Protests erupt in China's Xinjiang region, capital Beijing and Shanghai as public anger grows over prolonged covid-19 lockdowns in the country. China has seen a hike in the number of cases recently.

Protests flare across China over zero-Covid policy

China blasted the United States for making "groundless accusations" about its Covid-19 policy, after surging cases in Shanghai prompted the American consulate to let some staff leave the locked-down megacity.

Beijing's zero-Covid strategy has come under strain since March as over 100,000 cases in Shanghai have seen its 25 million inhabitants locked down in phases, inciting complaints of food shortages and clashes with health workers.

The US embassy said Saturday it would permit non-essential employees to leave its consulate in Shanghai due to the case surge, warning citizens in China they may face "arbitrary enforcement" of virus curbs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-vows-to-improve-food-deliveries-as-discontent-grows-over-covid-curbs-469021">Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs</a>

In response, Beijing expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US side's groundless accusations about China's epidemic control policy", according to a statement issued Saturday on the foreign ministry's website.

"This is the US's own decision. However, it must be pointed out that China's epidemic control policy is scientific and effective," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, adding that Beijing had lodged "solemn representations" with American counterparts.

"We have full confidence that Shanghai and other places will overcome this round of the epidemic."

China is sticking fast to a policy of snap lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions to staunch the spread of the virus even as Shanghai's daily case numbers have spiralled under an Omicron-fuelled wave.

The business hub reported a record 24,943 new infections on Sunday -- mostly asymptomatic, accounting for over 90 percent of the national total.

Watch |&nbsp;Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents

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Authorities have readied tens of thousands of new beds in over 100 makeshift hospitals as part of a policy of isolating every person who tests positive for the virus -- whether or not they show any symptoms.

Locals have begun to chafe at lockdown restrictions with many taking to social media to vent anger at food shortages and heavy-handed controls -- including the recent killing of a pet corgi by a health worker.

An unpopular policy of separating infected children from their virus-free parents -- now softened -- also triggered a rare show of public anger this week.

But officials are not budging on their zero-tolerance approach.&nbsp;

City health official Wu Qianyu said during a Sunday press conference the city "would not relax in the slightest".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-moves-a-number-of-covid-19-patients-to-neighbouring-province-of-zhejiang-469095">Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang&nbsp;</a>

Major online delivery platforms said they would bolster food stocks and draft in thousands of drivers to strengthen the supply of basic goods.

In an interview with a local news outlet on Saturday, Zhang Wenhong -- a top doctor in Shanghai's pandemic fight -- acknowledged the impact on the healthcare system but said "realising dynamic zero ... will help to resume normal medical order as early as possible".

China blasted the United States for making "groundless accusations" about its Covid-19 policy, after surging cases in Shanghai prompted the American consulate to let some staff leave the locked-down megacity.

China blasted the United States for making "groundless accusations" about its Covid-19 policy, after surging cases in Shanghai prompted the American consulate to let some staff leave the locked-down megacity. Beijing's zero-Covid strategy has come under strain since March as over 100,000 cases in Shanghai have seen its 25 million inhabitants locked down in phases, inciting complaints of food shortages and clashes with health workers. The US embassy said Saturday it would permit non-essential employees to leave its consulate in Shanghai due to the case surge, warning citizens in China they may face "arbitrary enforcement" of virus curbs. Also read | Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs In response, Beijing expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US side's groundless accusations about China's epidemic control policy", according to a statement issued Saturday on the foreign ministry's website. "This is the US's own decision. However, it must be pointed out that China's epidemic control policy is scientific and effective," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, adding that Beijing had lodged "solemn representations" with American counterparts. "We have full confidence that Shanghai and other places will overcome this round of the epidemic." China is sticking fast to a policy of snap lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions to staunch the spread of the virus even as Shanghai's daily case numbers have spiralled under an Omicron-fuelled wave. The business hub reported a record 24,943 new infections on Sunday -- mostly asymptomatic, accounting for over 90 percent of the national total. Watch | Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents Authorities have readied tens of thousands of new beds in over 100 makeshift hospitals as part of a policy of isolating every person who tests positive for the virus -- whether or not they show any symptoms. Locals have begun to chafe at lockdown restrictions with many taking to social media to vent anger at food shortages and heavy-handed controls -- including the recent killing of a pet corgi by a health worker. An unpopular policy of separating infected children from their virus-free parents -- now softened -- also triggered a rare show of public anger this week. But officials are not budging on their zero-tolerance approach. City health official Wu Qianyu said during a Sunday press conference the city "would not relax in the slightest". Also read | Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang Major online delivery platforms said they would bolster food stocks and draft in thousands of drivers to strengthen the supply of basic goods. In an interview with a local news outlet on Saturday, Zhang Wenhong -- a top doctor in Shanghai's pandemic fight -- acknowledged the impact on the healthcare system but said "realising dynamic zero ... will help to resume normal medical order as early as possible".

