While domestic outbreaks are largely contained, China faces a new threat. The country logs its fifth continuous day of fresh cases, mainly in its northern and northwestern parts. Here’s how the Chinese authorities are controlling the covid-19 outbreak, linked to tourists.
COVID-19 outbreak hits China again
Chinese authorities link a new COVID-19 outbreak to a group of tourists. The authorities are now canceling flights, closing schools, and increasing mass testing. Despite other countries easing the restrictions, Beijing has maintained a strict zero-covid approach. Border closures and strict lockdowns are the primary approaches. However, despite maintaining local outbreaks, China logged new cases for five continuous days in some regions.
How is this possible? The newest COVID-19 outbreak was linked to an elderly couple who were a part of a tourist group. They flew to Xi’an, Gansu province, and Mongolia from Shanghai. Their travel was linked to several cases with close contacts in Beijing and more than five other provinces. As a response, the local governments have ramped up testing and closed tourist spots, entertainment places, and schools in affected areas. Additionally, targetted lockdowns are back in the game.
More on the new cases and their control
In addition to the regular protocols, some regions have warned residents to not move outside unless needed. This includes the Lanzhou region, a northwestern city with a population of over four million. Additionally, people need to produce a negative covid-19 test result before they leave. The airports in the affected region have over 60 percent of canceled flights, especially in Lanzhou and Xi’an.
Moreover, a new notice banns residents to travel in and out of the city in Inner Mongolia. Residents must stay in their housing compounds. According to the state-owned Global Times, the new cases in the region are likely to affect coal imports due to a supply chain issue.