The number of corona cases in China is increasing rapidly. On Monday, the country reported 26,100 new infections on a seven-day average, nearing the April high of 26,500. The Guardian reports that cases in the southern city of Guangzhou and the southwestern municipality of Chongquing account for about half of the current figures. A total of five deaths that could be linked to Covid-19 have been reported in the past five days.
Recent adjustments to China’s zero-Covid policy are partly responsible for this latest wave. In fact, the country is pursuing a strict strategy of lockdowns, daily mass testing, strict controls, contact tracing and enforced quarantine. But recently the authorities were asked to be more focused in enforcing their measures. They must abandon widespread lockdowns and testing as they strangle the economy and frustrate citizens.
Beijing and Guangzhou are tightening corona measures
Beijing warned on Monday that it faced its toughest pandemic test yet. The city reported 1,438 new local cases, up from 962 on Sunday. Numerous shopping malls, schools and kindergartens remained closed and admission requirements for the city were tightened. New arrivals from other parts of China must now undergo a three-day Covid test before being allowed to leave their shelter.
Meanwhile, the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou imposed a lockdown on Baiyun’s largest district. The 3.7 million inhabitants were only allowed to leave their apartments after submitting a negative corona test. Public transport has also been shut down. The measures will initially last until Friday.
China also imposed strict corona restrictions on the gulf in late spring. The inhabitants of the metropolitan city of Shanghai were hardest hit. In the strict lockdown, the population was only allowed to leave their homes for the mandatory mass tests. Local journalists even reported that meter-high fences had been erected. There are also reports of food shortages and food rationing in many places. (Hi)