China will set up a separation line on the peak of Mount Qomolangma to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among climbers coming from two sides of the mountain.

The separation line is expected to be finished in mid-May before the climbers of this mountaineering season reach the peak.

The announcement was made by officials at a local epidemic prevention meeting on May 9, days after several international climbers and Nepali Sherpa guides tested positive for COVID-19 at the Mt. Qomolangma base camp on Nepal side.