Beijing authorities are now imposing strict covid-19 curbs, they are ramping up measures to control the spread of the virus. However, Shanghai officials ease covid curbs because no cases have been reported outside quarantine areas.

Covid-19 in China: Authorities in Beijing impose strict covid curbs

Two years after several Indian students returned from China due to the pandemic, China said it is "ready to receive some Indian students under the current, complicated severe epidemic situation."

"China attaches high importance to Indian students’ concerns about returning to China for studies," the country's foreign ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-guangzhou-city-orders-flight-cancellation-mass-testing-after-suspected-covid-19-case-474576">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/chinas-guangzhou-city-orders-flight-cancellation-mass-testing-after-suspected-covid-19-case-474576" hreflang="en">China's Guangzhou city orders flight cancellation, mass testing after suspected COVID-19 case</a>

The move comes even as Shanghai has been under a lockdown with China experiencing a new virus wave led by the Omicron variant. Reports say several cities have been under partial lockdown for the past few months due to a surge in coronavirus cases.

Authorities in Beijing have announced strict measures including a ban on internet cafes and various forms of entertainment during the May Day holidays beginning from April 30.

Watch:&nbsp;People in Shanghai bang pans and pots against China's COVID policy

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In a guarded response to allow Indian students, China said it needs to take into "consideration the international epidemic situation, evolving circumstances".

The country has experienced a surge in COVID-19 not seen since the pandemic began in Wuhan in early 2020.

China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declared that efforts were already underway to ensure the return of Indian students.

"All that remains to be done is for the Indian side to provide the list of students who really need to come back to China,” Zhao said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Two years after several Indian students returned from China due to the pandemic, China said it is "ready to receive some Indian students under the current, complicated severe epidemic situation.

Two years after several Indian students returned from China due to the pandemic, China said it is "ready to receive some Indian students under the current, complicated severe epidemic situation." "China attaches high importance to Indian students’ concerns about returning to China for studies," the country's foreign ministry said. Also Read: China's Guangzhou city orders flight cancellation, mass testing after suspected COVID-19 case The move comes even as Shanghai has been under a lockdown with China experiencing a new virus wave led by the Omicron variant. Reports say several cities have been under partial lockdown for the past few months due to a surge in coronavirus cases. Authorities in Beijing have announced strict measures including a ban on internet cafes and various forms of entertainment during the May Day holidays beginning from April 30. Watch: People in Shanghai bang pans and pots against China's COVID policy In a guarded response to allow Indian students, China said it needs to take into "consideration the international epidemic situation, evolving circumstances". The country has experienced a surge in COVID-19 not seen since the pandemic began in Wuhan in early 2020. China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declared that efforts were already underway to ensure the return of Indian students. "All that remains to be done is for the Indian side to provide the list of students who really need to come back to China,” Zhao said. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION Live Here

China ready to receive Indian students amid 'complicated severe epidemic situation'

As China battles the virus, state-run Global Times said Beijing will be suspending performance in entertainment venues including city tours and internet cafes during the May Day holidays.

The May Day holidays begin on Saturday as authorities in the capital said cinemas will be closed from April 30 to May 4.

The Chinese newspaper reported that nucleic acid test&nbsp;has to be taken by residents to stay in hotels amid tight supervision announced by authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-steps-up-covid-screening-to-avoid-shanghai-like-fate-474608">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/beijing-steps-up-covid-screening-to-avoid-shanghai-like-fate-474608" hreflang="en">Beijing steps up Covid screening to avoid Shanghai-like fate</a>

The city reported 34 new COVID-19 cases on Friday after health officials conducted nucleic acid tests in eleven districts in the capital.&nbsp;

The authorities had expanded testing with Beijing after the city reported&nbsp;increased COVID-19 cases. China has stuck to its "Covid zero" strategy while shutting down cities which have reported a few virus cases.

Watch:&nbsp;Beijing commuters&nbsp;upset with restrictions

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On Thursday, Chinese officials suspended flights in Guangzhou after a suspected case was detected in the airport. The country has been grappling with the Omicron wave with Shanghai being the worst-hit city.&nbsp;

Shanghai has been under lockdown for weeks amid food shortage as authorities have undertaken several rounds of virus testing even though virus curbs are being partially lifted.

Reports claim China has put several cities under partial lockdown amid virus flare-ups. The curbs have hit supply chain in Shanghai with goods piling up in warehouses amid a shortage of truckers.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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As China battles the virus, state-run Global Times said Beijing will be suspending performance in entertainment venues including city tours and internet cafes during the May Day holidays.

As China battles the virus, state-run Global Times said Beijing will be suspending performance in entertainment venues including city tours and internet cafes during the May Day holidays. The May Day holidays begin on Saturday as authorities in the capital said cinemas will be closed from April 30 to May 4. The Chinese newspaper reported that nucleic acid test has to be taken by residents to stay in hotels amid tight supervision announced by authorities. Also Read: Beijing steps up Covid screening to avoid Shanghai-like fate The city reported 34 new COVID-19 cases on Friday after health officials conducted nucleic acid tests in eleven districts in the capital. The authorities had expanded testing with Beijing after the city reported increased COVID-19 cases. China has stuck to its "Covid zero" strategy while shutting down cities which have reported a few virus cases. Watch: Beijing commuters upset with restrictions On Thursday, Chinese officials suspended flights in Guangzhou after a suspected case was detected in the airport. The country has been grappling with the Omicron wave with Shanghai being the worst-hit city. Shanghai has been under lockdown for weeks amid food shortage as authorities have undertaken several rounds of virus testing even though virus curbs are being partially lifted. Reports claim China has put several cities under partial lockdown amid virus flare-ups. The curbs have hit supply chain in Shanghai with goods piling up in warehouses amid a shortage of truckers. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION Live Here

Amid COVID-19 surge, Beijing imposes new restrictions during May Day holidays

Authorities in China are now moving quickly to try and prevent a massive outbreak, one that could trigger a city-wide lockdown. They want to avoid a Shanghai-like situation because the political stakes are too high this time.

China: Is Xi Jinping trapped in his own lockdown policy?

As China grapples with the pandemic in Shanghai, state-run Global Times reported that schools in Beijing have&nbsp;recorded one-third of total coronavirus cases in the capital city.

The Chinese daily added that health authorities had begun nucleic acid testing among students and faculty in a bid to combat the virus.

Beijing reported 46 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with 138 coronavirus cases reported in six days in eight districts.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-shanghai-battles-virus-wave-covid-19-clusters-detected-in-construction-sites-473559">Also Read:&nbsp;Mass testing underway in Beijing, COVID-19 clusters detected in Shanghai construction sites</a>

The authorities had earlier begun mass testing in areas affected by the virus. The report added that at least 14 students were affected with the virus in Beijing's Chaoyang district including in Tongzhou with 46 students being infected with the virus so far.

