A McDonald’s in Guangzhou, China has been temporarily closed down after displaying a sign that stated black people were banned from entering the restaurant.
"We’ve been informed that from now on black people are not allowed to enter the restaurant," the sign read. "For the sake of your health, consciously notify the local police for medical isolation, please understand the inconvenience caused."
McDonald’s has since apologized, saying it was "not representative of our inclusive values."
The racist sign comes at a time where BBC reports hundreds of Africans in Guangzhou were evicted from their apartments and removed from hotels last week in light of a rumor that coronavirus was being spread among African people. Only five Nigerians have tested positive for the virus, the South China Morning Postreports.
McDonald’s said that while the Guangzhou location is closed, the company will use this time to "further educate managers and employees on our values, which includes serving all members of the communities in which we operate."
Given the recent increased hostility towards Africans in the city, the U.S. Consulate General in China has reportedly advised African-Americans to "avoid the Guangzhou metropolitan area until further notice."
