China Imposes City Lockdowns and Movement Restrictions Amid Delta Variant Spread of COVID-19

On the 31st of last month, a delivery worker is handing over goods to residents in a residential complex in Beijing, China, which was locked down due to the spread of COVID-19. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] As COVID-19 spreads to 18 provinces and cities in China, several cities have imposed lockdowns or restricted air and rail transportation.

According to the announcement by the National Health Commission of China on the 4th, 71 new COVID-19 cases were reported in a single day. This is the highest number in six months since January 30.

The number of new cases has been increasing for five consecutive days. Cases were reported in seven provinces including Jiangsu, Hunan, Hubei, Shandong, and Yunnan. Separately counted asymptomatic infections numbered 15.

Since the end of last month, most patients confirmed positive in China are believed to be infected with the Delta variant.

Local governments have implemented strict quarantine measures. Nanjing in Jiangsu Province in the east and nearby Yangzhou have suspended intercity travel by airplanes, long-distance intercity buses, and taxis. Some residential areas have been locked down, and public transportation is restricted in high-risk areas.

Wuhan in Hubei Province has locked down 16 residential complexes. The city started nucleic acid testing for all 12 million residents the day before.

Zhengzhou in Henan Province expanded its lockdown area to 28 square kilometers. Zhengzhou has been conducting testing for all residents since last weekend.

In Beijing, temperature checks and health code registration have been required again in public places for the first time in six months.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.