Residents of the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin who volunteer to take a Covid-19 test and get a positive result will receive a reward of 10,000 yuan.
According to data from the government of Harbin, three cases of Covid-19 were detected Thursday that would be related to the case rebound in the city of Manzhouli, Inner Mongolia, where there are 185 active infections.
Some netizens support the measure, with one saying the spread of the virus can be stopped this way, saving a lot of money.
Others do not understand the campaign or think that the money could be invested in another way. One user said testing was everyone’s responsibility and asked why taking one should be rewarded, while another asked that the money be allocated to health workers.
The city’s health authorities have also asked the population to avoid travel and have ordered the temporary closure of establishments attracting large gatherings of people, such as public baths, nightclubs, theaters and cinemas.
In addition, pharmacies will be prohibited from selling cough or cold medicines and antibiotics, and if a customer has “suspicious symptoms” such as a fever, the shop must inform the authorities if it does not want to face possible legal responsibilities for the spread of the Covid-19.