Watch:&nbsp;Lockdown fears spark panic buying in Beijing

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The Chinese newspaper added that 36 COVID-19 cases were reported from a single school in Beijing's Chaoyang district which has become the epicentre of the virus.

Reports claim authorities in Beijing have decided to launch mass testing among all residents amid fears of a Shanghai-like lockdown due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

There were cases of panic buying reported in the capital as authorities began to ramp up testing in the capital as residents feared a lockdown could be announced abruptly like Shanghai earlier.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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As China grapples with the pandemic in Shanghai, state-run Global Times reported that schools in Beijing have recorded one-third of total coronavirus cases in the capital city.

As China grapples with the pandemic in Shanghai, state-run Global Times reported that schools in Beijing have recorded one-third of total coronavirus cases in the capital city. The Chinese daily added that health authorities had begun nucleic acid testing among students and faculty in a bid to combat the virus. Beijing reported 46 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday with 138 coronavirus cases reported in six days in eight districts. Also Read: Mass testing underway in Beijing, COVID-19 clusters detected in Shanghai construction sites The authorities had earlier begun mass testing in areas affected by the virus. The report added that at least 14 students were affected with the virus in Beijing's Chaoyang district including in Tongzhou with 46 students being infected with the virus so far. Watch: Lockdown fears spark panic buying in Beijing The Chinese newspaper added that 36 COVID-19 cases were reported from a single school in Beijing's Chaoyang district which has become the epicentre of the virus. Reports claim authorities in Beijing have decided to launch mass testing among all residents amid fears of a Shanghai-like lockdown due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. There were cases of panic buying reported in the capital as authorities began to ramp up testing in the capital as residents feared a lockdown could be announced abruptly like Shanghai earlier. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE Here

Schools in Beijing report surge in COVID-19 cases: Report

China has sharpened Covid screening in Beijing to prevent chaos like what we saw in Shanghai but many commuters are not happy about the restrictions. For Chinese commuter workers, waking up in the early mornings to travel miles away for work has gotten even tougher than before.

China: Commuter workers unable to go home or find other work

As China battles the virus wave in Shanghai, state-run Global Times reported authorities had detected the Omicron's BA.2 mutation - Omicron BA.2.3 for the first time.

The Omicron BA.2.3 mutation was detected in Yantai in Shandong province. The newspaper reported 16 cases were reported as Yantai reported 36 COVID-19 cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-vignettes-covid-19-continues-to-rock-shanghai-as-it-reports-138-deaths-this-week-473675">Also Read:&nbsp;COVID-19 continues to rock Shanghai as it reports 138 deaths this week</a>

The BA.2.3 strain has earlier been reported in Maine, US. Reports claimed it accounted for 5 per cent of coronavirus cases.

Health officials in Beijing moved to begin mass testing of all residents amid fears of a lockdown after Shanghai. At least 12 districts have been ordered to undergo mass testing after several COVID-19 cases were detected.

Watch:&nbsp;Oil prices extend losses as Shanghai lockdowns hit demand outlook

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There were reports of panic buying in Chaoyang district in Beijing as mass testing began. Beijing had reported 33 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday.&nbsp;

China has stuck to its "zero-Covid" policy shutting down cities with few virus cases, however, in Shanghai officials eased the lockdown and allowed some businesses to reopen.

Authorities in Bejing have asked residents to work from home and sealed several residential areas in a bid to combat the virus early and avoid a repeat of Shanghai where the lockdown was ordered abruptly as residents complained of food shortages.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
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As China battles the virus wave in Shanghai, state-run Global Times reported authorities had detected the Omicron's BA.2 mutation - Omicron BA.2.3 for the first time.

As China battles the virus wave in Shanghai, state-run Global Times reported authorities had detected the Omicron's BA.2 mutation - Omicron BA.2.3 for the first time. The Omicron BA.2.3 mutation was detected in Yantai in Shandong province. The newspaper reported 16 cases were reported as Yantai reported 36 COVID-19 cases. Also Read: COVID-19 continues to rock Shanghai as it reports 138 deaths this week The BA.2.3 strain has earlier been reported in Maine, US. Reports claimed it accounted for 5 per cent of coronavirus cases. Health officials in Beijing moved to begin mass testing of all residents amid fears of a lockdown after Shanghai. At least 12 districts have been ordered to undergo mass testing after several COVID-19 cases were detected. Watch: Oil prices extend losses as Shanghai lockdowns hit demand outlook There were reports of panic buying in Chaoyang district in Beijing as mass testing began. Beijing had reported 33 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. China has stuck to its "zero-Covid" policy shutting down cities with few virus cases, however, in Shanghai officials eased the lockdown and allowed some businesses to reopen. Authorities in Bejing have asked residents to work from home and sealed several residential areas in a bid to combat the virus early and avoid a repeat of Shanghai where the lockdown was ordered abruptly as residents complained of food shortages. (With inputs from Agencies)

China detects Omicron BA.2.3 variant for the first time

China's zero-covid policy is impacting the economy. Lockdown has adversely impacted manufacturing in China and analysts have predicted the lowest GDP in decades.

China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades

Shanghai reported a surge in coronavirus cases as the northwestern Chinese city of Xian put restrictions on the movement of citizens.

Shanghai which has become the epicentre of the virus reported 3,590 symptomatic and 19,923 asymptomatic cases even as the city battles a lockdown.

<a href="wionews.com/world/another-iphone-supplier-ceases-operations-as-chinas-covid-lockdown-bites-470809">Also Read:&nbsp;Another iPhone supplier ceases operations as China’s COVID-19&nbsp;lockdown bites</a>

Reports said Chinese authorities have moved to set up temporary COVID-19 beds with food supply running low in the city.

Watch:&nbsp;China's strict 'zero Covid policy' backfires

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China has stuck to its "zero Covid" policy shutting down cities and areas which have reported very few cases.

The new coronavirus wave has severely hit economic activity as carmakers warned severe supply chain disruption due to the outbreak in Shanghai. Reports claim several top Chinese cities have imposed some form of quarantine curb.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/due-to-chinas-hard-lockdowns-us-orders-non-essential-staff-to-leave-shanghai-embassy-470428">Also Read:&nbsp;US orders non-essential staff to leave Shanghai embassy</a>

Shenzhen had also gone into a lockdown in March with infections reported in others cities as authorities grapple with the virus. Reports say transportation activity has been hit as toll stations on highways have been shut.&nbsp;

Amid the rising cases, President Xi insisted that China must stick to its "dynamic COVID clearance" policy as authorities in Shanghai warned of strict punishment for those who violated COVID-19 rules.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
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Shanghai reported a surge in coronavirus cases as the northwestern Chinese city of Xian put restrictions on the movement of citizens. Shanghai which has become the epicentre of the virus reported 3,590 symptomatic and 19,923 asymptomatic cases even as the city battles a lockdown.