China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on

The United States has authorised ''voluntary departure'' of non-essential personnel from Shanghai due to the tough coronavirus restrictions in the city.

The US State Department said in a statement that the families of all Americans have also been granted permission to leave.

The country has issued an advisory against travelling to Shanghai "due to Covid-19 related restrictions, including the risk of parents and children being separated."

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White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Biden administration is closely monitoring a coronavirus lockdown in Shanghai that could cause delays to air cargo.

Other Chinese cities tightened curbs as Shanghai on Friday announced a record 21,000 new COVID-19 cases.

The second-largest Chinese city, which is the country's financial hub, has locked down its population of 26 million people amid the rising cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-says-people-inoculated-with-booster-dose-recover-more-than-three-days-earlier-from-omicron-than-delta-469245" hreflang="en">Study says people inoculated with booster dose recover more than three days earlier from Omicron than Delta</a>

After residents complained about the harsh lockdown conditions leading to shortages of food and basic necessities, three local officials in Shanghai have been sacked over a slack response to the coronavirus&nbsp;outbreak.

Total cases in the outbreak that began last month in Shanghai have soared past the 100,000 mark, making it one of China’s most serious since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019.

In Shanghai, the Chinese government implemented a highly controversial policy of separating coronavirus-positive children from parents who tested negative, but then had to relax it following criticism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-shanghai-social-media-unpicks-chinas-covid-lockdown-story-469102" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Shanghai social media unpicks China's Covid lockdown story</a>

The Communist Party leadership in Beijing is working to squelch complaints, especially online, in hopes of preventing the lockdown and accompanying dissatisfaction from becoming a political issue ahead of a key party congress later this year.

China’s COVID-19 policy has “once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to fight against the virus and host major international events,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said in an address at a ceremony Friday honoring Chinese Games participants.

In a further endorsement of the government’s approach, Xi credited China’s “closed loop” management with keeping the infection rate to just 0.45 per cent of those involved in this year’s Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has authorised ''voluntary departure'' of non-essential personnel from Shanghai due to the tough coronavirus restrictions in the city. The US State Department said in a statement that the families of all Americans have also been granted permission to leave.

The United States has authorised ''voluntary departure'' of non-essential personnel from Shanghai due to the tough coronavirus restrictions in the city. The US State Department said in a statement that the families of all Americans have also been granted permission to leave. The country has issued an advisory against travelling to Shanghai "due to Covid-19 related restrictions, including the risk of parents and children being separated." White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Biden administration is closely monitoring a coronavirus lockdown in Shanghai that could cause delays to air cargo. Other Chinese cities tightened curbs as Shanghai on Friday announced a record 21,000 new COVID-19 cases. The second-largest Chinese city, which is the country's financial hub, has locked down its population of 26 million people amid the rising cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Also read | Study says people inoculated with booster dose recover more than three days earlier from Omicron than Delta After residents complained about the harsh lockdown conditions leading to shortages of food and basic necessities, three local officials in Shanghai have been sacked over a slack response to the coronavirus outbreak. Total cases in the outbreak that began last month in Shanghai have soared past the 100,000 mark, making it one of China’s most serious since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019. In Shanghai, the Chinese government implemented a highly controversial policy of separating coronavirus-positive children from parents who tested negative, but then had to relax it following criticism. Also read | COVID-19: Shanghai social media unpicks China's Covid lockdown story The Communist Party leadership in Beijing is working to squelch complaints, especially online, in hopes of preventing the lockdown and accompanying dissatisfaction from becoming a political issue ahead of a key party congress later this year. China’s COVID-19 policy has “once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to fight against the virus and host major international events,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said in an address at a ceremony Friday honoring Chinese Games participants. In a further endorsement of the government’s approach, Xi credited China’s “closed loop” management with keeping the infection rate to just 0.45 per cent of those involved in this year’s Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games. (With inputs from agencies)

US authorises 'voluntary departure' of non-essential personnel from Shanghai

In a new video that has gone viral on social media, chaotic scenes can be seen at the Nanhui quarantine site in the Chinese city of Shanghai.

People can be seen complaining about the insufficient staff and shortage of food at the isolation site amid a lockdown in the city.

They are fighting over limited resources such as water, food, and blankets which are considered basic necessities.

The video has been shared thousands of times on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat.

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Videos surfacing on Chinese social media today show chaotic scenes from the Nanhui covid19 quarantine location, where people were fighting over resources. <a href="https://t.co/BZTDMBmb7F">pic.twitter.com/BZTDMBmb7F</a>
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) <a href="https://twitter.com/manyapan/status/1511037822064635912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A Chinese user who shared the video said, ''If you can, please help us expose (the situation). It's so scary...nobody is managing the stuation properly.''

