China has canceled attempts to climb Mount Everest from its side of the world's highest peak because of fears of importing Covid-19 cases from neighboring Nepal, state media reported.

The closure was confirmed in a notice from Chinas General Administration of Sport, the official Xinhua News Agency said.

The move reflects the abundance of caution China has taken in dealing with the pandemic. While China has mostly curbed domestic transmission of the coronavirus, Nepal is experiencing a surge with record numbers of new infections and deaths.

In this file photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, vehicles and tents are seen at the base camp at the foot of the Chinese side of the peak of Mount Everest. — AP
In this file photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, vehicles and tents are seen at the base camp at the foot of the Chinese side of the peak of Mount Everest. — AP

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