Shanghai reported a surge in coronavirus cases as the northwestern Chinese city of Xian put restrictions on the movement of citizens. Shanghai which has become the epicentre of the virus reported 3,590 symptomatic and 19,923 asymptomatic cases even as the city battles a lockdown. Also Read: Another iPhone supplier ceases operations as China’s COVID-19 lockdown bites Reports said Chinese authorities have moved to set up temporary COVID-19 beds with food supply running low in the city. Watch: China's strict 'zero Covid policy' backfires China has stuck to its "zero Covid" policy shutting down cities and areas which have reported very few cases. The new coronavirus wave has severely hit economic activity as carmakers warned severe supply chain disruption due to the outbreak in Shanghai. Reports claim several top Chinese cities have imposed some form of quarantine curb. Also Read: US orders non-essential staff to leave Shanghai embassy Shenzhen had also gone into a lockdown in March with infections reported in others cities as authorities grapple with the virus. Reports say transportation activity has been hit as toll stations on highways have been shut. Amid the rising cases, President Xi insisted that China must stick to its "dynamic COVID clearance" policy as authorities in Shanghai warned of strict punishment for those who violated COVID-19 rules. (With inputs from Agencies)

Shanghai reports virus surge as other Chinese cities set up restrictions

While Covid restrictions are being lifted across the world, China and South Korea have reported a spike in infections. Should we be worried as cases rise? Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life? Watch this special discussion to know more!

Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life?

China looks nowhere close to winning the battle to contain its biggest covid-19 outbreak. Shanghai is converting residential buildings into quarantine centers to house a mounting number of COVID-19 cases but the move is sparking anger to protest among residents. To get more details, we're joined by Peter Catterall, Journalist from Beijing.

China's strict 'zero Covid policy' backfires, record surge in Covid cases in Shanghai

The government has decided to lift the lockdown in Shanghai after the number of positive cases were found in the last two weeks to have decreased substantially. Shanghai was under a very strict lockdown since the 28th of march.

Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents

As Shanghai battles the Omicron wave amid the&nbsp;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.

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&nbsp;sampling of 25 million residents. All&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;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.

Watch:&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 battle, China discovers new Omicron subtype&nbsp;

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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&nbsp;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.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-covid-policy-shanghai-separates-virus-positive-kids-from-parents-defends-decision-468355">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Shanghai separates virus-positive kids from parents, defends decision</a>

Global Times had said the "unidentified" strain was not found previously anywhere in the world. On Sunday, China had recorded 13,000 local COVID-19 cases with Shanghai becoming the new epicentre of the virus.

Health officials on Monday extended the restrictions on transportation as Shanghai continues&nbsp;to record new coronavirus cases. Shanghai authorities had imposed a two-stage lockdown last week amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. The city recorded 13,086 new asymptomatic cases in the last 24 hours which was more than 8,581 from the previous day.

The country has been battling the virus for several months as the Delta variant cases increased in September last year, however, this year the Omicron variant has surged in the country as reports claim hospitals in Shanghai are on the verge of being overwhelmed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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.

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. 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. Watch: Amid COVID-19 battle, China discovers new Omicron subtype 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. Also Read: Shanghai separates virus-positive kids from parents, defends decision Global Times had said the "unidentified" strain was not found previously anywhere in the world. On Sunday, China had recorded 13,000 local COVID-19 cases with Shanghai becoming the new epicentre of the virus. Health officials on Monday extended the restrictions on transportation as Shanghai continues to record new coronavirus cases. Shanghai authorities had imposed a two-stage lockdown last week amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. The city recorded 13,086 new asymptomatic cases in the last 24 hours which was more than 8,581 from the previous day. The country has been battling the virus for several months as the Delta variant cases increased in September last year, however, this year the Omicron variant has surged in the country as reports claim hospitals in Shanghai are on the verge of being overwhelmed. (With inputs from Agencies)

Shanghai's COVID 'mission impossible': 38k health workers deployed, sampling of 25 million residents completed

China's latest Wuhan virus outbreak has overwhelmed Shanghai. The healthcare system has collapsed. Non-Covid patients are dying due to lapses. The lockdown has triggered panic buying. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Shanghai's healthcare system has collapsed

Amid lockdown in China's financial hub Shanghai, state-run Global Times newspaper said city officials have resorted to "static management" as they carry out nucleic acid testing to identify "risk groups" and infection clusters.

City officials told the Chinese daily that COVID-19 battle has reached a crucial stage with the best medical and economic resources being deployed.&nbsp;Residents in the eastern part of the city have been under lockdown since Monday as&nbsp;officials switched to mass testing.&nbsp;

However, Global Times said the city has been facing a shortage of medical treatment and resources due to surging coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/empty-shelves-and-anxiety-as-shanghai-covid-19-cases-surge-466555">Also Read:&nbsp;Empty shelves and anxiety as Shanghai COVID-19 cases surge</a>

Reports said the number of COVID-19 cases surged to 20,000 in March. City officials had earlier announced a "two-stage" lockdown with mass testing to be carried out till April 5 in both sides of the city separated by the Huangpu River.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Shanghai&nbsp;reported 5,600 positive cases which were mostly asymptomatic.

Watch:&nbsp;Shanghai under lockdown

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Officials said over 9 million people were tested till Wednesday as COVID-19 cases continue to rise with hospitals burdened with virus patients. Reports said Shanghai authorities are also building isolation centres and have mobilised health workers to ensure people get medical treatment even with&nbsp;exhibition halls converted into mass quarantine centres

Reports claim some people complained about not getting food due to strict measures imposed in the city with videos of people fighting for food circulating on social media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/panic-buying-camping-in-offices-shanghai-under-strict-lockdown-as-people-face-fresh-covid-outbreak-466707">Also Read |&nbsp;Panic buying, camping in offices: Shanghai under strict lockdown</a>

Health officials have sought help from nearby provinces in Zhejiang and Jiangsu to battle the virus with food being sent from Zhejiang and Yunnan amid strict sealing measures being adopted by authorities.

Reports earlier said residents had resorted to panic buying after a lockdown was announced abruptly on Sunday.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid lockdown in China's financial hub Shanghai, state-run Global Times newspaper said city officials have resorted to "static management" as they carry out nucleic acid testing to identify "risk groups" and infection clusters.

