports, handling approximately 10 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. Its strategic position is integral for transshipment within Asia, linking to over 160 countries, thereby emphasizing the significance of these lockdown measures not only for public health but also for regional and global trade networks.
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