The number of Covid cases in Shanghai (COVID-19 in China) have increased in the past three months. Strict measures to prevent the cases from further spreading have been put across major cities days ahead of one of China’s most crucial political event.
COVID-19 In China: China’s capital see rise in cases
On Wednesday, 47 new infections of COVID-19 in China were reported by the financial hub. This is the highest number since a slight increase on July 13 grew apprehension of a potential lockdown. In Beijing, 18 cases were registered. There were 1,406 new cases locally from 1,709 cases reported the previous day across the country.
Though an insignificant number, the spike in COVID-19 cases is happening close to China’s once-in-five-year Party Congress, when President Xi Jinping is expected to gain an unprecedented third-term in power. Though most big cities in China have not yet issued a lockdown, the officials instead refrain from several activities nationwide.
COVID-19 In China: Government ramps up restrictions and Lockdowns
As per posts on social media and parents, schools in Shanghai have dropped in-person classes due to the spreading of infection. Rise in cases of COVID-19 in China has triggered shutdowns. The port city of Tianjin has one district in lockdown and the southern city of Guangzhou has closed schools in one area. A manufacturing hub of iPhone, Zhengzhou, has two districts in lockdown. The steel city of Anshan has recommended its citizens to stay indoors.
COVID-19 in China has increased efforts for Covid Zero under Xi’s leadership will be annunciated at the Party Congress regardless of its huge social and economic toll. The country’s brainwashing brigade has enhanced defense of its controversial policy with its top officials signing in, in what is the government’s determination to wipe out the coronavirus.
Shanghai’s rising cases have instilled fears among the 25 million residents and surprising restrictions have raised concerns of a large-scale lockdown. According to the restrictions issued by Covid prevention offices, five districts have shut down public places such as cinemas, bars, and gyms to control the spread.
The financial hub authorities said, “Sunday, there’s no citywide school shutdown after speculation revealed through social media that the measure would be rolled out.” The compounds in some areas are barricaded with green fences showing an extended lockdown, while some neighborhoods have applied lockdown.
With one case reported in Tianjin, the Nankai district has issued a lockdown, with residents restricted from leaving compounds and non-essential businesses shut. Entertainment centers and schools are closed in Guangzhou’s Huadu area, with residents being mass tested. 13 new cases have been registered.
Two districts in Zhengzhou of Henan Province are locked down, as per the notices residents have received. Many people are relieved after the authorities said a no citywide lockdown on Tuesday. There are 18 new cases reported on Wednesday.
COVID-19 In China: Protest against Covid Zero
The stealth shutdowns issued were criticized by the residents. The Covid Zero was described as a continuous cycle of shutdowns and reopenings and theorized future shutdowns due to a lack of food and medical care.
Circulation of photos and videos of protests targeting Xi and Covid Zero policy led to police patrolling the Beijing intersection. Slogans saying “we want food, not PCR tests. We want freedom, not lockdowns and controls” among others were displayed.222
