Just a few weeks before the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics (February 4-20), several Chinese cities are affected by outbreaks of the coronavirus. However, even on a limited scale, the “Covid zero” strategy is implemented in China.
See how the situation is in some regions of the country
Xian (norte)
The 13 million inhabitants of one of China’s former imperial capitals are currently in their third week of confinement.
The city faces a rebound in the pandemic, registering about 2,000 infections in recent weeks. This is the biggest focus in China since 2020.
Its inhabitants have the right to go out to buy supplies only once every three days. They cannot leave the city and non-essential businesses are closed.
The inhabitants of Xian complained of difficulties in accessing food and others were unable to reach hospitals due to excessive care.
Last week, a high-ranking local official publicly apologized after the miscarriage suffered by an eight-month pregnant woman. His rejection at a hospital for not having a negative Covid test caused an uproar on social media.
Authorities also admitted that some residents had difficulty stocking up on food. In recent days, this problem seems to have subsided.
Tianjin (norte)
Located about 100 km from Beijing, this port city with 14 million inhabitants raises more concerns than others, as at least two patients have been infected with the highly contagious omicron variant.
On Sunday (9), authorities urged the population not to leave Tianjin “unless there is a compelling reason”, and banned any unauthorized departure.
However, this focus is limited, but it is controlled because of its proximity to Beijing.
Railway lines linking Tianjin to the capital have been suspended. Checkpoints installed on the roads prevent any vehicle coming from this city from entering the capital.
Henan (centro)
Several cities in Henan province have increased their restrictions as they have seen an increase of more than 250 cases since late December.
The provincial capital, Zhengzhou, has imposed lockdowns on some neighborhoods and ordered its 13 million residents to be tested.
The city of Anyang on Monday reported 18 new cases, including two of the omicron variant linked to the outbreak in Tianjin. The municipality has implemented Covid tests for its 5 million inhabitants.
The sale of long-distance train or bus tickets was suspended and roadblocks were erected.
Beijing
With the Olympic Games approaching, the capital this week launched its concept of “closed circuit”.
The purpose of this health bubble is to avoid any direct contact between future visitors – such as athletes, staff, volunteers, drivers, cooks – with the general Chinese population.
All those on “closed circuit” must be fully vaccinated or quarantine for 21 days upon arrival. In addition, they must perform daily tests.
Outside the “circuit”, measures are less stringent for Pekingese. However, the city prohibits access to people from places that have registered cases of Covid in the last two weeks.
They also require the presentation of a negative Covid test performed within the last 48 hours.
Shenzhen (on the)
After finding some cases in recent days, this metropolis where many high-tech companies are based has confined some residential complexes, launched a general detection campaign and some long-distance bus stations were closed.
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