As China’s newest COVID-19 center, Guangzhou may soon experience a shutdown like that experienced in Shanghai. The COVID cases are increasing not only in the hub of global manufacturing but also in other Chinese cities, according to official data issued on Tuesday.
The number of locally transmitted diseases in China increased, reaching its highest level since May 1 on November 7 (up from 5,496 the day before). Nearly a third of the new illnesses originated in Guangzhou. 2,377 new local cases were reported in Guangzhou alone, up from 1,971 the day before.
More PCR tests are required in China
More PCR tests are required of inhabitants in Beijing and other economically significant cities; in certain cases, neighborhoods and even entire districts are being locked down. China has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining the zero-Covid strategy in order to combat the surge in infections. Tuesday saw a decline in Chinese markets and a weakening of the yuan against the dollar as it appeared unlikely that China would soon reopen its borders. (https://www.sliderrevolution.com/)
The city of Hohhot in northern Inner Mongolia used to be the country’s epicenter for the disease and had seen its worst-ever outbreak. In Guangzhou, various degrees of restrictions and lockdowns have been put in place. However, it has so far avoided a total lockdown similar to the one that occurred in Shanghai earlier this year.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Shanghai is gradually decreasing after it went into a lockdown in April and May which was prompted by reports of thousands of new infections every day in the final week.
With “only a few compounds locked up so far,” a resident told Reuters that people had been working primarily from home. Services including food delivery, courier services, and public transportation have all suffered. Additionally, daily RT-PCR testing is required of all subjects.
Beijing experienced a lockdown of more buildings and neighborhoods after 64 new local COVID-19 cases were discovered there, prompting a new wave of PCR tests for many of its citizens. Foxconn, an essential supplier to Apple, reported 733 further local incidents in Zhengzhou, more than double the number of previous cases.
