Just days after abruptly dropping its strict zero-Covid restriction China says that it is now impossible to track the true scale of Covid-19 infections in the country.

This comes as officials warn of a rapid uptake in Beijing's coronavirus cases. After nearly three years of stringent regulations that prompted rare widespread protests in the country, China recently loosened its quarantine and mass testing policies.

With extensive mass testing no longer a requirement for most of the country, China's Health Commission on Wednesday admitted that the numbers no longer reflect reality.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy

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In a statement, the NHC said that it is impossible to "accurately grasp" the actual number of infected people as "many asymptomatic people are no longer participating in nucleic acid testing."

Recently, Vice Premier Sun Chunlan too said that the capital Beijing's new COvid infections are "rapidly growing".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-very-likely-to-downgrade-growth-forcast-for-china-542825">IMF 'very likely' to downgrade growth forecast for China</a>

Faced with the rare display of public anger, and an economy that is suffering officials are determined to push ahead with the opening up of the country. On Tuesday Beijing's tourism authorities said that it would resume tour groups in and out of the capital.

The country is ill-equipped to face the surge, millions of elderly remain vulnerable, still not fully vaccinated. The sudden influx of patients can also handicap underfunded hospitals that lack resources.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-as-china-recalibrates-its-covid-19-response-strategy-celebs-share-their-infection-experiences-542736">As China recalibrates its COVID-19 response strategy, celebs share their infection experiences</a>

With people opting to self-medicate at home, as per AFP, residents have also reported facing a shortage of cold medicines and long lines at pharmacies.&nbsp;Soaring demand for at-home covid tests or rapid antigen tests and medicines has also given birth to a black market with astronomical prices.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Just days after abruptly dropping its strict zero-Covid restriction China says that it is now impossible to track the true scale of Covid-19 infections in the country.

Just days after abruptly dropping its strict zero-Covid restriction China says that it is now impossible to track the true scale of Covid-19 infections in the country. This comes as officials warn of a rapid uptake in Beijing's coronavirus cases. After nearly three years of stringent regulations that prompted rare widespread protests in the country, China recently loosened its quarantine and mass testing policies. With extensive mass testing no longer a requirement for most of the country, China's Health Commission on Wednesday admitted that the numbers no longer reflect reality. Watch | China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy In a statement, the NHC said that it is impossible to "accurately grasp" the actual number of infected people as "many asymptomatic people are no longer participating in nucleic acid testing." Recently, Vice Premier Sun Chunlan too said that the capital Beijing's new COvid infections are "rapidly growing". Also read | IMF 'very likely' to downgrade growth forecast for China Faced with the rare display of public anger, and an economy that is suffering officials are determined to push ahead with the opening up of the country. On Tuesday Beijing's tourism authorities said that it would resume tour groups in and out of the capital. The country is ill-equipped to face the surge, millions of elderly remain vulnerable, still not fully vaccinated. The sudden influx of patients can also handicap underfunded hospitals that lack resources. Also read | As China recalibrates its COVID-19 response strategy, celebs share their infection experiences With people opting to self-medicate at home, as per AFP, residents have also reported facing a shortage of cold medicines and long lines at pharmacies. Soaring demand for at-home covid tests or rapid antigen tests and medicines has also given birth to a black market with astronomical prices. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China says impossible to 'accurately grasp' the actual number of Covid infected people

Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues.

Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime will also be taken away. Under&nbsp;this&nbsp;travellers were given an amber code on Hong Kong's&nbsp;app, which restricted their movement and they had to undergo a three-day medical surveillance period.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion?

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Instead, the city will now adopt a "0+0" arrangement, visitors will be allotted a blue code that does not restrict their movement.

On Tuesday, the city announced that the programme which has long been a key source of frustration for travellers who had been subjected to curbs the first three days of their visit will be stopped. &nbsp;

Announcing the new measures Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that residents will no longer have to scan QR codes with the app to record visits to different premises.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hotels-charging-covid-positive-guests-hundreds-of-dollars-in-cleaning-fee-540560">Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'</a>

However, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), they will still need to present their Covid vaccination proof at restaurants etc. Mask mandates, indoors and outdoors too will continue, as will the ban on public gatherings of more than 12 people.

Talkin to reporters he said, "We have made these two decisions because we have considered the data and the risks."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-focuses-on-economic-stability-in-2023-traditional-medicine-expert-endorses-changing-covids-name-540754">In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert</a>

As per AFP, the new measures will come into effect on Wednesday and further details will be announced later in the day by the city's health department.

The change comes after a similar move in mainland China and at a time when the city's businesses face the battering of a recession-mired economy after two years of self-imposed isolation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues. Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime will also be taken away.

Hong Kong has announced the lifting of its "amber code" which means that it will no longer require its residents to use its "LeaveHomeSafe" app to enter venues. Additionally, the much criticised "0+3" regime will also be taken away. Under this travellers were given an amber code on Hong Kong's app, which restricted their movement and they had to undergo a three-day medical surveillance period. Watch | Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion? Instead, the city will now adopt a "0+0" arrangement, visitors will be allotted a blue code that does not restrict their movement. On Tuesday, the city announced that the programme which has long been a key source of frustration for travellers who had been subjected to curbs the first three days of their visit will be stopped. Announcing the new measures Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that residents will no longer have to scan QR codes with the app to record visits to different premises. Also read | Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee' However, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP), they will still need to present their Covid vaccination proof at restaurants etc. Mask mandates, indoors and outdoors too will continue, as will the ban on public gatherings of more than 12 people. Talkin to reporters he said, "We have made these two decisions because we have considered the data and the risks." Also read | In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert As per AFP, the new measures will come into effect on Wednesday and further details will be announced later in the day by the city's health department. The change comes after a similar move in mainland China and at a time when the city's businesses face the battering of a recession-mired economy after two years of self-imposed isolation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong takes away much-criticised Covid restrictions

The country is ramping up ICU beds, and building new hospitals, as it relaxes covid measures and drops mandatory quarantine. What explains these contradictory measures? @MollyGambhir tells you

Gravitas: What explains China's Covid confusion?

Covid cases are surging in the Chinese capital of Beijing, this comes as the country tries to turn away from its zero-tolerance coronavirus strategy. Beijing authorities said, more than 22,000 patients visited hospitals across the city in the previous days.

Covid cases surge in China as hardline policy eases

China on Monday said that a major application used for tracking COVID-19 contacts will retire, a major move in the rapid turn away from its zero-tolerance Covid strategy.

Trending on WION: China retires application that tracks COVID contacts

Wall Street Journal has reported that it was Foxconn founder Terry Gou who pushed China to move away from its zero-Covid policy and loosen restrictions. Gou apparently warned Beijing that the strict stance of COVID-19 threatens its position as the world's second-largest economy in the global supply chain.

Foxconn's founder pushed China to ease COVID curbs?

As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year.&nbsp;

This comes as a leading authority on traditional Chinese medicine recommended that the nation change the official name for COVID-19 to reflect the virus's mutation.

Speaking to the state-run Beijing daily, Gu Xiaohong said that the name which identifies the infectious virus as a pneumonia-causing disease should be changed to call it an infectious virus.

Watch |&nbsp;China: New Covid-19 infections hit record highs in November

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As per Xiaohong, the infectious disease arm of the China Association of Chinese Medicine has reached a consensus on how the Covid virus is described and on China's approach to it.

For the last two-plus years, China has emphasised mass testing, stringent lockdowns and quarantining of positive cases in special facilities. However, the new approach suggests that instead of "passive detection", China should focus on " active prevention", letting patients with light symptoms recuperate at home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-readies-itself-for-life-again-as-authorities-drop-some-covid-19-tests-540618">Beijing ‘readies itself for life again’ as authorities drop some COVID-19 tests</a>

The high-level meeting of China's ruling party also concluded that in 2023, China must better coordinate epidemic policies with economic and social development.

As per Xinhua news agency's report, in 2023, the nation will focus on stabilising growth, employment and prices, even as it works towards preventing systemic risks.&nbsp;

Beijing said that it continue to implement active fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy next year while making efforts to expand domestic demand.&nbsp;The meeting also emphasised the importance of promoting high-level openings to the outside world and attracting and utilising foreign capital.

Three years into the pandemic, China seems to be headed towards normalcy. AFP reports that authorities have begun loosening the world's toughest COVID-19 curbs.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hotels-charging-covid-positive-guests-hundreds-of-dollars-in-cleaning-fee-540560">Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'</a>

State-run news agency Xinhua too on Monday, as per Reuters cited the weakening pathogenicity of COVID-19 and the vaccination efforts, commenting that the "most difficult time has passed".

On Tuesday China reported 25,321 cases, some 3,000 less than the 28,062 reported on Monday. No deaths were reported. The number of overall cases seems to be dropping.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year.

As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year. This comes as a leading authority on traditional Chinese medicine recommended that the nation change the official name for COVID-19 to reflect the virus's mutation. Speaking to the state-run Beijing daily, Gu Xiaohong said that the name which identifies the infectious virus as a pneumonia-causing disease should be changed to call it an infectious virus. Watch | China: New Covid-19 infections hit record highs in November As per Xiaohong, the infectious disease arm of the China Association of Chinese Medicine has reached a consensus on how the Covid virus is described and on China's approach to it. For the last two-plus years, China has emphasised mass testing, stringent lockdowns and quarantining of positive cases in special facilities. However, the new approach suggests that instead of "passive detection", China should focus on " active prevention", letting patients with light symptoms recuperate at home. Also read | Beijing ‘readies itself for life again’ as authorities drop some COVID-19 tests The high-level meeting of China's ruling party also concluded that in 2023, China must better coordinate epidemic policies with economic and social development. As per Xinhua news agency's report, in 2023, the nation will focus on stabilising growth, employment and prices, even as it works towards preventing systemic risks. Beijing said that it continue to implement active fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy next year while making efforts to expand domestic demand. The meeting also emphasised the importance of promoting high-level openings to the outside world and attracting and utilising foreign capital. Three years into the pandemic, China seems to be headed towards normalcy. AFP reports that authorities have begun loosening the world's toughest COVID-19 curbs. Also read | Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee' State-run news agency Xinhua too on Monday, as per Reuters cited the weakening pathogenicity of COVID-19 and the vaccination efforts, commenting that the "most difficult time has passed". On Tuesday China reported 25,321 cases, some 3,000 less than the 28,062 reported on Monday. No deaths were reported. The number of overall cases seems to be dropping. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert

A report by the Chinese state media, Yicai, citing an expert, said the Coronavirus is weakening and management protocols could be downgraded in the country. This comes after nationwide protests against China’s zero-Covid policy and subsequent ease in restrictions marking an unprecedented shift in the country’s stance on COVID-19.&nbsp;

Since 2020, Beijing has classified COVID-19 as a Category B infectious disease which also includes SARS, AIDs and anthrax. However, the country has been managing its Covid response as Category A infectious disease, a category which also includes bubonic plague and cholera.&nbsp;

This categorisation of infectious diseases has implications for its protocols, for example, while Covid has been placed in Category B but is being managed as a Category A disease the local authorities are allowed to put patients and their close contacts in lockdowns and quarantines in affected regions. Notably, infectious diseases placed in Category A and Category B are managed as Class A given that these infections can spread easily and have a high fatality rate. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-operating-over-100-police-stations-in-foreign-countries-report-says-540130">China operating over 100 police stations in foreign countries, report says</a>

The state media report citing an anonymous infectious disease expert said that more than 95 per cent of COVID-19 cases in China are now asymptomatic and mild. Whereas the fatality rate is also low, therefore, adhering to the Class A management is not in line with science, reported Yicai, on Sunday.&nbsp;

The expert also reportedly said that China’s COVID-19 response could be downgraded to a Class B disease management or even be placed in Category C which includes diseases like influenza, leprosy and mumps.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-protesters-in-china-angered-against-xis-zero-covid-policy-540150">China: Protesters in China angered against Xi’s Zero Covid policy</a>

However, any change in categorisation or change in management would have to be approved by China’s top health authority, National Health Commission, which requires permission from the State Council or cabinet. This comes amid the Chinese government and state media’s abrupt turnaround from the country’s zero-Covid policy following rare nationwide protests against its zero-Covid restrictions.&nbsp;

Last week, Vice Premier of China, Sun Chunlan was the first high-ranking official in Beijing to publicly acknowledge that the Omicron virus’ ability to cause disease has diminished and that China is facing a “new situation”. Since the announcement, several major cities have moved to lift large-scale lockdowns and reduce regular testing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-was-a-man-made-virus-leaked-from-chinese-lab-claims-wuhan-scientist-in-his-new-book-540159">&nbsp;'COVID-19 was a man-made virus leaked from Chinese lab,' claims Wuhan scientist in his new book</a>

While the outpouring of public anger in recent days has seemingly prompted authorities to ease restrictions in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, some fear that millions could lose their lives if lockdowns are completely lifted. Furthermore, the number of cases recorded daily in some regions has dropped as the testing is reduced.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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A report by the Chinese state media, Yicai, citing an expert, said the Coronavirus is weakening and management protocols could be downgraded in the country. This comes after nationwide protests against China’s zero-Covid policy and subsequent ease in restrictions marking an unprecedented shift in the country’s stance on COVID-19.