Amid lockdown in China's financial hub Shanghai, state-run Global Times newspaper said city officials have resorted to "static management" as they carry out nucleic acid testing to identify "risk groups" and infection clusters. City officials told the Chinese daily that COVID-19 battle has reached a crucial stage with the best medical and economic resources being deployed. Residents in the eastern part of the city have been under lockdown since Monday as officials switched to mass testing. However, Global Times said the city has been facing a shortage of medical treatment and resources due to surging coronavirus cases. Also Read: Empty shelves and anxiety as Shanghai COVID-19 cases surge Reports said the number of COVID-19 cases surged to 20,000 in March. City officials had earlier announced a "two-stage" lockdown with mass testing to be carried out till April 5 in both sides of the city separated by the Huangpu River. On Thursday, Shanghai reported 5,600 positive cases which were mostly asymptomatic. Watch: Shanghai under lockdown Officials said over 9 million people were tested till Wednesday as COVID-19 cases continue to rise with hospitals burdened with virus patients. Reports said Shanghai authorities are also building isolation centres and have mobilised health workers to ensure people get medical treatment even with exhibition halls converted into mass quarantine centres Reports claim some people complained about not getting food due to strict measures imposed in the city with videos of people fighting for food circulating on social media. Also Read | Panic buying, camping in offices: Shanghai under strict lockdown Health officials have sought help from nearby provinces in Zhejiang and Jiangsu to battle the virus with food being sent from Zhejiang and Yunnan amid strict sealing measures being adopted by authorities. Reports earlier said residents had resorted to panic buying after a lockdown was announced abruptly on Sunday. (With inputs from Agencies)

Shanghai enters 'static management' amid lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge

Children as young as 11-month-old have been separated from their parents after testing positive for the Wuhan Virus in Hong Kong. Parents are not allowed to meet their children or isolate with them. Expats are fleeing Hong Kong in fear of separation. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Hong Kong separates 2,000 Covid-positive children from parents

Hong Kong is now running out of coffins as it battles yet another severe wave of the pandemic. People are hesitant to use paper coffins, but this is an eco-friendly solution that could help cope with this shortage.

Hong Kong runs out of coffins as covid-19 death toll rises, surge puts strain on mortuaries

Shanghai began a phased lockdown to contain COVID-19 cases as healthcare workers began mass testing on Monday.

People rushed to buy essentials as authorities said they would close down cross-river bridges and tunnels. The lockdown is set to impact several important services as the city is a major global hub. US automaker Tesla said it was suspending production since its factory is located&nbsp;in the lockdown area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-residents-panic-sleep-in-office-as-lockdown-threats-loom-amid-chinas-biggest-covid-19-outbreak-464923">Also Read:&nbsp;Shanghai residents panic, sleep in office as lockdown threats loom&nbsp;</a>

World oil prices rose sharply as Shanghai's phased lockdown began on Monday with&nbsp;millions of people in China's financial hub confined to their homes. US benchmark oil contract, West Texas Intermediate(WTI) slid&nbsp;five per cent amid energy demand fears.

The eastern half of the city went into lockdown, however, the authorities kept the ports and the city's two airports open.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas:&nbsp;Shanghai lockdown threatens China's economy

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China has been battling against the&nbsp;Omicron wave in the past month with surging coronavirus cases. The country has witnessed the highest number of cases in the past month since the virus first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019.

The country's National Health Commission reported over 4,500 new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday.

Coronavirus cases in China had begun to rise in September last year as the Delta variant began surging as officials lockdown several cities, however, the Omicron wave has engulfed the country in the past two months triggering stricter measures.

Chinese officials are set to lockdown Shanghai's western half on April 1 until April 5 as the city grapples with the virus. China has been following zero-Covid measures however it has failed to halt the coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Shanghai began a phased lockdown to contain COVID-19 cases as healthcare workers began mass testing on Monday. People rushed to buy essentials as authorities said they would close down cross-river bridges and tunnels.

Shanghai began a phased lockdown to contain COVID-19 cases as healthcare workers began mass testing on Monday. People rushed to buy essentials as authorities said they would close down cross-river bridges and tunnels. The lockdown is set to impact several important services as the city is a major global hub. US automaker Tesla said it was suspending production since its factory is located in the lockdown area. Also Read: Shanghai residents panic, sleep in office as lockdown threats loom World oil prices rose sharply as Shanghai's phased lockdown began on Monday with millions of people in China's financial hub confined to their homes. US benchmark oil contract, West Texas Intermediate(WTI) slid five per cent amid energy demand fears. The eastern half of the city went into lockdown, however, the authorities kept the ports and the city's two airports open. Watch | Gravitas: Shanghai lockdown threatens China's economy China has been battling against the Omicron wave in the past month with surging coronavirus cases. The country has witnessed the highest number of cases in the past month since the virus first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019. The country's National Health Commission reported over 4,500 new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday. Coronavirus cases in China had begun to rise in September last year as the Delta variant began surging as officials lockdown several cities, however, the Omicron wave has engulfed the country in the past two months triggering stricter measures. Chinese officials are set to lockdown Shanghai's western half on April 1 until April 5 as the city grapples with the virus. China has been following zero-Covid measures however it has failed to halt the coronavirus cases. (With inputs from Agencies)

Shanghai lockdown begins as authorities start mass testing

Hong Kong said on Sunday it is shortening the ban on airlines that are found to have carried three or more passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, as the number of local cases continues to ease from its peak.

Starting on Friday, the ban on individual airline routes will be reduced to seven days, from 14 previously, as part of its ongoing "flight suspension mechanism", the government said in a statement.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-of-foreign-companies-in-hong-kong-plan-to-relocate-465296">&nbsp;50% of foreign companies in Hong Kong plan to relocate&nbsp;</a>

The change came after the government said last week a ban on flights from nine countries - Canada, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Britain, the United States, France, Australia and the Philippines - would be lifted on April 1.

If there is at least one positive test and at least one case of non-compliance with pre-departure testing on any single flight, the airline will also be suspended from flying the route for seven days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-death-rate-in-hong-kong-shows-importance-of-vaccinating-the-elderly-464569">High death rate in Hong Kong shows importance of vaccinating the elderly</a>

Hong Kong reported 8,841 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, down from 10,405 on Friday, as its latest wave of infections continues to ease.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hong Kong's Covid-19 outbreak triggers mass exodus

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Hong Kong said on Sunday it is shortening the ban on airlines that are found to have carried three or more passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, as the number of local cases continues to ease from its peak.

Hong Kong said on Sunday it is shortening the ban on airlines that are found to have carried three or more passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, as the number of local cases continues to ease from its peak. Starting on Friday, the ban on individual airline routes will be reduced to seven days, from 14 previously, as part of its ongoing "flight suspension mechanism", the government said in a statement. Also read | 50% of foreign companies in Hong Kong plan to relocate The change came after the government said last week a ban on flights from nine countries - Canada, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Britain, the United States, France, Australia and the Philippines - would be lifted on April 1. If there is at least one positive test and at least one case of non-compliance with pre-departure testing on any single flight, the airline will also be suspended from flying the route for seven days. Also read | High death rate in Hong Kong shows importance of vaccinating the elderly Hong Kong reported 8,841 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, down from 10,405 on Friday, as its latest wave of infections continues to ease. Watch | Gravitas: Hong Kong's Covid-19 outbreak triggers mass exodus

COVID-19: Hong Kong says to halve flight suspension rule to seven days

China is searching for a new pandemic strategy to avert economic distress due to rising COVID-19 cases. In the latest, Shanghai will go under phased lockdown to curb covid situation.