Several people at the designated field hospital could not get any of the supplies being distributed because, by the time they reached the front of the queue, nothing was left.

The lockdown in Shanghai has created a situation of panic, with people rushing to acquire as much as possible before they are unable to do so.

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Complaining about the horrible conditions at the quarantine site, another Chinese social media user wrote: “Can you take a look at the Nanhui hospital site, my mum tested positive and was at home for a week laying low and she recovered, yet they still recklessly took her away.''

''When she arrived she had to snatch a room for herself, nothing was fixed, people testing positive and negative all mixed together, there was no hot water, no healthcare workers, no nurses, there was nothing. People had to fight over food and water, the chaos and confusion was over the limit.''

As Shanghai battles the Omicron wave amid the lockdown, China's state-run Global Times said authorities had deployed 38,000 health workers during testing which is the largest number of medical aid since the virus broke out in Wuhan over two years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghais-covid-mission-impossible-38k-health-workers-deployed-sampling-of-25-million-residents-completed-468430" hreflang="en">Shanghai's 'mission impossible': 38k health workers conduct citywide sampling</a>

Medical workers were sent from at least 15 provinces, the state-run newspaper informed.

The newspaper added that health workers had achieved the "mission impossible" as they finished sampling of 25 million residents. All Shanghai residents had taken nucleic acid coronavirus test on Monday which was the largest COVID-19 exercise so far in China.

Health officials said that after the sampling, testing and review will take place. The authorities have asked residents to remain at home until test results are announced.

China continues to stick with its "zero-COVID" policy, however, the number of coronavirus cases has reached record levels in the past month surpassing cases recorded two years ago when the virus was first reported in Wuhan. Health officials in Shanghai conducted antigen testing in the city in a bid to cut the transmission chain.

The present wave is being led by the Omicron variant as officials revealed they had detected a new Omicron subtype in Suzhou near Shanghai tentatively calling it BA.1.1.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new video that has gone viral on social media, chaotic scenes can be seen at the Nanhui quarantine site in the Chinese city of Shanghai. People can be seen complaining about the insufficient staff and shortage of food at the isolation site amid a lockdown in the city.

In a new video that has gone viral on social media, chaotic scenes can be seen at the Nanhui quarantine site in the Chinese city of Shanghai. People can be seen complaining about the insufficient staff and shortage of food at the isolation site amid a lockdown in the city. They are fighting over limited resources such as water, food, and blankets which are considered basic necessities. The video has been shared thousands of times on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat. Videos surfacing on Chinese social media today show chaotic scenes from the Nanhui covid19 quarantine location, where people were fighting over resources. pic.twitter.com/BZTDMBmb7F — Manya Koetse (@manyapan) April 4, 2022 × A Chinese user who shared the video said, ''If you can, please help us expose (the situation). It's so scary...nobody is managing the stuation properly.'' Several people at the designated field hospital could not get any of the supplies being distributed because, by the time they reached the front of the queue, nothing was left. The lockdown in Shanghai has created a situation of panic, with people rushing to acquire as much as possible before they are unable to do so. Complaining about the horrible conditions at the quarantine site, another Chinese social media user wrote: “Can you take a look at the Nanhui hospital site, my mum tested positive and was at home for a week laying low and she recovered, yet they still recklessly took her away.'' ''When she arrived she had to snatch a room for herself, nothing was fixed, people testing positive and negative all mixed together, there was no hot water, no healthcare workers, no nurses, there was nothing. People had to fight over food and water, the chaos and confusion was over the limit.'' As Shanghai battles the Omicron wave amid the lockdown, China's state-run Global Times said authorities had deployed 38,000 health workers during testing which is the largest number of medical aid since the virus broke out in Wuhan over two years ago. Also read | Shanghai's 'mission impossible': 38k health workers conduct citywide sampling Medical workers were sent from at least 15 provinces, the state-run newspaper informed. The newspaper added that health workers had achieved the "mission impossible" as they finished sampling of 25 million residents. All Shanghai residents had taken nucleic acid coronavirus test on Monday which was the largest COVID-19 exercise so far in China. Health officials said that after the sampling, testing and review will take place. The authorities have asked residents to remain at home until test results are announced. China continues to stick with its "zero-COVID" policy, however, the number of coronavirus cases has reached record levels in the past month surpassing cases recorded two years ago when the virus was first reported in Wuhan. Health officials in Shanghai conducted antigen testing in the city in a bid to cut the transmission chain. The present wave is being led by the Omicron variant as officials revealed they had detected a new Omicron subtype in Suzhou near Shanghai tentatively calling it BA.1.1. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food