A report by the Chinese state media, Yicai, citing an expert, said the Coronavirus is weakening and management protocols could be downgraded in the country. This comes after nationwide protests against China’s zero-Covid policy and subsequent ease in restrictions marking an unprecedented shift in the country’s stance on COVID-19. Since 2020, Beijing has classified COVID-19 as a Category B infectious disease which also includes SARS, AIDs and anthrax. However, the country has been managing its Covid response as Category A infectious disease, a category which also includes bubonic plague and cholera. This categorisation of infectious diseases has implications for its protocols, for example, while Covid has been placed in Category B but is being managed as a Category A disease the local authorities are allowed to put patients and their close contacts in lockdowns and quarantines in affected regions. Notably, infectious diseases placed in Category A and Category B are managed as Class A given that these infections can spread easily and have a high fatality rate. ALSO READ | China operating over 100 police stations in foreign countries, report says The state media report citing an anonymous infectious disease expert said that more than 95 per cent of COVID-19 cases in China are now asymptomatic and mild. Whereas the fatality rate is also low, therefore, adhering to the Class A management is not in line with science, reported Yicai, on Sunday. The expert also reportedly said that China’s COVID-19 response could be downgraded to a Class B disease management or even be placed in Category C which includes diseases like influenza, leprosy and mumps. ALSO WATCH | China: Protesters in China angered against Xi’s Zero Covid policy However, any change in categorisation or change in management would have to be approved by China’s top health authority, National Health Commission, which requires permission from the State Council or cabinet. This comes amid the Chinese government and state media’s abrupt turnaround from the country’s zero-Covid policy following rare nationwide protests against its zero-Covid restrictions. Last week, Vice Premier of China, Sun Chunlan was the first high-ranking official in Beijing to publicly acknowledge that the Omicron virus’ ability to cause disease has diminished and that China is facing a “new situation”. Since the announcement, several major cities have moved to lift large-scale lockdowns and reduce regular testing. ALSO READ | 'COVID-19 was a man-made virus leaked from Chinese lab,' claims Wuhan scientist in his new book While the outpouring of public anger in recent days has seemingly prompted authorities to ease restrictions in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, some fear that millions could lose their lives if lockdowns are completely lifted. Furthermore, the number of cases recorded daily in some regions has dropped as the testing is reduced. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese state media claims Covid is weakening as country lifts lockdowns in major cities

A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee".

The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room. As per South China Morning Post, a Hong Konger Vivien Siu told them that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel had charged her Australian in-laws a 642 USD fee after her father-in-law tested positive for coronavirus.

The hotel apparently informed the guests of this charge only after they arrived from Sydney last month. During check-in, they were told that they will have to pay HK$5,000 if they tested positive for COVID-19.

Watch |&nbsp;Indonesia passes new criminal code, bans sex outside marriage

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As per protocol, Siu's father-in-law was sent to the government’s Penny’s Bay isolation centre for quarantine, however, they still had to pay the "excessive" fee.

Under Hong Kong's current pandemic regime, instead of compulsory quarantine in hotels, foreign guests just have to undergo three days of medical surveillance during which they have to take two PCR tests.

Not only was the HK$5,000 cleaning fee excessive, but the fact that they only told their guests about the fee upon check-in was also completely unreasonable and felt very much like a trap for tourists,” said Siu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-confirms-over-47000-new-covid-cases-as-country-battles-eighth-wave-of-pandemic-540401">Japan confirms over 47,000 new Covid cases as country battles eighth wave of pandemic</a>

She said that they were charged the fee while checking in, which is a point where "it was simply impractical to refuse" because that would've meant that they had to scramble to find another hotel.

Following Siu's complaint, the hotel had to return the fee. however, it turns out that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel is not the only one charging this fee. Different hotels charge different amounts.

When the SCMP reached out to Consumer Council, they were told that they have received two such complaints however hotels are generally allowed to charge additional fees, but they have to inform the guests up front. Once the guests accept the liability only then these extra charges can be incurred.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-not-keen-to-travel-abroad-even-if-covid-restrictions-ease-study-540392">Chinese not keen to travel abroad, even if Covid restrictions ease: Study</a>

The representative advised that consumers should carefully check for additional charges at the time of booking itself.

"If the amount of the additional fee is not expressed in the terms and conditions, the hotel may only charge an amount that is reasonable. Whether the customer has agreed to pay for the additional fee or incurred liability to do so, and what amounts to a reasonable fee, is fact sensitive."(With inputs from agencies)

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A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee". The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room.

A Hong Kong hotel had to pay one of its guests US$642 (HK$5,000) as a refund for an unfair charge of a "cleaning fee". The hotel had apparently imposed the fee on its guest, without any prior notice during the online booking for a room. As per South China Morning Post, a Hong Konger Vivien Siu told them that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel had charged her Australian in-laws a 642 USD fee after her father-in-law tested positive for coronavirus. The hotel apparently informed the guests of this charge only after they arrived from Sydney last month. During check-in, they were told that they will have to pay HK$5,000 if they tested positive for COVID-19. Watch | Indonesia passes new criminal code, bans sex outside marriage As per protocol, Siu's father-in-law was sent to the government’s Penny’s Bay isolation centre for quarantine, however, they still had to pay the "excessive" fee. Under Hong Kong's current pandemic regime, instead of compulsory quarantine in hotels, foreign guests just have to undergo three days of medical surveillance during which they have to take two PCR tests. Not only was the HK$5,000 cleaning fee excessive, but the fact that they only told their guests about the fee upon check-in was also completely unreasonable and felt very much like a trap for tourists,” said Siu. Also read | Japan confirms over 47,000 new Covid cases as country battles eighth wave of pandemic She said that they were charged the fee while checking in, which is a point where "it was simply impractical to refuse" because that would've meant that they had to scramble to find another hotel. Following Siu's complaint, the hotel had to return the fee. however, it turns out that the Ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan hotel is not the only one charging this fee. Different hotels charge different amounts. When the SCMP reached out to Consumer Council, they were told that they have received two such complaints however hotels are generally allowed to charge additional fees, but they have to inform the guests up front. Once the guests accept the liability only then these extra charges can be incurred. Also read | Chinese not keen to travel abroad, even if Covid restrictions ease: Study The representative advised that consumers should carefully check for additional charges at the time of booking itself. "If the amount of the additional fee is not expressed in the terms and conditions, the hotel may only charge an amount that is reasonable. Whether the customer has agreed to pay for the additional fee or incurred liability to do so, and what amounts to a reasonable fee, is fact sensitive."(With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'

The Chinese capital of Beijing reported a record 5,006 Covid cases on Wednesday, as the country struggles to get hold of the worst-ever outbreak of viral contagion amid growing public anger against President Xi Jinping's zero Covid regime. Across China, new Covid infections numbered 34,942 for Wednesday, coming slightly off a peak of 38,808 registered over the weekend.

The officials in Beijing have refrained from declaring mass testing as many districts remain at standstill due to creeping curbs.

Reports said that with the surging numbers of Covid-infected people, Beijing is seeing its makeshift hospitals for mild Covid patients and those for treating more severe ones near capacity, which has also allowed more people to isolate at home by default.&nbsp;

WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-covid-lockdown-country-reports-record-high-infections-for-thirs-consecutive-day-537694">China Covid Lockdown: Country reports record high infections for third&nbsp;consecutive day</a>

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People in Beijing remain fearful not just of the virus but of getting identified as a close contact and sent to government isolation facilities where conditions are poor, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;

While case numbers may be naturally leveling off, the lowered count may also stem from recent moves to exempt those who stay at home for long periods of time, like children and the elderly, from frequent testing. &nbsp;

Across China, cities facing outbreaks have moved away from broad rules. Guangzhou on Wednesday ended lockdown measures in all but one of its 11 districts. Restrictions remained in many high-risk areas, leaving in place a complex web of rules for locals to navigate. Guangdong province reported 7,252 cases for Wednesday, while western metropolis Chongqing recorded 6,584.

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The Chinese capital of Beijing reported a record 5,006 Covid cases on Wednesday, as the country struggles to get hold of the worst-ever outbreak of viral contagion amid growing public anger against President Xi Jinping's zero Covid regime.

The Chinese capital of Beijing reported a record 5,006 Covid cases on Wednesday, as the country struggles to get hold of the worst-ever outbreak of viral contagion amid growing public anger against President Xi Jinping's zero Covid regime. Across China, new Covid infections numbered 34,942 for Wednesday, coming slightly off a peak of 38,808 registered over the weekend. The officials in Beijing have refrained from declaring mass testing as many districts remain at standstill due to creeping curbs. Reports said that with the surging numbers of Covid-infected people, Beijing is seeing its makeshift hospitals for mild Covid patients and those for treating more severe ones near capacity, which has also allowed more people to isolate at home by default. WATCH - China Covid Lockdown: Country reports record high infections for third consecutive day × People in Beijing remain fearful not just of the virus but of getting identified as a close contact and sent to government isolation facilities where conditions are poor, Bloomberg reported. While case numbers may be naturally leveling off, the lowered count may also stem from recent moves to exempt those who stay at home for long periods of time, like children and the elderly, from frequent testing. Across China, cities facing outbreaks have moved away from broad rules. Guangzhou on Wednesday ended lockdown measures in all but one of its 11 districts. Restrictions remained in many high-risk areas, leaving in place a complex web of rules for locals to navigate. Guangdong province reported 7,252 cases for Wednesday, while western metropolis Chongqing recorded 6,584. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Beijing reports record 5,006 Covid cases as China stumbles through worst outbreak, public anger

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday said that China still has room to adjust its strict zero-Covid policy, pointing out that the nation's stringent policies have been especially hard on the people.

In an email statement to AFP a spokesperson for IMF, "Covid and Covid-related restrictions are hard on people... This has been the case everywhere, and even more so in China."

Watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: China's factory, service activities shrink to 7 month low

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The organisation said that Chinese authorities have made policies more targeted, and "there is scope for further gradual, safe recalibration."

Three years into the pandemic, when many countries have eased covid containment measures like lockdowns, China still regularly deploys such measures, locking up entire neighbourhoods and cities to eradicate the virus. These strict measures come with a heavy toll on citizens and the nation's economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-relaxes-covid-19-rules-in-several-districts-in-guangzhou-538833">Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou</a>

IMF said that China's economy has partially recovered and an adjustment of its policy may help growth in 2023, while also supporting the global economy.