Mass testing for people in Shanghai amid partial lockdown

China has registered 56,000 covid cases since March 1st and public health governance is expected to come under pressure in the coming weeks.

China reports surge in covid cases, logs 56,000 cases since March 1

Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy.

Millions of Chinese in affected areas have been subjected to city-wide lockdowns by an Omicron-led outbreak that has sent daily case counts creeping ever-higher, though they remain insignificant compared to other countries.

Shanghai, however, has aimed to ease disruption with a more targeted approach marked by rolling 48-hour lockdowns of individual neighbourhoods and large-scale testing while largely keeping the metropolis of 25 million people running.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/transplantation-of-organs-from-deceased-covid-19-patients-is-possible-heres-how-464932">Transplantation of organs from deceased COVID-19 patients is safe and possible. Here's how</a>

At a daily Shanghai press conference Saturday, officials alluded to the importance of avoiding a full lockdown of the huge port city.

"If Shanghai, this city of ours, came to a complete halt, there would be many international cargo ships floating in the East China Sea," said Wu Fan, a medical expert with the city's pandemic task force.

"This would impact the entire national economy and the global economy."

Wu made the comments as city officials also announced that they would begin handing out self-testing kits to Shanghai residents, in the latest sign that the government was expanding its pandemic response.

The northeastern province of Jilin also said Saturday that it had begun distributing 500,000 of the rapid-antigen kits.

Shanghai and Jilin have been the areas hardest hit by the outbreak, which took off in early March.&nbsp;

China had largely kept the coronavirus -- which first emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 -- under control through its strict zero-tolerance measures.

But that top-down approach is increasingly being questioned amid concerns over the economic impact and public "pandemic fatigue", especially considering Omicron's less severe symptoms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-further-relax-covid-19-restrictions-as-cases-decline-says-pm-465178">Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM</a>

The National Health Commission announced two weeks ago that it would introduce the sale in China of rapid antigen self-test kits for the first time, and they have begun to appear on pharmacy shelves.

But Saturday's announcements appeared to mark their first wide-scale use as part of official pandemic control measures.

China on Saturday reported 5,600 new confirmed domestic transmissions, most of them asymptomatic.

Chinese authorities had watched nervously as a deadly Hong Kong Omicron surge sparked panic buying and claimed a high toll of unvaccinated elderly in the southern Chinese city.

Its subsequent spread in mainland China has posed a dilemma for authorities wrestling with how forcefully they should respond.

On Wednesday, Shanghai infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong, a top doctor in the city's pandemic fight, called for balancing anti-virus measures with maintenance of "normal life".

The comments in his widely followed blog indicated growing official tolerance for voices who question the lockdown approach.

Shanghai's softer strategy has so far failed to stop cases from rising, and the localised lockdowns have provoked grumbling online and a run on groceries in some districts.

Shanghai on Saturday reported another steep rise in new local transmissions to 2,269 -- around 40 percent of the national total.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/this-could-happen-if-china-doesnt-control-its-worst-covid-19-outbreak-464622/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy.

Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy. Millions of Chinese in affected areas have been subjected to city-wide lockdowns by an Omicron-led outbreak that has sent daily case counts creeping ever-higher, though they remain insignificant compared to other countries. Shanghai, however, has aimed to ease disruption with a more targeted approach marked by rolling 48-hour lockdowns of individual neighbourhoods and large-scale testing while largely keeping the metropolis of 25 million people running. Also read | Transplantation of organs from deceased COVID-19 patients is safe and possible. Here's how At a daily Shanghai press conference Saturday, officials alluded to the importance of avoiding a full lockdown of the huge port city. "If Shanghai, this city of ours, came to a complete halt, there would be many international cargo ships floating in the East China Sea," said Wu Fan, a medical expert with the city's pandemic task force. "This would impact the entire national economy and the global economy." Wu made the comments as city officials also announced that they would begin handing out self-testing kits to Shanghai residents, in the latest sign that the government was expanding its pandemic response. The northeastern province of Jilin also said Saturday that it had begun distributing 500,000 of the rapid-antigen kits. Shanghai and Jilin have been the areas hardest hit by the outbreak, which took off in early March. China had largely kept the coronavirus -- which first emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 -- under control through its strict zero-tolerance measures. But that top-down approach is increasingly being questioned amid concerns over the economic impact and public "pandemic fatigue", especially considering Omicron's less severe symptoms. Also read | Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM The National Health Commission announced two weeks ago that it would introduce the sale in China of rapid antigen self-test kits for the first time, and they have begun to appear on pharmacy shelves. But Saturday's announcements appeared to mark their first wide-scale use as part of official pandemic control measures. China on Saturday reported 5,600 new confirmed domestic transmissions, most of them asymptomatic. Chinese authorities had watched nervously as a deadly Hong Kong Omicron surge sparked panic buying and claimed a high toll of unvaccinated elderly in the southern Chinese city. Its subsequent spread in mainland China has posed a dilemma for authorities wrestling with how forcefully they should respond. On Wednesday, Shanghai infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong, a top doctor in the city's pandemic fight, called for balancing anti-virus measures with maintenance of "normal life". The comments in his widely followed blog indicated growing official tolerance for voices who question the lockdown approach. Shanghai's softer strategy has so far failed to stop cases from rising, and the localised lockdowns have provoked grumbling online and a run on groceries in some districts. Shanghai on Saturday reported another steep rise in new local transmissions to 2,269 -- around 40 percent of the national total. Watch | This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

Despite spike in Covid cases, Shanghai won't go for lockdown, says official

Covid cases are increasing in western Europe, France has reported 90,000 average daily cases of coronavirus. WHO said that Europe has lifted curbs too brutally and experts blamed the surge on a mix of lifting curbs & BA.2 variant.

Coronavirus cases surge in western Europe, France reports 90,000 average daily Covid-19 cases

China has registered 4,051 new covid cases and public health governance is expected to come under pressure in the coming weeks. However, Beijing is moving with zero-covid strategy.

China registers 4,051 new covid cases, Beijing continues zero-covid strategy

Amid a virus wave in China, authorities ordered beds to be freed as the country reported 3,290 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday.

China has been hit hard with the Omicron wave as experts have warned it is the "stealth Omicron" also known as BA.2&nbsp;which has been spreading rapidly.&nbsp;

China has been reporting 1,000 new coronavirus cases per week for the past week over two years after the virus first appeared in Wuhan. The authorities have been grappling to fight the virus amid China's strict "zero-Covid" policy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-survives-on-surfaces-longer-stay-more-infectious-study-462897">Also Read |&nbsp;Omicron survives on surfaces longer, stay more infectious: Study</a>

In a move to help health services cope with the virus, National Health Commission on Tuesday allowed patients with mild coronavirus cases to isolate at a central quarantine facility to ease&nbsp;pressure on hospitals.

