McDonald’s corporate headquarters took swift action after a McDonald’s restaurant in China banned Black people due to fears over the coronavirus.
The coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China in December, causes acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and potentially fatal pneumonia among the elderly, particularly those with chronic illnesses such as respiratory and heart problems, HIV/AIDS, obesity, and smokers.
One McDonald’s restaurant in the city of Guangzhou posted a sign in English that reads: “We’ve been informed that from now on Black people are not allowed to enter the restaurant.”
Tensions have been rising in the city, which is a hub for African traders and home to China’s largest African community.
McDonald’s issued a statement after the BBC broke the news about the racist ban.
“Immediately upon learning of an unauthorized communication to our guests at a restaurant in Guangzhou, we immediately removed the communication and temporarily closed the restaurant.”
McDonald’s added that they are conducting “diversity and inclusion” training at the location.
Again, for those who still doubt that Black people and particularly #AfricansinChina are being targeted we feel it is our duty to share this. A sign at a @McDonalds restaurant seems to make this perfectly clear pic.twitter.com/FaveKrdQHi
— Black Livity China (@BlackLivityCN) April 11, 2020