For a large part of this year, the Chinese major business hub has been under lockdown. This has not only impacted Beijing's economy but also the global markets, and supply chains.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/3-years-of-covid-was-his-entire-life-in-china-child-dies-due-to-lockdown-rules-father-offered-hush-money-530653">'3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money</a>

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Recently, following reports of deaths due to these lockdowns people have protested, raging across the nation in a "rare outpouring" of anger.&nbsp;A fire in a high-rise building in Xinjiang that killed ten people last week reportedly acted as a catalyst for these protests. Many have alleged that a partial lockdown on the building fatally delayed rescue operations and also obstructed escape routes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday said that China still has room to adjust its strict zero-Covid policy, pointing out that the nation's stringent policies have been especially hard on the people.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday said that China still has room to adjust its strict zero-Covid policy, pointing out that the nation's stringent policies have been especially hard on the people. In an email statement to AFP a spokesperson for IMF, "Covid and Covid-related restrictions are hard on people... This has been the case everywhere, and even more so in China." Watch | World Business Watch: China's factory, service activities shrink to 7 month low The organisation said that Chinese authorities have made policies more targeted, and "there is scope for further gradual, safe recalibration." Three years into the pandemic, when many countries have eased covid containment measures like lockdowns, China still regularly deploys such measures, locking up entire neighbourhoods and cities to eradicate the virus. These strict measures come with a heavy toll on citizens and the nation's economy. Also read | Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou IMF said that China's economy has partially recovered and an adjustment of its policy may help growth in 2023, while also supporting the global economy. For a large part of this year, the Chinese major business hub has been under lockdown. This has not only impacted Beijing's economy but also the global markets, and supply chains. Also read | '3 years of COVID was his entire life': In China, child dies due to lockdown rules, father offered hush money Recently, following reports of deaths due to these lockdowns people have protested, raging across the nation in a "rare outpouring" of anger. A fire in a high-rise building in Xinjiang that killed ten people last week reportedly acted as a catalyst for these protests. Many have alleged that a partial lockdown on the building fatally delayed rescue operations and also obstructed escape routes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China can adjust its strict zero-Covid policy, it's been hard on people, says IMF

The Chinese economy is suffering increasing damage from tightened virus controls as Covid infections are spreading in almost every province. Watch full video to know more.

China's economic activity falls as Covid-19 cases surge to record

Dozens of people gathered in central Hong Kong and at a major university campus on Monday to protests against China's strict Covid-19 restrictions. The supporters also mourned the victims of a deadly fire in the mainland's northwest.

Protests spread in China as anger mounts over ‘zero-COVID’; other countries join in solidarity

The COVID-19 situation is easing around the world but not in China. Chaoyang, the largest district of China’s capital Beijing, urged people to stay home for the weekend and restricted intra-city travel as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the city. Watch the full video to know more

China's COVID cases rise, Beijing under semi-lockdown

COVID-19 infections are on a rise in China as the country's top health officials begin easing some pandemic measures in a bit to provide some economic relief to the people

Chinese cities record new surge in COVID-19 cases

There is no definitive time as to when the Shanghai Disney resort will open, informed the company's website on Monday. The announcement comes&nbsp;two weeks after&nbsp;operations ceased at the resort, citing&nbsp;COVID-19 preventative measures. .&nbsp;

"In order to follow the requirement of pandemic prevention and control, Shanghai Disney Resort is temporarily closed, including Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel. We will notify guests as soon as we have a confirmed date to resume operations," read the notification posted.&nbsp;

"We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide refund or exchanges for all guests impacted during this period. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!" it added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-disneyland-closes-due-to-covid-preventive-efforts-prevents-visitors-from-leaving-529821">Read more:&nbsp;Shanghai Disneyland closes due to Covid curbs; prevents visitors from leaving</a>

As reported by WION, the resort ceased operations on October 31. At the time, all visitors&nbsp;were instructed to remain inside&nbsp;the park until the results of a COVID-19 test came back negative.

On its official WeChat account, the Shanghai government said that the park was closed to visitors and that everyone who had been there after October 27 would need to take three COVID-19 tests within three days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-covid-chaos-shanghai-government-bars-people-from-entering-and-exiting-disney-park-529933">Watch | China Covid Chaos: Shanghai government bars people from entering and exiting Disney park</a>

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While the rest of the world has opened up, braving the pandemic, the cases are still touching new records in China. Consequently, keeping up with President Xi Jinping's 'zero-Covid' tolerance policy, the authorities are shutting down entire cities and towns.

On Monday,&nbsp;16,072 new Covid cases were recorded across mainland China, up from 14,761 on Sunday. This was the highest Covid tally in the country since April 25 when Shanghai was reeling under a citywide lockdown.&nbsp;

The capital city of Beijing alone recorded 407 cases on Monday, putting the authorities on high alert.&nbsp;

A week earlier, the northern inner Mongolia city of Hohhot was the Covid epicentre of the country. Varying levels of curbs and lockdowns have also been imposed in Guangzhou. A&nbsp;fresh high of 4,065, compared to 3,653 a day before was recorded in the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-over-7000-fresh-cases-guangzhou-now-becoming-the-covid-epicentre-of-china-532146">Read more:&nbsp;With over 7,000 fresh cases, Guangzhou now becoming the Covid epicentre of China</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

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There is no definitive time as to when the Shanghai Disney resort will open, informed the company's website on Monday. The announcement comes two weeks after operations ceased at the resort, citing COVID-19 preventative measures.

There is no definitive time as to when the Shanghai Disney resort will open, informed the company's website on Monday. The announcement comes two weeks after operations ceased at the resort, citing COVID-19 preventative measures. . "In order to follow the requirement of pandemic prevention and control, Shanghai Disney Resort is temporarily closed, including Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown, Wishing Star Park, Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Toy Story Hotel. We will notify guests as soon as we have a confirmed date to resume operations," read the notification posted. "We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide refund or exchanges for all guests impacted during this period. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!" it added. Read more: Shanghai Disneyland closes due to Covid curbs; prevents visitors from leaving As reported by WION, the resort ceased operations on October 31. At the time, all visitors were instructed to remain inside the park until the results of a COVID-19 test came back negative. On its official WeChat account, the Shanghai government said that the park was closed to visitors and that everyone who had been there after October 27 would need to take three COVID-19 tests within three days. Watch | China Covid Chaos: Shanghai government bars people from entering and exiting Disney park × While the rest of the world has opened up, braving the pandemic, the cases are still touching new records in China. Consequently, keeping up with President Xi Jinping's 'zero-Covid' tolerance policy, the authorities are shutting down entire cities and towns. On Monday, 16,072 new Covid cases were recorded across mainland China, up from 14,761 on Sunday. This was the highest Covid tally in the country since April 25 when Shanghai was reeling under a citywide lockdown. The capital city of Beijing alone recorded 407 cases on Monday, putting the authorities on high alert. A week earlier, the northern inner Mongolia city of Hohhot was the Covid epicentre of the country. Varying levels of curbs and lockdowns have also been imposed in Guangzhou. A fresh high of 4,065, compared to 3,653 a day before was recorded in the city. Read more: With over 7,000 fresh cases, Guangzhou now becoming the Covid epicentre of China (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Shanghai Disney resort to remain closed as China logs record Covid cases

The Chinese district of Guangzhou, which is home to 1.8 million people on Saturday ordered its citizens to stay at home for virus testing following another rise in the number of infections.

Although China's numbers are low, a "zero-COVID" approach that attempts to isolate every infected individual is being challenged by a rise over the past week.&nbsp;Over the previous 24 hours, a total of 11,773 infections—including 10,351 patients with no symptoms—were reported nationally.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | China eases COVID restrictions

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AP reports that while in order to reduce the cost and disruption, quarantine for travellers arriving in China has been reduced from a minimum of seven days to five, the ruling Communist Party said it would stick to its strict zero-COVID approach.&nbsp;

On Saturday, health officials also issued a warning that the decision to change anti-virus safeguards did not signal their end.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-are-using-cantonese-to-criticise-zero-covid-amid-heavy-censorship-533560">Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship</a>

This is at a time when other nations attempt to switch to a long-term approach to coping with the virus and have generally loosened travel and other restrictions.

Rather than unwinding or "lying flat," the NHC deputy director Lei Haichao noted, "This is more precise and scientific prevention and treatment."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-eases-quarantine-rules-scraps-inbound-air-travel-curbs-even-as-covid-cases-spike-533291" hreflang="en">China eases quarantine rules, scraps inbound air travel curbs even though Covid cases spike</a>

"Prevent the epidemic and minimize the impact on economic and social development," according to Lei, is the aim.

The modifications would permit some international businesses and athletes travelling to China to move around inside a restricted area without having to undergo a quarantine period. More precise guidelines on who constitutes an infected person's contact will lower the number of affected people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Chinese district of Guangzhou, which is home to 1.8 million people on Saturday ordered its citizens to stay at home for virus testing following another rise in the number of infections.

The Chinese district of Guangzhou, which is home to 1.8 million people on Saturday ordered its citizens to stay at home for virus testing following another rise in the number of infections. Although China's numbers are low, a "zero-COVID" approach that attempts to isolate every infected individual is being challenged by a rise over the past week. Over the previous 24 hours, a total of 11,773 infections—including 10,351 patients with no symptoms—were reported nationally. Watch | WION Fineprint | China eases COVID restrictions AP reports that while in order to reduce the cost and disruption, quarantine for travellers arriving in China has been reduced from a minimum of seven days to five, the ruling Communist Party said it would stick to its strict zero-COVID approach. On Saturday, health officials also issued a warning that the decision to change anti-virus safeguards did not signal their end. Also read | Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship This is at a time when other nations attempt to switch to a long-term approach to coping with the virus and have generally loosened travel and other restrictions. Rather than unwinding or "lying flat," the NHC deputy director Lei Haichao noted, "This is more precise and scientific prevention and treatment." Also read | China eases quarantine rules, scraps inbound air travel curbs even though Covid cases spike "Prevent the epidemic and minimize the impact on economic and social development," according to Lei, is the aim. The modifications would permit some international businesses and athletes travelling to China to move around inside a restricted area without having to undergo a quarantine period. More precise guidelines on who constitutes an infected person's contact will lower the number of affected people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As China eases 'Zero-COVID' rules, close to 12,000 cases of new infection reported

China's health authority reported a jump in COVID-19 infections, climbing to 7,475 on November 7 from 5,496 the day before and the highest since May 1.

New COVID-19 cases climb to 7,000 in China

The Chinese city of Chengdu will lift a full COVID-19 lockdown in all districts on Thursday. People of the country are still facing strict movement curbs as authorities work to bring a recent outbreak under control. Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province, was locked down on September 1 after COVID-19 cases were detected, becoming the largest Chinese metropolis hit with curbs since Shanghai's lockdown in April and May.

Some districts in Chengdu have already started to exit from a full lockdown since September 8. The latest guidelines say that residents of districts still under a full lockdown will no longer face limits on how frequently they can leave their residential compounds. However, areas that are still fighting community infections will continue to face restrictions.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/infants-separated-from-parents-as-china-reports-new-coronavirus-cases-is-xis-zero-covid-policy-a-failure-506637">Infants separated from parents as China reports new coronavirus cases</a>

Five districts and a part of a sixth one will face stricter curbs. Residents won't be allowed to travel to other Chengdu districts and people from outside won't be able to enter either.

"On September 15, normal production and daily life will be gradually restored in an orderly manner, and the city's prevention and control measures will be adjusted accordingly," Chengdu authorities said in an online statement.

While public transportation will resume and workplaces will reopen in those districts, some public spaces such as schools, KTV lounges, internet cafes, gyms, swimming pools, museums and libraries will continue to be closed.