The health body said admission in hospitals takes up vital "medical resources" as it urged people to isolate themselves at home. China's Jilin province has been the worst hit as reports said authorities had assembled temporary hospitals as cases reached over 5,000 in the past week.

Watch:&nbsp;Chinese cities under lockdown

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Reports claimed the authorities have included "blanket testing" and given directions that&nbsp;"not a single person" is missed. The authorities have built temporary quarantine facilities and banned residents from leaving the province with strict virus rules being applied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-city-of-qingdao-reports-omicron-outbreak-among-students-459466">Also Read:&nbsp;Chinese city of Qingdao reports Omicron outbreak among students</a>

The authorities have also begun mass testing in various cities including Shanghai as the city moved to close schools to combat the virus. Shenzhen was put on lockdown after a surge in Omicron cases as major companies sought to close down operations.

China's national health commission said &nbsp;28 regions were affected with the virus with the situation being "severe and complicated".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid a virus wave in China, authorities ordered beds to be freed as the country reported 3,290 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. China has been hit hard with the Omicron wave as experts have warned it is the "stealth Omicron" also known as BA.

Amid a virus wave in China, authorities ordered beds to be freed as the country reported 3,290 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. China has been hit hard with the Omicron wave as experts have warned it is the "stealth Omicron" also known as BA.2 which has been spreading rapidly. China has been reporting 1,000 new coronavirus cases per week for the past week over two years after the virus first appeared in Wuhan. The authorities have been grappling to fight the virus amid China's strict "zero-Covid" policy. Also Read | Omicron survives on surfaces longer, stay more infectious: Study In a move to help health services cope with the virus, National Health Commission on Tuesday allowed patients with mild coronavirus cases to isolate at a central quarantine facility to ease pressure on hospitals. The health body said admission in hospitals takes up vital "medical resources" as it urged people to isolate themselves at home. China's Jilin province has been the worst hit as reports said authorities had assembled temporary hospitals as cases reached over 5,000 in the past week. Watch: Chinese cities under lockdown Reports claimed the authorities have included "blanket testing" and given directions that "not a single person" is missed. The authorities have built temporary quarantine facilities and banned residents from leaving the province with strict virus rules being applied. Also Read: Chinese city of Qingdao reports Omicron outbreak among students The authorities have also begun mass testing in various cities including Shanghai as the city moved to close schools to combat the virus. Shenzhen was put on lockdown after a surge in Omicron cases as major companies sought to close down operations. China's national health commission said 28 regions were affected with the virus with the situation being "severe and complicated". (With inputs from Agencies)

Omicron alert: China sets up temporary facilities, mass testing

As China grapples with a new virus wave, authorities say the recent outbreak is being&nbsp;driven by the highly contagious "stealth Omicron" or the B.A.2 lineage of the Omicron variant.

Zhang Wenhong who is an infectious disease expert with Shanghai's Fudan University said that infection is still in its early stages as Shanghai recorded 41 new coronavirus cases on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-new-stealth-omicron-447976">Also Read |&nbsp;Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'?</a>

Reports claim the B.A.2 sub-variant spreads faster than the original Omicron variant. Wenhong informed that although the death count may be low but it still puts pressure on medical resources.

On Tuesday, the country reported 5,280 new COVID-19 cases with the northeastern Jilin city being the worst hit. Reports said the Jilin accounted for over 3,000 coronavirus cases. The Volkswagen factories in the Jilin was closed amid the outbreak.&nbsp;

Authorities in Jilin banned citizens from travelling in and out of the area without notifying local police. In Shanghai, the authorities have undertaken mass testing and reportedly cordoned off individual apartment buildings.&nbsp;On Monday, residents in Shenzhen spend their first day under lockdown as restrictions spread to other major cities battling the virus.

Watch: &nbsp;China's latest virus outbreak: 10 Chinese cities under lockdown

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-latest-wuhan-virus-outbreak-10-chinese-cities-under-lockdown-462456/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The country reported over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours with several cities on lockdown including Shenzhen even as authorities follow China's strict "zero Covid" strategy.

The authorities moved to cancel several domestic flights in Beijing and Shanghai. China has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases since last September due to the Delta variant as it locked down&nbsp;several towns, however, after South African authorities declared the presence of Omicron variant in November last year, the new variant has led to increased infection cases in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-5280-daily-covid-cases-highest-tally-since-the-pandemic-started-two-years-ago-462347">Also Read:&nbsp;China reports highest tally since the pandemic started two years ago</a>

China had reported the first case of the virus to the World Health Organisation on December 31, 2019, after it was detected in Wuhan since then over 6 million people have died due to the virus even as the WHO warned the figure could be two or three times higher.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As China grapples with a new virus wave, authorities say the recent outbreak is being driven by the highly contagious "stealth Omicron" or the B.A.2 lineage of the Omicron variant.

As China grapples with a new virus wave, authorities say the recent outbreak is being driven by the highly contagious "stealth Omicron" or the B.A.2 lineage of the Omicron variant. Zhang Wenhong who is an infectious disease expert with Shanghai's Fudan University said that infection is still in its early stages as Shanghai recorded 41 new coronavirus cases on Monday. Also Read | Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'? Reports claim the B.A.2 sub-variant spreads faster than the original Omicron variant. Wenhong informed that although the death count may be low but it still puts pressure on medical resources. On Tuesday, the country reported 5,280 new COVID-19 cases with the northeastern Jilin city being the worst hit. Reports said the Jilin accounted for over 3,000 coronavirus cases. The Volkswagen factories in the Jilin was closed amid the outbreak. Authorities in Jilin banned citizens from travelling in and out of the area without notifying local police. In Shanghai, the authorities have undertaken mass testing and reportedly cordoned off individual apartment buildings. On Monday, residents in Shenzhen spend their first day under lockdown as restrictions spread to other major cities battling the virus. Watch: China's latest virus outbreak: 10 Chinese cities under lockdown The country reported over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours with several cities on lockdown including Shenzhen even as authorities follow China's strict "zero Covid" strategy. The authorities moved to cancel several domestic flights in Beijing and Shanghai. China has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases since last September due to the Delta variant as it locked down several towns, however, after South African authorities declared the presence of Omicron variant in November last year, the new variant has led to increased infection cases in the country. Also Read: China reports highest tally since the pandemic started two years ago China had reported the first case of the virus to the World Health Organisation on December 31, 2019, after it was detected in Wuhan since then over 6 million people have died due to the virus even as the WHO warned the figure could be two or three times higher. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Stealth Omicron' behind China's virus outbreak, says expert

China has reported new cases, many Chinese cities are under lockdown. Are we looking at another global wave of coronavirus cases?

