Rumors of seafood source for COVID-19 in Beijing chill suppliers

Global industry shaken even as claims of salmon link to outbreak are questioned

A police vehicle is seen outside an entrance of the Xinfadi wholesale market, which has been closed following cases of COVID-19 infections, in Beijing. Supermarkets have stopped selling salmon and other seafood. © Reuters

FLYNN MURPHY, Caixin

June 16, 2020 17:05 JST

A supposed link between Beijing's COVID-19 outbreak and imported salmon has sent a chill through global seafood markets, as Chinese consumers turn away in fear and exporters await stepped up customs restrictions.

Beijing's outbreak has continued to escalate since Thursday with 106 cases now confirmed in and around Xinfadi, a wholesale market that is the source of some 70% of the capital's fresh vegetables.