Nonessential travel out of Chengdu is also discouraged, and residents who need to leave the city must show negative COVID-19 results from tests taken within 24 hours prior to departure.

China has been battling to contain the highly transmissible Omicron variant, imposing lockdowns of various degrees to stop its spread. Shanghai was locked down in April and May while Xian, Shenzhen and Guiyang have also undergone lockdowns and restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Chinese city of Chengdu will lift a full COVID-19 lockdown in all districts on Thursday. People of the country are still facing strict movement curbs as authorities work to bring a recent outbreak under control.

The Chinese city of Chengdu will lift a full COVID-19 lockdown in all districts on Thursday. People of the country are still facing strict movement curbs as authorities work to bring a recent outbreak under control. Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province, was locked down on September 1 after COVID-19 cases were detected, becoming the largest Chinese metropolis hit with curbs since Shanghai's lockdown in April and May. Some districts in Chengdu have already started to exit from a full lockdown since September 8. The latest guidelines say that residents of districts still under a full lockdown will no longer face limits on how frequently they can leave their residential compounds. However, areas that are still fighting community infections will continue to face restrictions. Also Read | Infants separated from parents as China reports new coronavirus cases Five districts and a part of a sixth one will face stricter curbs. Residents won't be allowed to travel to other Chengdu districts and people from outside won't be able to enter either. "On September 15, normal production and daily life will be gradually restored in an orderly manner, and the city's prevention and control measures will be adjusted accordingly," Chengdu authorities said in an online statement. While public transportation will resume and workplaces will reopen in those districts, some public spaces such as schools, KTV lounges, internet cafes, gyms, swimming pools, museums and libraries will continue to be closed. Nonessential travel out of Chengdu is also discouraged, and residents who need to leave the city must show negative COVID-19 results from tests taken within 24 hours prior to departure. China has been battling to contain the highly transmissible Omicron variant, imposing lockdowns of various degrees to stop its spread. Shanghai was locked down in April and May while Xian, Shenzhen and Guiyang have also undergone lockdowns and restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

China: Chengdu to exit full COVID-19 lockdown on Thursday

The Chinese authorities imposed a lockdown in Hainan province’s southern beach holiday city of Sanya on Saturday and shut its public transport system as a preventive measure against COVID-19 outbreak during its peak tourist season.

The lockdown comes into force at 6 am after authorities said the Covid situation was "very severe" and people's movements were being restricted.

The lockdown move&nbsp;follows the COVID-19 virus resurging in Sanya with 257 cases registered on Friday from just 11 two days earlier. Authorities said they had detected the Omicron subvariant BA.5.1.3.

However, there is confirmation when the measures would be lifted.

“We urge the general public and tourists to understand and give their support,” authorities said in a statement on the city government’s WeChat account, reports Reuters.

Almost 80 per cent of flights out of the city had been cancelled by 1 pm on Saturday, according to news.carnoc.com, an civil aviation information website.

In an interview with the state broadcaster on Friday night, Vice mayor He Shigang said that about 80,000 tourists are stranded in Sanya, and that they must have two negative PCR tests taken within 48 hours to leave the city.

The decision to cancel the flights was not received well by the tourists, who took to socla media to vent their frustration.

"My plane was supposed to leave at 9 a.m. this morning but they suddenly locked down the city … I need to go back home to start work," said one user of the Weibo platform.

However, the official, while addressing a news conference later on Saturday, assured that tourists would get hotels at half price if they had to extend their stays.

Meanwhile, another city in Hainan, Danzhou, announced a partial lockdown starting 2 pm on Saturday, according to a government notice.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Chinese authorities imposed a lockdown in Hainan province’s southern beach holiday city of Sanya on Saturday and shut its public transport system as a preventive measure against COVID-19 outbreak during its peak tourist season.

The Chinese authorities imposed a lockdown in Hainan province’s southern beach holiday city of Sanya on Saturday and shut its public transport system as a preventive measure against COVID-19 outbreak during its peak tourist season. The lockdown comes into force at 6 am after authorities said the Covid situation was "very severe" and people's movements were being restricted. The lockdown move follows the COVID-19 virus resurging in Sanya with 257 cases registered on Friday from just 11 two days earlier. Authorities said they had detected the Omicron subvariant BA.5.1.3. However, there is confirmation when the measures would be lifted. “We urge the general public and tourists to understand and give their support,” authorities said in a statement on the city government’s WeChat account, reports Reuters. Almost 80 per cent of flights out of the city had been cancelled by 1 pm on Saturday, according to news.carnoc.com, an civil aviation information website. In an interview with the state broadcaster on Friday night, Vice mayor He Shigang said that about 80,000 tourists are stranded in Sanya, and that they must have two negative PCR tests taken within 48 hours to leave the city. The decision to cancel the flights was not received well by the tourists, who took to socla media to vent their frustration. "My plane was supposed to leave at 9 a.m. this morning but they suddenly locked down the city … I need to go back home to start work," said one user of the Weibo platform. However, the official, while addressing a news conference later on Saturday, assured that tourists would get hotels at half price if they had to extend their stays. Meanwhile, another city in Hainan, Danzhou, announced a partial lockdown starting 2 pm on Saturday, according to a government notice. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chinese beach holiday city imposes lockdown as Covid cases spike

Are you familiar with the movie Home Alone?

In the film, a child is left alone at home for a few days without any adult supervision. But what if it was more...say 66 days?

Doesn't it seem impossible? A child left alone for over two months. How would he or she manage?&nbsp;Children can be incredibly resilient, as a thirteen-year-old Chinese boy has demonstrated.

Watch |&nbsp;Covid Update: China's capital Beijing witnesses surge in covid cases

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When his parents were stranded in another city owing to a coronavirus lockdown, the teenager in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China, was forced to fend for himself for 66 days.

According to the South China Morning Post, the boy's parents travelled to Shanghai on February 28 for medical treatment. They were stuck there when a lockdown was declared, preventing them from seeing their child until the end of April.

What's even more remarkable about this story is that the youngster not only endured by himself, but also cared for two pets, a dog and a cat, while simultaneously attending online classes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-city-of-zhoushan-experiences-blood-red-sky-due-to-light-refraction-watch-477594" hreflang="en">Chinese city of Zhoushan experiences blood red sky due to light refraction - WATCH</a>

Recalling the whole incident, the boy's mother told the press that even when she was concerned about the child's safety, he would reassure her.&nbsp;

She had planned food deliveries in March to help her son get through the ordeal, but these were halted after Kunshan was placed under lockdown. The youngster then learned to cook over the phone from his mother.

When they were able to return in April, the anxious mother discovered that her child and two pets had actually grown fatter during their separation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-vignettes-chinas-dynamic-zero-covid-policy-do-not-distort-doubt-or-deny-it-warns-xi-477552" hreflang="en">Chinese vignettes | China’s ‘dynamic zero-COVID policy’: Do not&nbsp;distort, doubt, or deny it, warns Xi</a>

However, while the animals and youngster had grown fatter, the status of the house was a different story.&nbsp;"There was no place for us to even put our foot down," the mother stated, describing the situation as "messy."

However, the grateful mother had few complaints; she was simply grateful for her son's bravery and optimism.

An estimated 340 million individuals in at least 46 cities across China are still under lockdown.&nbsp;China recorded over 45,000 new cases and over 150 deaths this week.&nbsp;According to Bloomberg, Shanghai authorities have stated that the lockdown will be removed only after community transmission hits zero.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Are you familiar with the movie Home Alone? In the film, a child is left alone at home for a few days without any adult supervision. But what if it was more...say 66 days?

Are you familiar with the movie Home Alone? In the film, a child is left alone at home for a few days without any adult supervision. But what if it was more...say 66 days? Doesn't it seem impossible? A child left alone for over two months. How would he or she manage? Children can be incredibly resilient, as a thirteen-year-old Chinese boy has demonstrated. Watch | Covid Update: China's capital Beijing witnesses surge in covid cases When his parents were stranded in another city owing to a coronavirus lockdown, the teenager in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China, was forced to fend for himself for 66 days. According to the South China Morning Post, the boy's parents travelled to Shanghai on February 28 for medical treatment. They were stuck there when a lockdown was declared, preventing them from seeing their child until the end of April. What's even more remarkable about this story is that the youngster not only endured by himself, but also cared for two pets, a dog and a cat, while simultaneously attending online classes. Also read | Chinese city of Zhoushan experiences blood red sky due to light refraction - WATCH Recalling the whole incident, the boy's mother told the press that even when she was concerned about the child's safety, he would reassure her. She had planned food deliveries in March to help her son get through the ordeal, but these were halted after Kunshan was placed under lockdown. The youngster then learned to cook over the phone from his mother. When they were able to return in April, the anxious mother discovered that her child and two pets had actually grown fatter during their separation. Also read | Chinese vignettes | China’s ‘dynamic zero-COVID policy’: Do not distort, doubt, or deny it, warns Xi However, while the animals and youngster had grown fatter, the status of the house was a different story. "There was no place for us to even put our foot down," the mother stated, describing the situation as "messy." However, the grateful mother had few complaints; she was simply grateful for her son's bravery and optimism. An estimated 340 million individuals in at least 46 cities across China are still under lockdown. China recorded over 45,000 new cases and over 150 deaths this week. According to Bloomberg, Shanghai authorities have stated that the lockdown will be removed only after community transmission hits zero. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Child in China survives 66 days 'home alone' amid strict coronavirus lockdowns

Even after a month-long citywide lockdown, the highly transmissible Omicron variant's daily new Covid-19 cases reappeared in unsecured low-risk zones, highlighting the problems in stamping out the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

According to official data issued on Monday, new cases fell for the ninth day in a row, dropping 6.8% to 7,333 in the preceding 24 hours. The number of symptomatic cases declined by 7.7% to 727, while the mortality toll dropped by 16% to 32 from the day before.

On a May Day vacation few were celebrating, authorities reported 58 new COVID-19 cases outside quarantine regions, while Beijing continued to test millions of its citizens.

In Shanghai, tough anti-coronavirus measures have sparked unusual public outrage, with millions of the city's 25 million residents locked indoors for more than a month, some confined to fenced-in residential areas, and many unable to obtain basic supplies.

Residents of Shanghai breathed a sigh of relief over the weekend when it was announced that no cases had been confirmed outside of quarantine regions for two days, but bad news arrived on Monday with the announcement of 58 new illnesses.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Even after a month-long citywide lockdown, the highly transmissible Omicron variant's daily new Covid-19 cases reappeared in unsecured low-risk zones, highlighting the problems in stamping out the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

Even after a month-long citywide lockdown, the highly transmissible Omicron variant's daily new Covid-19 cases reappeared in unsecured low-risk zones, highlighting the problems in stamping out the highly transmissible Omicron variant. According to official data issued on Monday, new cases fell for the ninth day in a row, dropping 6.8% to 7,333 in the preceding 24 hours. The number of symptomatic cases declined by 7.7% to 727, while the mortality toll dropped by 16% to 32 from the day before. On a May Day vacation few were celebrating, authorities reported 58 new COVID-19 cases outside quarantine regions, while Beijing continued to test millions of its citizens. In Shanghai, tough anti-coronavirus measures have sparked unusual public outrage, with millions of the city's 25 million residents locked indoors for more than a month, some confined to fenced-in residential areas, and many unable to obtain basic supplies. Residents of Shanghai breathed a sigh of relief over the weekend when it was announced that no cases had been confirmed outside of quarantine regions for two days, but bad news arrived on Monday with the announcement of 58 new illnesses. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

COVID-19 battle in Shanghai: City posts 58 new cases in low-risk zones 

As Chinese authorities struggle to contain fresh Covid pandemic in Shanghai, a video has been doing the rounds on social media which shows hungry residents looting a supermarket in the financial hub amidst reports of food scarcity.