China's latest Wuhan virus outbreak: 10 Chinese cities under lockdown

Apple supplier Foxconn has suspended its operations in tech hub Shenzhen city following lockdown as China experiences probably one of its worst Covid outbreak since the pandemic first broke out.

The decision to halt production is likely to hit Apple which recently announced a spate of products, including the iPhone, MacBook Air, etc.

"The operation of Foxconn in Shenzhen, China has been suspended from March 14 onwards in compliance with the local government's new COVID-19 policy," the Taiwanese company said in a statement.

The sporadic rise of Covid cases has caught the officials off-guard as many cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, are battling outbreaks liked to Omircon, which is currently raving neighbouring Hong Kong.

Mainland China reported 1,337 new domestically transmitted Covid cases with confirmed symptoms on March 13, the National Health Commission said on Monday.

Around 17 million residents in southern Shenzen city are under lockdown and have been told to stay at home.

The lockdown and a suspension of public transport are expected to last till March 20, a city government notice said, adding that it would launch three rounds of mass testing.

In Shanghai, several schools have been shut as 18 provinces battle clusters of the Omicron and Delta variants.

A disease expert in Beijing has noted that most infections in Hong Kong and the mainland are due to the Omicron BA.2 variant which is “spreading very fast this time”.

Zhang Wenhong pointed out that vaccination could not prevent breakthrough infections, but has brought the rate of severe illnesses and deaths lower than the flu.

“It is still not time for China to lie flat. We should have more clearer methods for the future rather than debating over zero-COVID or co-existence. If China reopens quickly at this time, new cases would surge in a short time. The domestic medical system would be overloaded and the society grind to a halt, causing irreparable damages,” Global Times quoted Zhang as saying.

Watch |&nbsp;China locks down tech hub Shenzen; Curbs imposed in Shanghai,other major cities

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-locks-down-tech-hub-shenzen-curbs-imposed-in-shanghai-other-major-cities-462104/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Apple supplier Foxconn has suspended its operations in tech hub Shenzhen city following lockdown as China experiences probably one of its worst Covid outbreak since the pandemic first broke out.

Apple supplier Foxconn has suspended its operations in tech hub Shenzhen city following lockdown as China experiences probably one of its worst Covid outbreak since the pandemic first broke out. The decision to halt production is likely to hit Apple which recently announced a spate of products, including the iPhone, MacBook Air, etc. "The operation of Foxconn in Shenzhen, China has been suspended from March 14 onwards in compliance with the local government's new COVID-19 policy," the Taiwanese company said in a statement. The sporadic rise of Covid cases has caught the officials off-guard as many cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, are battling outbreaks liked to Omircon, which is currently raving neighbouring Hong Kong. Mainland China reported 1,337 new domestically transmitted Covid cases with confirmed symptoms on March 13, the National Health Commission said on Monday. Around 17 million residents in southern Shenzen city are under lockdown and have been told to stay at home. The lockdown and a suspension of public transport are expected to last till March 20, a city government notice said, adding that it would launch three rounds of mass testing. In Shanghai, several schools have been shut as 18 provinces battle clusters of the Omicron and Delta variants. A disease expert in Beijing has noted that most infections in Hong Kong and the mainland are due to the Omicron BA.2 variant which is “spreading very fast this time”. Zhang Wenhong pointed out that vaccination could not prevent breakthrough infections, but has brought the rate of severe illnesses and deaths lower than the flu. “It is still not time for China to lie flat. We should have more clearer methods for the future rather than debating over zero-COVID or co-existence. If China reopens quickly at this time, new cases would surge in a short time. The domestic medical system would be overloaded and the society grind to a halt, causing irreparable damages,” Global Times quoted Zhang as saying. Watch | China locks down tech hub Shenzen; Curbs imposed in Shanghai,other major cities (With inputs from agencies)

Apple products to get delayed as Foxconn stops ops amidst China’s worst Covid outbreak

China put Shenzhen on lockdown as the city began its first day under strict COVID-19 restrictions on Monday as major cities closed factories as the country continues to battle&nbsp;the virus over two years after it was first detected in Wuhan.

Chinese authorities decided to put Shenzhen city on lockdown after an Omicron flare-up in factories and areas linked to Hong Kong which has been hit by a new virus wave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-as-virus-cases-surge-can-chinas-zero-covid-strategy-hold-462065">Also Read:&nbsp;As virus cases surge, can China's zero-Covid strategy hold?</a>

Apple supplier Foxconn moved to suspend operations in Shenzhen as authorities issued stay-at-home orders even as China continues its "zero-tolerance" Covid strategy.

On Monday the country reported 2,300 new coronavirus cases and 3,400 on Sunday which was the highest in the past two years. Shenzhen city officials said COVID-19 clusters were detected in urban villages and factories while describing it as "high risk".

Watch:&nbsp;China records 3400 new covid-19 cases on Sunday

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China has been battling against a virus surge since September last year as the Delta variant spread throughout the country leading authorities to lockdown several towns.

Authorities in Shanghai moved to seal residential areas after 170 new virus cases were reported on Monday. The authorities have lockdown at least five cities in Jilin province after over 1,000 COVID-19 cases were reported.

Amid the virus surge, Chinese authorities last week had allowed COVID-19 antigen kits made locally to be used for self-testing. China has undertaken mass testing of its citizens in cities across the nation amid the virus-hit areas in the past two years.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

China put Shenzhen on lockdown as the city began its first day under strict COVID-19 restrictions on Monday as major cities closed factories as the country continues to battle the virus over two years after it was first detected in Wuhan.

China put Shenzhen on lockdown as the city began its first day under strict COVID-19 restrictions on Monday as major cities closed factories as the country continues to battle the virus over two years after it was first detected in Wuhan. Chinese authorities decided to put Shenzhen city on lockdown after an Omicron flare-up in factories and areas linked to Hong Kong which has been hit by a new virus wave. Also Read: As virus cases surge, can China's zero-Covid strategy hold? Apple supplier Foxconn moved to suspend operations in Shenzhen as authorities issued stay-at-home orders even as China continues its "zero-tolerance" Covid strategy. On Monday the country reported 2,300 new coronavirus cases and 3,400 on Sunday which was the highest in the past two years. Shenzhen city officials said COVID-19 clusters were detected in urban villages and factories while describing it as "high risk". Watch: China records 3400 new covid-19 cases on Sunday China has been battling against a virus surge since September last year as the Delta variant spread throughout the country leading authorities to lockdown several towns. Authorities in Shanghai moved to seal residential areas after 170 new virus cases were reported on Monday. The authorities have lockdown at least five cities in Jilin province after over 1,000 COVID-19 cases were reported. Amid the virus surge, Chinese authorities last week had allowed COVID-19 antigen kits made locally to be used for self-testing. China has undertaken mass testing of its citizens in cities across the nation amid the virus-hit areas in the past two years. (With inputs from Agencies)

Shenzhen city begins lockdown amid virus surge in China

Chinese health authorities reported nearly 3,400 Covid-19 cases on Sunday, double the previous day, forcing lockdowns on virus hotspots as the country contends with its gravest outbreak in two years.

