China mentioned on Sunday that it had taken steps to forestall coronavirus instances from getting into the nation — excessive of the world’s tallest mountain.

Nyima Tsering, head of the Tibet Sports Bureau, told the state-run Xinhua News Agency that management measures could be put in place on Mount Everest, together with the set up of a dividing line on the summit to forestall climbers from the Chinese facet and the Nepal facet from coming into contact.

Last week, a team of Sherpa guides affixed a rope to the summit of Mount Everest from the Nepal facet, permitting expeditions to resume for the primary time because the pandemic compelled a cancellation of makes an attempt final yr.

Nepal has this yr authorised a report 408 permits to climb Everest, whilst coronavirus instances have surged within the nation and several climbers have been flown from base camp with signs of Covid-19.

China, which has authorised simply 21 permits to climb the mountain from its facet this yr, has expressed concern in regards to the threat of coronavirus transmission on the mountain. Since the coronavirus first emerged in China in 2019, the nation has carried out strict measures to forestall its unfold internally and reintroduction from overseas.

The border between Nepal and China crosses the height of Everest, a small space the place a handful of climbers can stand after making a profitable ascent. At the summit, 29,031.7 feet above sea level, most climbers already put on masks to provide oxygen and defend themselves from the chilly. But China will implement further steps to reduce the chance of transmission.

In addition to restrictions on the summit, a checkpoint has been put in outdoors the Chinese base camp. People getting back from the Chinese facet may have to endure disinfection, temperature checks and doubtlessly isolation, Xinhua reported.