Shanghai entered its fifth day of a strict eight-day lockdown on Sunday as the city continued to break Covid records.

On Sunday, Shanghai reported 24,944 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections in the current wave to more than 179,000.

A video circulating on Twitter showed hungry people ransacking a supermarket in Jiuting area of Songjiang. WION couldn’t independently&nbsp;verify the authenticity of the clip.

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剛才連續兩條視頻都是上海松江九亭地區的，這條也是，一九亭的超市被飢民洗劫。我在上海的時候住過老西門（原林蔭路大吉路一帶）住過閔行七寶，最後住過九亭，沒想到自己生活過的地方也會發生這種事情。 <a href="https://t.co/6JFn8PZFgY">pic.twitter.com/6JFn8PZFgY</a>
— 变态辣椒RebelPepper (@remonwangxt) <a href="https://twitter.com/remonwangxt/status/1512461220661583886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It purportedly showed people rummaging for food and fleeing with packaged goods after breaking the barriers.

The present crisis stems from the latest government order which has barred 22 million Shanghai residents, who have been confined to their homes, not to leave, even for buying groceries.

They have been instructed to order food and water while awaiting Government deliveries of vegetables, meat and eggs.

Shanghai officials had promised to end the lockdown on April 5, but fresh cases forced the authorities to extend the lockdown period, leaving many residents unprepared.

On Weibo, residents complained of lack of food and slammed the authorities for haphazard planning, The Guardian reported.

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As seen on Weibo: Shanghai residents go to their balconies to sing &amp; protest lack of supplies. A drone appears: “Please comply w covid restrictions. Control your soul’s desire for freedom. Do not open the window or sing.” <a href="https://t.co/0ZTc8fznaV">https://t.co/0ZTc8fznaV</a> <a href="https://t.co/pAnEGOlBIh">pic.twitter.com/pAnEGOlBIh</a>
— Alice Su (@aliceysu) <a href="https://twitter.com/aliceysu/status/1511558828802068481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“No matter where you live, whether you have money or not, you have to worry about what else you can eat and how you can buy things,” one comment read on Thursday.

“Do you want to starve the people of Baoshan to death?” a resident from the suburban district wrote, complaining about a lack of food.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Chinese authorities struggle to contain fresh Covid pandemic in Shanghai, a video has been doing the rounds on social media which shows hungry residents looting a supermarket in the financial hub amidst reports of food scarcity.

As Chinese authorities struggle to contain fresh Covid pandemic in Shanghai, a video has been doing the rounds on social media which shows hungry residents looting a supermarket in the financial hub amidst reports of food scarcity. Shanghai entered its fifth day of a strict eight-day lockdown on Sunday as the city continued to break Covid records. On Sunday, Shanghai reported 24,944 COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infections in the current wave to more than 179,000. A video circulating on Twitter showed hungry people ransacking a supermarket in Jiuting area of Songjiang. WION couldn’t independently verify the authenticity of the clip. 剛才連續兩條視頻都是上海松江九亭地區的，這條也是，一九亭的超市被飢民洗劫。我在上海的時候住過老西門（原林蔭路大吉路一帶）住過閔行七寶，最後住過九亭，沒想到自己生活過的地方也會發生這種事情。 pic.twitter.com/6JFn8PZFgY — 变态辣椒RebelPepper (@remonwangxt) April 8, 2022 × It purportedly showed people rummaging for food and fleeing with packaged goods after breaking the barriers. The present crisis stems from the latest government order which has barred 22 million Shanghai residents, who have been confined to their homes, not to leave, even for buying groceries. They have been instructed to order food and water while awaiting Government deliveries of vegetables, meat and eggs. Shanghai officials had promised to end the lockdown on April 5, but fresh cases forced the authorities to extend the lockdown period, leaving many residents unprepared. On Weibo, residents complained of lack of food and slammed the authorities for haphazard planning, The Guardian reported. As seen on Weibo: Shanghai residents go to their balconies to sing & protest lack of supplies. A drone appears: “Please comply w covid restrictions. Control your soul’s desire for freedom. Do not open the window or sing.” https://t.co/0ZTc8fznaV pic.twitter.com/pAnEGOlBIh — Alice Su (@aliceysu) April 6, 2022 × “No matter where you live, whether you have money or not, you have to worry about what else you can eat and how you can buy things,” one comment read on Thursday. “Do you want to starve the people of Baoshan to death?” a resident from the suburban district wrote, complaining about a lack of food. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Shanghai residents loot supermarket as Covid lockdown spurs food scarcity

As Shanghai struggles to contain an omicron outbreak, a top Chinese official vowed to adhere to a “zero Covid” policy to stamp out the virus in the shortest time possible.

During a visit to Shanghai on Saturday that analysts said indicated the central government’s high level of concern about the situation there, a Chinese vice premier, Sun Chunlan, urged improvement in the city’s coronavirus testing capacities and the expansion of makeshift hospitals and isolation centres to quarantine those infected with the virus, according to Chinese state media Sunday.

Over the past month, Shanghai, China’s largest city, has faced one of the country’s largest coronavirus outbreaks since the pandemic began two years ago. After weeks of targeted restrictions, like neighbourhood shutdowns, Shanghai officials last week pivoted to a more sweeping lockdown that closed off the metropolitan area in two stages — the eastern part of the city, followed by the western portion — for mass testing.

But mismanagement of lockdowns and other restrictions have led to growing discontent and confusion across the city. Social media posts expressing anger, desperation and frustration have flooded the Chinese internet. Residents have been unable to get help for life-threatening situations through official channels. Patients could not secure their regular medical assistance. Infected parents have been separated from their toddlers. And residents locked indoors scrambled to find essential supplies.

Many have wondered why infected residents must go to isolation centres instead of isolating at home. Sun’s instructions offered little hope that Covid policies in the city would relax anytime soon. Instead, she called for officials to do a better job meeting residents’ basic needs even under lockdowns.

“It is an arduous task and huge challenge to combat the omicron variant while maintaining the normal operation of core functions in a megacity,” she said.

With Shanghai being a critical economic and industrial hub, Sun stressed the strict implementation for factory bubbles for key industries, a “closed loop” system that is similar to the one used during the recent Olympic Games, to ensure their normal operations and the stability of supply and industrial chains.

Shanghai’s health commission Sunday reported 8,226 confirmed new cases, of which 7,788 were asymptomatic. The city has seen a tenfold increase in daily new cases, from just 758 cases two weeks ago. More than 30,000 cases were identified in the past month.

On Sunday, the city stepped up its testing efforts by ordering all citizens to conduct their own rapid tests before the city carried out another round of mass PCR testing the next day.

Echoing Sun’s pledge, a Shanghai health official said at a news conference Sunday that the city was taking steps, through testing and other measures, to achieve “zero Covid” as soon as possible.

As Shanghai struggles to contain an omicron outbreak, a top Chinese official vowed to adhere to a “zero Covid” policy to stamp out the virus in the shortest time possible.

As Shanghai struggles to contain an omicron outbreak, a top Chinese official vowed to adhere to a “zero Covid” policy to stamp out the virus in the shortest time possible. During a visit to Shanghai on Saturday that analysts said indicated the central government’s high level of concern about the situation there, a Chinese vice premier, Sun Chunlan, urged improvement in the city’s coronavirus testing capacities and the expansion of makeshift hospitals and isolation centres to quarantine those infected with the virus, according to Chinese state media Sunday. Over the past month, Shanghai, China’s largest city, has faced one of the country’s largest coronavirus outbreaks since the pandemic began two years ago. After weeks of targeted restrictions, like neighbourhood shutdowns, Shanghai officials last week pivoted to a more sweeping lockdown that closed off the metropolitan area in two stages — the eastern part of the city, followed by the western portion — for mass testing. But mismanagement of lockdowns and other restrictions have led to growing discontent and confusion across the city. Social media posts expressing anger, desperation and frustration have flooded the Chinese internet. Residents have been unable to get help for life-threatening situations through official channels. Patients could not secure their regular medical assistance. Infected parents have been separated from their toddlers. And residents locked indoors scrambled to find essential supplies. Many have wondered why infected residents must go to isolation centres instead of isolating at home. Sun’s instructions offered little hope that Covid policies in the city would relax anytime soon. Instead, she called for officials to do a better job meeting residents’ basic needs even under lockdowns. “It is an arduous task and huge challenge to combat the omicron variant while maintaining the normal operation of core functions in a megacity,” she said. With Shanghai being a critical economic and industrial hub, Sun stressed the strict implementation for factory bubbles for key industries, a “closed loop” system that is similar to the one used during the recent Olympic Games, to ensure their normal operations and the stability of supply and industrial chains. Shanghai’s health commission Sunday reported 8,226 confirmed new cases, of which 7,788 were asymptomatic. The city has seen a tenfold increase in daily new cases, from just 758 cases two weeks ago. More than 30,000 cases were identified in the past month. On Sunday, the city stepped up its testing efforts by ordering all citizens to conduct their own rapid tests before the city carried out another round of mass PCR testing the next day. Echoing Sun’s pledge, a Shanghai health official said at a news conference Sunday that the city was taking steps, through testing and other measures, to achieve “zero Covid” as soon as possible.

China official signals commitment to ‘zero Covid’ as Shanghai battles outbreak

As a resurgent COVID-19 wreaks havoc in China, more than 70 officials have been let go as a “punishment” in the past one month for failing to control the virus.

China has been witnessing a spurt in Covid cases owing to the more contagious Omicron variant.

According to South China Morning Post, top leaders have warned officials that strict action would be taken if they fail to act swiftly.

The warning comes even as health officials have acknowledged that most of the infections showed little or no symptoms making their detection difficult, the newspaper reported.

The newspaper claimed that at least 74 officials have been sacked or reprimanded for failing to do their duty during the current wave.

Meanwhile, China reported over 4,700 new infections on Tuesday, with the bulk of cases being recorded from the northeastern province of Jilin, where more than 9 million people have been placed under lockdown.

Jilin has mostly banned trips both outside the province and from region to region within the province, and residents who have to travel must notify the police.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ba2-sub-variant-driving-increase-covid-numbers-in-scotland-464413">BA.2 sub-variant driving spurt in Covid numbers in Scotland</a>

The number of local symptomatic cases in Jilin's provincial capital of Changchun has increased for five days in a row and hit a record on March 21.

In Shenyang, an industrial base home to factories including carmaker BMW, 47 new cases were reported on Tuesday as authorities put all housing compounds under "closed management" and barred residents from leaving without a 48-hour negative test result.

In China's financial hub Shanghai, 865 domestically transmitted asymptomatic infections were reported on Monday, an increase from 734 a day earlier, reports Reuters citing the official data.

Although small compared with the number of infections in many outbreaks overseas, the rise is significant as Shanghai redoubles its efforts to implement China's "dynamic clearance" policy designed to curb each flare-up.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/next-covid-variant-may-be-more-dangerous-than-omicron-say-scientists-453061">Next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron, say scientists</a>

The city is pressing ahead with a block by block testing scheme after already completing more than 30 million tests.

The southern tech powerhouse of Shenzhen on Monday announced it would lift its week-long lockdown "in an orderly manner", after having partially eased measures on Friday to minimise the impact of virus shutdowns on factories and ports.

Watch |&nbsp;Omicron threatens China's Zero COVID policy as it battles worst COVID wave in 2 years

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(With inputs from agencies)

As a resurgent COVID-19 wreaks havoc in China, more than 70 officials have been let go as a “punishment” in the past one month for failing to control the virus. China has been witnessing a spurt in Covid cases owing to the more contagious Omicron variant.

