China Reports 526 Daily COVID-19 Cases... Highest Since Wuhan Outbreak

Omicron Spreads Mainly in Densely Populated Port Cities Near Hong Kong
China Indicates Possible Adjustment of Control-Focused Quarantine Policies When Conditions Allow

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] China reported 526 new daily COVID-19 cases, the highest since the Wuhan outbreak in 2020.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, there is cautious speculation within China that the strict COVID-19 control policies may undergo some adjustments.

On the 8th, Global Times reported that as of the 6th, China had a total of 526 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 312 asymptomatic infections.

The media explained that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, especially in densely populated port cities such as Shanghai and Qingdao. In fact, Guangdong Province, close to Hong Kong, recorded 69 cases in one day, the highest among China's 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, according to Global Times. It also reported a high number of cases in Jilin City, Jilin Province (54 cases), and Qingdao City, Shandong Province (46 cases).

The outlet expressed concern that the highly transmissible Omicron variant is spreading across China, making it difficult to trace the source of infections.

Global Times stated that on the previous day, 8,077 Qingdao residents, including close contacts, were placed under group quarantine, and schools in Jilin City were suspended. Additionally, 150,000 people in Shanghai underwent nucleic acid testing.

Jang Pa-chun, Deputy Director of the Qingdao Center for Disease Control and Prevention, explained, "Most of the confirmed cases in Qingdao are Omicron infections, with many asymptomatic carriers."

Lu Hongzhou, an infectious disease specialist at Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, said, "The spread of infections in Hong Kong is affecting geographically close Shenzhen and Guangzhou," adding, "There seem to be cases entering these areas from Hong Kong without a negative COVID-19 test certificate."

Global Times reported that new discussions on China's 'Zero COVID' policy are underway at the Two Sessions (the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the National People's Congress), evaluating the success of China's pandemic control measures over the past two years.

The media cited a prediction model from Lanzhou University, stating that if China relaxes its control policies, over 10 million people could become infected.

Jang Won-hong, a Chinese infectious disease expert, regarding the possibility of policy adjustments, said, "I have discussed with infectious disease experts nationwide," and emphasized focusing on achieving the best results at minimal cost. He also highlighted the importance of vaccination, noting that an analysis of 2,266 confirmed cases over the past six months showed that 94% of vaccinated individuals did not develop severe symptoms.

Global Times quoted a representative from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, stating that discussions on new control policies should not be interpreted as abandoning the Zero COVID policy, but adjustments may be made if conditions permit.

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