A nationwide surge in cases has seen authorities close schools in Shanghai and lock down several northeastern cities, as almost 19 provinces battle clusters of the Omicron and Delta variants.

The city of Jilin has been partially locked down, with hundreds of neighbourhoods sealed up, an official announced Sunday, while Yanji, an urban area of nearly 700,000 bordering North Korea, was fully closed off.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-records-highest-daily-cases-in-two-years-461677">COVID-19: China records highest daily cases in two years</a>

China, where the virus was first detected in late 2019, has maintained a strict 'zero-Covid' policy enforced by swift lockdowns, travel restrictions and mass testing when clusters have emerged.

But the latest flare-up, driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant and a spike in asymptomatic cases, is challenging that approach.

Zhang Yan, an official with the Jilin provincial health commission, admitted Sunday that local authorities' virus response so far had been lacking.

"The emergency response mechanism in some areas is not robust enough, there is insufficient understanding of the characteristics of the Omicron variant... and judgment has been inaccurate," he said at a government press briefing.

Residents of Jilin have completed six rounds of mass testing, local officials said. On Sunday the city reported over 500 cases of the Omicron variant.

The neighbouring city of Changchun -- an industrial base of nine million people -- was locked down Friday.&nbsp;

The smaller cities of Siping and Dunhua, both in Jilin province, were locked down Thursday and Friday, according to official announcements.

The mayor of Jilin and the head of the Changchun health commission were dismissed from their jobs Saturday, state media reported, in a sign of the political imperative placed on local authorities to squash virus clusters.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-fires-mayors-and-closes-schools-as-an-outbreak-spreads-461622">&nbsp;China fires mayors and closes schools as an outbreak spreads</a>

Covid-zero

But fatigue with the strict approach has been showing in&nbsp;China, with officials increasingly urging softer and more targeted measures to contain the virus, while economists warn that tough clampdowns are hurting the economy.

As cases have climbed since late February, the response in different parts of the country has been generally softer and more targeted compared to December, when the city of Xi’an and its 13 million people were locked down for two weeks.

In&nbsp;China’s biggest city Shanghai, authorities have increasingly moved to temporarily lock down individual schools, businesses, restaurants and malls over close-contact fears rather than mass quarantines.

Long lines have been seen outside hospitals in the city as people rush to obtain a negative Covid test.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-locks-down-city-of-9-million-as-covid-cases-surge-461271">China locks down city of 9 million as Covid cases surge</a>

As cases rise, the country's National Health Commission announced Friday that they would introduce the use of rapid antigen tests.

The kits will now be available online or at pharmacies for clinics and ordinary citizens to buy for "self-testing", the health commission said.

Although nucleic acid tests will continue to be the main method of testing, the move suggests&nbsp;China&nbsp;may be anticipating that official efforts will not be able to contain the virus.

Last week, a top Chinese scientist said the country should aim to co-exist with the virus, like other nations, where Omicron has spread like wildfire.

Watch |&nbsp;China: Highest daily COVID-19 cases in 2 years as Omicron fuels the surge

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-highest-daily-covid-19-cases-in-2-years-as-omicron-fuels-the-surge-461735/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But the government has also made clear that mass lockdowns remain an option.

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, who frequently telegraphs top-level thinking on the pandemic response, on Saturday urged regions to quickly pounce on and clear outbreaks.

Chinese health authorities reported nearly 3,400 Covid-19 cases on Sunday, double the previous day, forcing lockdowns on virus hotspots as the country contends with its gravest outbreak in two years.

Chinese health authorities reported nearly 3,400 Covid-19 cases on Sunday, double the previous day, forcing lockdowns on virus hotspots as the country contends with its gravest outbreak in two years. A nationwide surge in cases has seen authorities close schools in Shanghai and lock down several northeastern cities, as almost 19 provinces battle clusters of the Omicron and Delta variants. The city of Jilin has been partially locked down, with hundreds of neighbourhoods sealed up, an official announced Sunday, while Yanji, an urban area of nearly 700,000 bordering North Korea, was fully closed off. Also read | COVID-19: China records highest daily cases in two years China, where the virus was first detected in late 2019, has maintained a strict 'zero-Covid' policy enforced by swift lockdowns, travel restrictions and mass testing when clusters have emerged. But the latest flare-up, driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant and a spike in asymptomatic cases, is challenging that approach. Zhang Yan, an official with the Jilin provincial health commission, admitted Sunday that local authorities' virus response so far had been lacking. "The emergency response mechanism in some areas is not robust enough, there is insufficient understanding of the characteristics of the Omicron variant... and judgment has been inaccurate," he said at a government press briefing. Residents of Jilin have completed six rounds of mass testing, local officials said. On Sunday the city reported over 500 cases of the Omicron variant. The neighbouring city of Changchun -- an industrial base of nine million people -- was locked down Friday. The smaller cities of Siping and Dunhua, both in Jilin province, were locked down Thursday and Friday, according to official announcements. The mayor of Jilin and the head of the Changchun health commission were dismissed from their jobs Saturday, state media reported, in a sign of the political imperative placed on local authorities to squash virus clusters. Also read | China fires mayors and closes schools as an outbreak spreads Covid-zero But fatigue with the strict approach has been showing in China, with officials increasingly urging softer and more targeted measures to contain the virus, while economists warn that tough clampdowns are hurting the economy. As cases have climbed since late February, the response in different parts of the country has been generally softer and more targeted compared to December, when the city of Xi’an and its 13 million people were locked down for two weeks. In China’s biggest city Shanghai, authorities have increasingly moved to temporarily lock down individual schools, businesses, restaurants and malls over close-contact fears rather than mass quarantines. Long lines have been seen outside hospitals in the city as people rush to obtain a negative Covid test. Also read | China locks down city of 9 million as Covid cases surge As cases rise, the country's National Health Commission announced Friday that they would introduce the use of rapid antigen tests. The kits will now be available online or at pharmacies for clinics and ordinary citizens to buy for "self-testing", the health commission said. Although nucleic acid tests will continue to be the main method of testing, the move suggests China may be anticipating that official efforts will not be able to contain the virus. Last week, a top Chinese scientist said the country should aim to co-exist with the virus, like other nations, where Omicron has spread like wildfire. Watch | China: Highest daily COVID-19 cases in 2 years as Omicron fuels the surge But the government has also made clear that mass lockdowns remain an option. Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, who frequently telegraphs top-level thinking on the pandemic response, on Saturday urged regions to quickly pounce on and clear outbreaks.

COVID-19: China records nearly 3,400 daily virus cases in worst outbreak in two years

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