As a resurgent COVID-19 wreaks havoc in China, more than 70 officials have been let go as a “punishment” in the past one month for failing to control the virus. China has been witnessing a spurt in Covid cases owing to the more contagious Omicron variant. According to South China Morning Post, top leaders have warned officials that strict action would be taken if they fail to act swiftly. The warning comes even as health officials have acknowledged that most of the infections showed little or no symptoms making their detection difficult, the newspaper reported. The newspaper claimed that at least 74 officials have been sacked or reprimanded for failing to do their duty during the current wave. Meanwhile, China reported over 4,700 new infections on Tuesday, with the bulk of cases being recorded from the northeastern province of Jilin, where more than 9 million people have been placed under lockdown. Jilin has mostly banned trips both outside the province and from region to region within the province, and residents who have to travel must notify the police. Also read | BA.2 sub-variant driving spurt in Covid numbers in Scotland The number of local symptomatic cases in Jilin's provincial capital of Changchun has increased for five days in a row and hit a record on March 21. In Shenyang, an industrial base home to factories including carmaker BMW, 47 new cases were reported on Tuesday as authorities put all housing compounds under "closed management" and barred residents from leaving without a 48-hour negative test result. In China's financial hub Shanghai, 865 domestically transmitted asymptomatic infections were reported on Monday, an increase from 734 a day earlier, reports Reuters citing the official data. Although small compared with the number of infections in many outbreaks overseas, the rise is significant as Shanghai redoubles its efforts to implement China's "dynamic clearance" policy designed to curb each flare-up. Also read | Next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron, say scientists The city is pressing ahead with a block by block testing scheme after already completing more than 30 million tests. The southern tech powerhouse of Shenzhen on Monday announced it would lift its week-long lockdown "in an orderly manner", after having partially eased measures on Friday to minimise the impact of virus shutdowns on factories and ports. Watch | Omicron threatens China's Zero COVID policy as it battles worst COVID wave in 2 years (With inputs from agencies)

China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity'

The Chinese mainland reported 402 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, nearly double of the cases recorded a day earlier, official data showed on Thursday.

According to the National Health Commission report, among the new local infections, northwestern Jilin province reported 165 cases, its highly daily count since China contained its first national outbreak in 2020.

A total of 126 imported COVID-19 cases were reported Wednesday, said the commission.

Ten new suspected cases, all arriving from outside the mainland, were reported in Shanghai, said the commission. No deaths from COVID-19 were reported on the day.

Even though the number of active cases reported is low compared to global standards, China has been sticking with its “dynamic zero-Covid strategy”, which involves using mass testing and tracing, border controls and snap lockdowns to contain the virus.

In Jilin, which is battling a fresh outbreak after a sub-strain of Omicron was found, business operations in its urban areas have been closed for a week with exceptions being made for those responsible for providing essential services and businesses requiring continuous production.

People are being allowed out of their homes from Mar&nbsp;7 to Mar 13, except for matters such as seeking medical services or going for urgent work, according to the city government.

As of March 9, China had reported 112,385 cases with confirmed symptoms, including local ones and those arriving from outside the mainland.

A total of 586 asymptomatic cases were reported Wednesday, including 151 arriving from outside the mainland, according to the commission.

A total of 4,636 patients had died of the virus on the mainland since the outbreak of the disease

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese mainland reported 402 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, nearly double of the cases recorded a day earlier, official data showed on Thursday.

The Chinese mainland reported 402 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, nearly double of the cases recorded a day earlier, official data showed on Thursday. According to the National Health Commission report, among the new local infections, northwestern Jilin province reported 165 cases, its highly daily count since China contained its first national outbreak in 2020. A total of 126 imported COVID-19 cases were reported Wednesday, said the commission. Ten new suspected cases, all arriving from outside the mainland, were reported in Shanghai, said the commission. No deaths from COVID-19 were reported on the day. Even though the number of active cases reported is low compared to global standards, China has been sticking with its “dynamic zero-Covid strategy”, which involves using mass testing and tracing, border controls and snap lockdowns to contain the virus. In Jilin, which is battling a fresh outbreak after a sub-strain of Omicron was found, business operations in its urban areas have been closed for a week with exceptions being made for those responsible for providing essential services and businesses requiring continuous production. People are being allowed out of their homes from Mar 7 to Mar 13, except for matters such as seeking medical services or going for urgent work, according to the city government. As of March 9, China had reported 112,385 cases with confirmed symptoms, including local ones and those arriving from outside the mainland. A total of 586 asymptomatic cases were reported Wednesday, including 151 arriving from outside the mainland, according to the commission. A total of 4,636 patients had died of the virus on the mainland since the outbreak of the disease (With inputs from agencies)

China reports 402 local Covid cases, nearly double than a day earlier

Only 10 days are left for Winter Olympics 2022 to commence in Beijing. But China is battling a fresh wave of infections on the account of local Omicron cases.

The Chinese authorities have been desperate to contain the spread of the virus and have taken some draconian measures as part of the strict zero Covid drive.

From asking people to wear masks and gloves when opening mail, especially from abroad, to culling thousands of hamsters in Hong Kong over possible virus transmission, China has used some “whacky” ideas to ensure that cases remain negligible.

However, it seems that the level of desperation is going a bit higher with each passing day, as health workers are now doing swab tests on garlic plants as part of the strict zero Covid drive.

According to local media reports, farmers in Yuzhou city, which is also grappling with a Delta outbreak, are having difficulty in selling garlic sprouts over fears that it might further spread the virus.

Apart from that, authorities in Beijing have asked citizens buying common anti-fever medicine to undergo COVID-19 testing to root out undetected virus infections without locking down the city and the host of the Winter Olympics.

Beijing residents who purchase antipyretics, antivirals and drugs that target coughs and sore throats will get an alert on the mobile app China uses for contact tracing and which is frequently checked to allow entry to public venues. The buyer will then need to take a Covid test within 72 hours or face movement restrictions, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission said on Sunday.

Thousands of athletes, media workers and foreign dignitaries arriving for the Olympics will operate in a "closed-loop" bubble strictly cut off from the outside world.

On Sunday, it was announced that more than 70 Games participants had tested positive inside the bubble so far.

China on Monday reported 18 domestic transmissions, six of which were found in Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Only 10 days are left for Winter Olympics 2022 to commence in Beijing. But China is battling a fresh wave of infections on the account of local Omicron cases. The Chinese authorities have been desperate to contain the spread of the virus and have taken some draconian measures as part of the strict zero Covid drive.

Only 10 days are left for Winter Olympics 2022 to commence in Beijing. But China is battling a fresh wave of infections on the account of local Omicron cases. The Chinese authorities have been desperate to contain the spread of the virus and have taken some draconian measures as part of the strict zero Covid drive. From asking people to wear masks and gloves when opening mail, especially from abroad, to culling thousands of hamsters in Hong Kong over possible virus transmission, China has used some “whacky” ideas to ensure that cases remain negligible. However, it seems that the level of desperation is going a bit higher with each passing day, as health workers are now doing swab tests on garlic plants as part of the strict zero Covid drive. According to local media reports, farmers in Yuzhou city, which is also grappling with a Delta outbreak, are having difficulty in selling garlic sprouts over fears that it might further spread the virus. Apart from that, authorities in Beijing have asked citizens buying common anti-fever medicine to undergo COVID-19 testing to root out undetected virus infections without locking down the city and the host of the Winter Olympics. Beijing residents who purchase antipyretics, antivirals and drugs that target coughs and sore throats will get an alert on the mobile app China uses for contact tracing and which is frequently checked to allow entry to public venues. The buyer will then need to take a Covid test within 72 hours or face movement restrictions, the Beijing Municipal Health Commission said on Sunday. Thousands of athletes, media workers and foreign dignitaries arriving for the Olympics will operate in a "closed-loop" bubble strictly cut off from the outside world. On Sunday, it was announced that more than 70 Games participants had tested positive inside the bubble so far. China on Monday reported 18 domestic transmissions, six of which were found in Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

China is so desperate that health workers now taking swab tests of garlic plants: Report

Meta Platform has said that Chinese-based networks were involved in elaborate online propaganda this year to promote claims of a fake Swiss biologist to spread disinformation on the origins of COVID-19.

According to a report by Meta, the Facebook accounts connected to Chinese information campaigns&nbsp;had promoted the claims of a fake Swiss biologist called “Wilson Edwards”, who claimed that the US was meddling in efforts to find the origins of COVID-19.

Facebook said it had removed a total of 524 Facebook accounts, 20 pages, four groups and 86 Instagram accounts after reviewing public reports that centred around the fake Swiss biologist.

The claims were widely carried by Chinese state media outlets like the Global Times and People's Daily, CGTN, Meta said in its yearly adversarial threat report.

Meta in its report said the social media campaign, which was “largely unsuccessful,” targeted English-speaking audiences in the United States and Britain and Chinese-speaking audiences in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Tibet.

Both Twitter and Facebook are banned in China, but Beijing frequently uses both US social networks to promote its positions on the international stage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-lab-leak-theory-why-china-has-blocked-access-to-yunnan-mine-387360">'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker</a>

“Our investigation uncovered that almost the entire initial spread of the “Wilson Edwards” story on our platform was inauthentic — the work of a multi-pronged, largely unsuccessful influence operation that originated in China,” Meta said.

The company in its November said that there was a network of accounts amplifying the fake news, many of which were inauthentic, “but some were real and belonged to employees of Chinese state infrastructure companies including employees of Sichuan Silence Information Technology Co Ltd... and individuals associated with Chinese state infrastructure companies based around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-lab-leak-theory-why-china-has-blocked-access-to-yunnan-mine-387360">Wuhan virus lab leak theory: Why China has blocked access to Yunnan mine</a>

Meta said the campaign used Virtual Personal Network (VPN) infrastructure to conceal its origin, and to give Edwards a more rounded personality. It also said that his profile photo also appeared to have been generated using machine-learning capabilities.

The Swiss embassy has also recently denied the existence of Edwards, reports BCC.

It added "there was no registry of a Swiss citizen with the name "Wilson Edwards" and no academic articles under the name", and urged Chinese media outlets to take down any mention of him.

(With inputs from agencies)

Meta Platform has said that Chinese-based networks were involved in elaborate online propaganda this year to promote claims of a fake Swiss biologist to spread disinformation on the origins of COVID-19.

Meta Platform has said that Chinese-based networks were involved in elaborate online propaganda this year to promote claims of a fake Swiss biologist to spread disinformation on the origins of COVID-19. According to a report by Meta, the Facebook accounts connected to Chinese information campaigns had promoted the claims of a fake Swiss biologist called “Wilson Edwards”, who claimed that the US was meddling in efforts to find the origins of COVID-19. Facebook said it had removed a total of 524 Facebook accounts, 20 pages, four groups and 86 Instagram accounts after reviewing public reports that centred around the fake Swiss biologist. The claims were widely carried by Chinese state media outlets like the Global Times and People's Daily, CGTN, Meta said in its yearly adversarial threat report. Meta in its report said the social media campaign, which was “largely unsuccessful,” targeted English-speaking audiences in the United States and Britain and Chinese-speaking audiences in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Tibet. Both Twitter and Facebook are banned in China, but Beijing frequently uses both US social networks to promote its positions on the international stage. Also read | 'Wuhan virus' and the travails of being a pro-China Hong Kong lawmaker “Our investigation uncovered that almost the entire initial spread of the “Wilson Edwards” story on our platform was inauthentic — the work of a multi-pronged, largely unsuccessful influence operation that originated in China,” Meta said. The company in its November said that there was a network of accounts amplifying the fake news, many of which were inauthentic, “but some were real and belonged to employees of Chinese state infrastructure companies including employees of Sichuan Silence Information Technology Co Ltd... and individuals associated with Chinese state infrastructure companies based around the world." Also read | Wuhan virus lab leak theory: Why China has blocked access to Yunnan mine Meta said the campaign used Virtual Personal Network (VPN) infrastructure to conceal its origin, and to give Edwards a more rounded personality. It also said that his profile photo also appeared to have been generated using machine-learning capabilities. The Swiss embassy has also recently denied the existence of Edwards, reports BCC. It added "there was no registry of a Swiss citizen with the name "Wilson Edwards" and no academic articles under the name", and urged Chinese media outlets to take down any mention of him. (With inputs from agencies)

China-based networks spread online disinformation campaign on Covid origins, says Facebook

Six COVID-19&nbsp;cases were reported from three cities in China in a day, triggering fresh concerns of another coronavirus outbreak.

The new cases have caused alarm as China’s strict zero-Covid policy had so far kept the highly-mutating virus at bay for a brief period of time.

In Shanghai, three women tested positive on Thursday morning, according to the local government.

The three of them travelled together to the neighbouring Suzhou city last weekend, where they dined with two men from Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, the South China Morning Post&nbsp;reported.

The two men, who were classified as close contacts, also tested positive on Thursday evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-flareups-surge-in-provinces-429245">China returns to its strict Covid limits to fight a new outbreak</a>

Another close contact, who lives in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, was notified by the Shanghai authorities and also tested positive.

The six cases come after an outbreak of the highly transmissible Delta variant emerged in mid-October and infected more than 1,300 people in 21 provinces before being contained.

Meanwhile, hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were shut in Shanghai following the detection of new Covid cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-returns-to-its-strict-covid-limits-to-fight-a-new-outbreak-390469">China's coronavirus 'flareups' surge in provinces</a>

Over 500 flights from Shanghai’s two major airports were cancelled on Friday, the Guardian report stated quoting a data from flight tracker VariFlight.

The Shanghai government also instructed that all cross-provincial package tours involving the city - a major commercial and tourism hub - would be cancelled.

Six Shanghai hospitals have also suspended outpatient services.

All schools were closed in the small satellite city of Xuzhou, which also stopped its two million residents from heading out of the city on bus services, after a close contact of one Shanghai patient was found there

As China prepares itself for the February’s Winter Olympics, where a large number of foreign athletes, media and officials are expected to arrive, Beijing authorities on high alert for any potential outbreaks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six COVID-19 cases were reported from three cities in China in a day, triggering fresh concerns of another coronavirus outbreak. The new cases have caused alarm as China’s strict zero-Covid policy had so far kept the highly-mutating virus at bay for a brief period of time.

Six COVID-19 cases were reported from three cities in China in a day, triggering fresh concerns of another coronavirus outbreak. The new cases have caused alarm as China’s strict zero-Covid policy had so far kept the highly-mutating virus at bay for a brief period of time. In Shanghai, three women tested positive on Thursday morning, according to the local government. The three of them travelled together to the neighbouring Suzhou city last weekend, where they dined with two men from Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, the South China Morning Post reported. The two men, who were classified as close contacts, also tested positive on Thursday evening. Also read | China returns to its strict Covid limits to fight a new outbreak Another close contact, who lives in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, was notified by the Shanghai authorities and also tested positive. The six cases come after an outbreak of the highly transmissible Delta variant emerged in mid-October and infected more than 1,300 people in 21 provinces before being contained. Meanwhile, hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were shut in Shanghai following the detection of new Covid cases. Also read | China's coronavirus 'flareups' surge in provinces Over 500 flights from Shanghai’s two major airports were cancelled on Friday, the Guardian report stated quoting a data from flight tracker VariFlight. The Shanghai government also instructed that all cross-provincial package tours involving the city - a major commercial and tourism hub - would be cancelled. Six Shanghai hospitals have also suspended outpatient services. All schools were closed in the small satellite city of Xuzhou, which also stopped its two million residents from heading out of the city on bus services, after a close contact of one Shanghai patient was found there As China prepares itself for the February’s Winter Olympics, where a large number of foreign athletes, media and officials are expected to arrive, Beijing authorities on high alert for any potential outbreaks. (With inputs from agencies)

6 Covid cases reported in three Chinese cities in a day, Shanghai cancels flights, shuts schools

Long serpentine queues, people jostling and fighting at the supermarkets to stock essential food items: These are the scenes of panic buying that is being witnessed across China—which is bracing for a fresh surge of COVID-19 outbreak and a long winter season.

Army biscuits and luncheon meals are becoming the most searched items online. Rice, soya sauce, chilli sauce are trending in Alibaba’s e-commerce website, even as vendors are running out of stock. According to reports, the top search on the internet in China reads household stockpile list.

It all started with a notice from China’s Ministry of Commerce on November 1, directing local governments to encourage people to stockpile “daily necessities”, including vegetables, oils and poultry, in order to “meet the needs of daily life and emergencies.”

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【中国各地民众响应政府号召抢购物资】 
中国商务部周初一纸通知原本恐吓台湾要“武统”，结果引发该国民众疯抢商品。有家庭甚至储备发电机。 
 
网上视频<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E5%8F%B0%E6%B5%B7%E5%8D%B1%E6%9C%BA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#台海危机</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%90%AC%E7%9F%B3%E5%A4%B4%E7%A0%B8%E8%87%AA%E5%B7%B1%E8%84%9A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#搬石头砸自己脚</a> <a href="https://t.co/TZu3AYpExy">pic.twitter.com/TZu3AYpExy</a>
— 自由亚洲电台 (@RFA_Chinese) <a href="https://twitter.com/RFA_Chinese/status/1456095437509644298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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China is encouraging people to stockpile food which has resulted in mass panic buying. Many items are sold out and people are fighting over bags of food. It's unclear the real reason the Chinese government is encouraging this behavior. <a href="https://t.co/gzdiBfzFYc">pic.twitter.com/gzdiBfzFYc</a>
— 974Rebelion✊ (@JohnWick97440) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnWick97440/status/1457379106933383177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Anyone else seeing similar images coming out of China? Apparently people are panic buying? <a href="https://t.co/zhG6RLgpbM">pic.twitter.com/zhG6RLgpbM</a>
— shaquille o'atmeal (@crypt0e) <a href="https://twitter.com/crypt0e/status/1456476067317776392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The order triggered a heated debate online, with some users speculating that the call to stockpile food was related to the possible outbreak of war with Taiwan, while others are attributing to impending lockdown owing to the fresh Covid outbreak.

“The government didn't even tell us to stock goods when the Covid outbreak erupted in early 2020,” wrote one user on Weibo social networking site earlier this week.

One video posted on Weibo by the state-owned news magazine China News Weekly shows long lines of shoppers at grocery stores in Changzhou, a city in Jiangsu province. Their carts are stacked full of produce and other supplies, while shelves throughout the stores are empty.

Supermarkets in various cities around the country saw flour, rice and other food items flying off the shelves.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-panic-buying-in-china-427068/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Ministry of Commerce responded by assuring people there was no imminent threat to the food supply, while the state-run&nbsp;Economic Daily&nbsp;newspaper tried to calm online speculation by saying that the intention of the notice was to make sure people were prepared for lockdowns or quarantine due to&nbsp;new coronavirus outbreaks.

China's instructions also pushed up domestic edible oil futures as well as Malaysian palm oil.

“It's going to be a cold winter, we want to make sure we have enough to eat,” Reuters quoted a woman outside a supermarket in central Beijing.

China's National Meteorological Centre is predicting a plunge in temperatures over the weekend in the northwest, southwest and most central and eastern regions.

Meanwhile, China continues to report rising number of Covid cases in several provinces. According to reports, hundreds of locally transmitted infections have been found in about two-thirds of its provinces.

(With inputs from agencies)

Long serpentine queues, people jostling and fighting at the supermarkets to stock essential food items: These are the scenes of panic buying that is being witnessed across China—which is bracing for a fresh surge of COVID-19 outbreak and a long winter season.

Long serpentine queues, people jostling and fighting at the supermarkets to stock essential food items: These are the scenes of panic buying that is being witnessed across China—which is bracing for a fresh surge of COVID-19 outbreak and a long winter season. Army biscuits and luncheon meals are becoming the most searched items online. Rice, soya sauce, chilli sauce are trending in Alibaba’s e-commerce website, even as vendors are running out of stock. According to reports, the top search on the internet in China reads household stockpile list. It all started with a notice from China’s Ministry of Commerce on November 1, directing local governments to encourage people to stockpile “daily necessities”, including vegetables, oils and poultry, in order to “meet the needs of daily life and emergencies.” 【中国各地民众响应政府号召抢购物资】 中国商务部周初一纸通知原本恐吓台湾要“武统”，结果引发该国民众疯抢商品。有家庭甚至储备发电机。 网上视频#台海危机#搬石头砸自己脚 pic.twitter.com/TZu3AYpExy — 自由亚洲电台 (@RFA_Chinese) November 4, 2021 × China is encouraging people to stockpile food which has resulted in mass panic buying. Many items are sold out and people are fighting over bags of food. It's unclear the real reason the Chinese government is encouraging this behavior. pic.twitter.com/gzdiBfzFYc — 974Rebelion✊ (@JohnWick97440) November 7, 2021 × Anyone else seeing similar images coming out of China? Apparently people are panic buying? pic.twitter.com/zhG6RLgpbM — shaquille o'atmeal (@crypt0e) November 5, 2021 × The order triggered a heated debate online, with some users speculating that the call to stockpile food was related to the possible outbreak of war with Taiwan, while others are attributing to impending lockdown owing to the fresh Covid outbreak. “The government didn't even tell us to stock goods when the Covid outbreak erupted in early 2020,” wrote one user on Weibo social networking site earlier this week. One video posted on Weibo by the state-owned news magazine China News Weekly shows long lines of shoppers at grocery stores in Changzhou, a city in Jiangsu province. Their carts are stacked full of produce and other supplies, while shelves throughout the stores are empty. Supermarkets in various cities around the country saw flour, rice and other food items flying off the shelves. Watch The Ministry of Commerce responded by assuring people there was no imminent threat to the food supply, while the state-run Economic Daily newspaper tried to calm online speculation by saying that the intention of the notice was to make sure people were prepared for lockdowns or quarantine due to new coronavirus outbreaks. China's instructions also pushed up domestic edible oil futures as well as Malaysian palm oil. “It's going to be a cold winter, we want to make sure we have enough to eat,” Reuters quoted a woman outside a supermarket in central Beijing. China's National Meteorological Centre is predicting a plunge in temperatures over the weekend in the northwest, southwest and most central and eastern regions. Meanwhile, China continues to report rising number of Covid cases in several provinces. According to reports, hundreds of locally transmitted infections have been found in about two-thirds of its provinces. (With inputs from agencies)

China's new directive on stockpiling food triggers hoarding, panic buying

The trip began in Shanghai, where the couple, both former professors, joined a tour group of other retirees. They traveled through Gansu province and Inner Mongolia, staying at a bed-and-breakfast and eating three times at the same lamb chop restaurant. Flying south to Xi’an, they dropped into a 1,300-year-old temple. Their fellow tour group members checked out an art museum, strolled through parks and visited friends.

Then, on Oct. 16, the day they had planned to visit the Terracotta Warriors, the couple tested positive for the coronavirus.

Since then, China has locked down a city of 4 million, as well as several smaller cities and parts of Beijing, to contain a fresh outbreak that has infected more than 240 people in at least 11 provinces and regions. The authorities have shuttered schools and tourist sites. Government websites have detailed every movement of the unlucky couple and their sprawling web of contacts, including what time they checked into hotels and on which floors of restaurants they sat.

The no-holds-barred response is emblematic of China’s “zero COVID” policy, which has served the country remarkably well: China has reported fewer than 5,000 deaths since the pandemic began. The scale of the new outbreak, while tiny compared to many other countries, is large for China.

But the policy has also, increasingly, made China an outlier. The rest of the world is reopening, including New Zealand and Australia, which also once embraced zero tolerance. China is now the only country still chasing full eradication of the virus.

“Every locality should firmly adhere to the policy of ‘Defend externally against importation, defend internally against rebound,’ ” Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a news conference Sunday. “The current control measures cannot be relaxed.”

The government’s strict strategy is the product of a uniquely Chinese set of calculations. Its thriving exports have helped to keep the economy afloat. The ruling Communist Party’s tight grip on power enables lockdowns and testing to be carried out with astonishing efficiency. Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympics in February.

For many Chinese, the low case numbers have become a source of national pride. Xi Jinping, China’s leader, has repeatedly pointed to the country’s success in containment as proof of the superiority of its governance model.

But experts — both in China and abroad — have warned that the approach is unsustainable. China may find itself increasingly isolated, diplomatically and economically, at a time when global public opinion is hardening against it.

“The regime thinks it needs to maintain a ‘zero COVID’ policy to maintain its legitimacy,” said Lynette Ong, a political scientist at the University of Toronto. “At a huge cost, though.”

In the early phase of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party’s very hold on power seemed to hinge on its ability to control the virus. Its initial attempts to cover up the outbreak in Wuhan gave rise to a stunning outpouring of public anger. Images of overwhelmed hospitals and patients begging for help flooded the Chinese internet.

As the virus barreled across the rest of the world, that narrative changed. China’s strict lockdowns and mass testing campaigns, once criticized as heavy handed, became models for other countries. As deaths mounted in western democracies, Xi repeatedly emphasized how quickly China had flattened its caseload. Outrage about the initial response to Wuhan gave way to at-times strident nationalism.

Other countries that adopted “zero COVID” policies were hailed as models of competent governance that prioritized saving lives over convenience and economic growth.

As the virus has dragged into its second year, and with the onset of the far more contagious delta variant, countries are again reconsidering their strategies. Australia, which was home to the world’s longest lockdown, is scrapping quarantine requirements for vaccinated residents returning from overseas. New Zealand formally abandoned its quest for zero this month. Singapore is offering quarantine-free travel to vaccinated tourists from Germany, the United States, France and several other countries.

China has refused to change tack. When Zhang Wenhong, a prominent infectious disease expert from Shanghai, suggested this summer that China learn to live with the virus, he was attacked viciously online as a lackey of foreigners. A former Chinese health minister called such a mindset reckless.

Ong said the government was afraid of any challenge to its narrative of pandemic triumph.

“Outbreaks have become so commonplace that it’s really a nonevent,” she said. “But the Chinese authorities want to control any small potential source of instability.”

There are also more practical reasons for China’s hesitation. Medical resources are highly concentrated in big cities, and more remote areas could quickly be overwhelmed by an uptick in cases, said Zhang Jun, an urban studies scholar at the City University of Hong Kong.

In addition, though China has achieved a relatively high full inoculation rate, at 75% of its population, questions have emerged about the efficacy of its homegrown vaccines.

And, at least for now, the elimination strategy appears to enjoy public support. While residents in locked-down areas have complained about seemingly arbitrary or overly harsh restrictions on social media, travel is relatively unconstrained in areas without cases. Wealthy consumers have poured money into luxury goods and fancy cars since they’re not spending on trips abroad.

“As long as they can still feel a certain level of freedom of mobility, I think that kind of COVID-zero policy doesn’t strike the domestic audience as too severe,” Zhang said.

Other governments that have chosen to live with the virus may yet lose their nerve. After lifting many restrictions this summer, Singapore reinstated them in September amid a spike in infections. (Still, the government is moving forward with travel lanes.)

But experts agree that the costs of expecting zero cases will hit eventually. China’s economic growth is slowing, and domestic travel during a weeklong holiday earlier this month fell below last year’s levels, as a cluster of new cases spooked tourists. Retail sales have proven fitful, recovering and ebbing with waves of the virus.

The country may also suffer diplomatically. Xi has not left China or received foreign visitors since early 2020, even as other world leaders prepare to gather in Rome for a Group of 20 summit and Glasgow for climate talks.

China’s hard-nosed approach is also trickling down to Hong Kong, the semi-autonomous territory and global financial hub. In trying to align their own COVID prevention policies with the mainland’s, Hong Kong’s leaders have introduced the world’s longest quarantine, ignoring escalating warnings from business leaders about an exodus of foreign firms.

And even those supportive of the restrictions wonder whether there is an exit strategy.

“I think the current policies are still in the right direction,” said Jason Qiu, 27, who grew up in Gansu province, not far from Lanzhou, the city of 4 million now under lockdown. “But if things go on like this for a long time — for example if the pandemic is going to continue for another five or 10 years, or become endemic — maybe it would be time to consider changing some measures.”

In a potential nod to those concerns, some officials have broached the idea of loosening restrictions, though cautiously. Gao Fu, the head of China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a recent interview with Chinese media that once the country reached an 85% vaccination rate, “why shouldn’t we open up?”

But he prefaced his question with a warning: “This is a very good question. But it’s also a very sensitive question.”

Until then, those stranded by the lockdowns have tried to make the best of their situations. State news outlets have reported that roughly 10,000 tourists are trapped in Ejin Banner, a region of Inner Mongolia, after the emergence of cases led to a lockdown. As consolation, the local tourism association has promised them free entry to three popular tourist attractions, redeemable within the next three years.

The trip began in Shanghai, where the couple, both former professors, joined a tour group of other retirees. They traveled through Gansu province and Inner Mongolia, staying at a bed-and-breakfast and eating three times at the same lamb chop restaurant.

The trip began in Shanghai, where the couple, both former professors, joined a tour group of other retirees. They traveled through Gansu province and Inner Mongolia, staying at a bed-and-breakfast and eating three times at the same lamb chop restaurant. Flying south to Xi’an, they dropped into a 1,300-year-old temple. Their fellow tour group members checked out an art museum, strolled through parks and visited friends. Then, on Oct. 16, the day they had planned to visit the Terracotta Warriors, the couple tested positive for the coronavirus. Since then, China has locked down a city of 4 million, as well as several smaller cities and parts of Beijing, to contain a fresh outbreak that has infected more than 240 people in at least 11 provinces and regions. The authorities have shuttered schools and tourist sites. Government websites have detailed every movement of the unlucky couple and their sprawling web of contacts, including what time they checked into hotels and on which floors of restaurants they sat. The no-holds-barred response is emblematic of China’s “zero COVID” policy, which has served the country remarkably well: China has reported fewer than 5,000 deaths since the pandemic began. The scale of the new outbreak, while tiny compared to many other countries, is large for China. But the policy has also, increasingly, made China an outlier. The rest of the world is reopening, including New Zealand and Australia, which also once embraced zero tolerance. China is now the only country still chasing full eradication of the virus. “Every locality should firmly adhere to the policy of ‘Defend externally against importation, defend internally against rebound,’ ” Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a news conference Sunday. “The current control measures cannot be relaxed.” The government’s strict strategy is the product of a uniquely Chinese set of calculations. Its thriving exports have helped to keep the economy afloat. The ruling Communist Party’s tight grip on power enables lockdowns and testing to be carried out with astonishing efficiency. Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympics in February. For many Chinese, the low case numbers have become a source of national pride. Xi Jinping, China’s leader, has repeatedly pointed to the country’s success in containment as proof of the superiority of its governance model. But experts — both in China and abroad — have warned that the approach is unsustainable. China may find itself increasingly isolated, diplomatically and economically, at a time when global public opinion is hardening against it. “The regime thinks it needs to maintain a ‘zero COVID’ policy to maintain its legitimacy,” said Lynette Ong, a political scientist at the University of Toronto. “At a huge cost, though.” In the early phase of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party’s very hold on power seemed to hinge on its ability to control the virus. Its initial attempts to cover up the outbreak in Wuhan gave rise to a stunning outpouring of public anger. Images of overwhelmed hospitals and patients begging for help flooded the Chinese internet. As the virus barreled across the rest of the world, that narrative changed. China’s strict lockdowns and mass testing campaigns, once criticized as heavy handed, became models for other countries. As deaths mounted in western democracies, Xi repeatedly emphasized how quickly China had flattened its caseload. Outrage about the initial response to Wuhan gave way to at-times strident nationalism. Other countries that adopted “zero COVID” policies were hailed as models of competent governance that prioritized saving lives over convenience and economic growth. As the virus has dragged into its second year, and with the onset of the far more contagious delta variant, countries are again reconsidering their strategies. Australia, which was home to the world’s longest lockdown, is scrapping quarantine requirements for vaccinated residents returning from overseas. New Zealand formally abandoned its quest for zero this month. Singapore is offering quarantine-free travel to vaccinated tourists from Germany, the United States, France and several other countries. China has refused to change tack. When Zhang Wenhong, a prominent infectious disease expert from Shanghai, suggested this summer that China learn to live with the virus, he was attacked viciously online as a lackey of foreigners. A former Chinese health minister called such a mindset reckless. Ong said the government was afraid of any challenge to its narrative of pandemic triumph. “Outbreaks have become so commonplace that it’s really a nonevent,” she said. “But the Chinese authorities want to control any small potential source of instability.” There are also more practical reasons for China’s hesitation. Medical resources are highly concentrated in big cities, and more remote areas could quickly be overwhelmed by an uptick in cases, said Zhang Jun, an urban studies scholar at the City University of Hong Kong. In addition, though China has achieved a relatively high full inoculation rate, at 75% of its population, questions have emerged about the efficacy of its homegrown vaccines. And, at least for now, the elimination strategy appears to enjoy public support. While residents in locked-down areas have complained about seemingly arbitrary or overly harsh restrictions on social media, travel is relatively unconstrained in areas without cases. Wealthy consumers have poured money into luxury goods and fancy cars since they’re not spending on trips abroad. “As long as they can still feel a certain level of freedom of mobility, I think that kind of COVID-zero policy doesn’t strike the domestic audience as too severe,” Zhang said. Other governments that have chosen to live with the virus may yet lose their nerve. After lifting many restrictions this summer, Singapore reinstated them in September amid a spike in infections. (Still, the government is moving forward with travel lanes.) But experts agree that the costs of expecting zero cases will hit eventually. China’s economic growth is slowing, and domestic travel during a weeklong holiday earlier this month fell below last year’s levels, as a cluster of new cases spooked tourists. Retail sales have proven fitful, recovering and ebbing with waves of the virus. The country may also suffer diplomatically. Xi has not left China or received foreign visitors since early 2020, even as other world leaders prepare to gather in Rome for a Group of 20 summit and Glasgow for climate talks. China’s hard-nosed approach is also trickling down to Hong Kong, the semi-autonomous territory and global financial hub. In trying to align their own COVID prevention policies with the mainland’s, Hong Kong’s leaders have introduced the world’s longest quarantine, ignoring escalating warnings from business leaders about an exodus of foreign firms. And even those supportive of the restrictions wonder whether there is an exit strategy. “I think the current policies are still in the right direction,” said Jason Qiu, 27, who grew up in Gansu province, not far from Lanzhou, the city of 4 million now under lockdown. “But if things go on like this for a long time — for example if the pandemic is going to continue for another five or 10 years, or become endemic — maybe it would be time to consider changing some measures.” In a potential nod to those concerns, some officials have broached the idea of loosening restrictions, though cautiously. Gao Fu, the head of China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a recent interview with Chinese media that once the country reached an 85% vaccination rate, “why shouldn’t we open up?” But he prefaced his question with a warning: “This is a very good question. But it’s also a very sensitive question.” Until then, those stranded by the lockdowns have tried to make the best of their situations. State news outlets have reported that roughly 10,000 tourists are trapped in Ejin Banner, a region of Inner Mongolia, after the emergence of cases led to a lockdown. As consolation, the local tourism association has promised them free entry to three popular tourist attractions, redeemable within the next three years.

Why China is the world’s last ‘zero Covid’ holdout

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