"Something to Make Dogs Laugh"... China Insists on 'Extreme' Quarantine Even Without Infections

Lockdown Orders Across Regions During National Day Holiday... Areas with 'Zero Infections' Also Restricted
Criticism Rises on SNS: 'Excessive Control', 'A Joke Even Dogs Would Laugh At'
"Strengthened Quarantine Ahead of the 20th Party Congress"

China is stepping up COVID-19 prevention measures ahead of the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party, the country's largest political event. The photo shows citizens wearing masks commuting in Beijing, China, during the morning rush hour on the 27th of last month. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] China appears to be intensifying its COVID-19 prevention measures ahead of the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party, the country's largest political event. Following the control of hundreds of tourists due to single-digit confirmed cases during the National Day holiday, authorities have now implemented preemptive lockdown measures even in areas with no reported infections, sparking controversy locally.

According to Hong Kong Ming Pao on the 10th, Beilun District in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, assigned red health codes to over 63,000 travelers from Henan Province on the 8th.

China uses health codes for COVID-19 prevention, categorized into green, yellow, and red. A green health code allows free movement, yellow restricts access to public places and public transportation, and red indicates quarantine. Thus, the travelers’ health codes turning red effectively meant a complete restriction on their movement.

Additionally, Beilun District transferred individuals from high-risk areas in Henan Province to government quarantine facilities. Those from medium-risk or lower areas were ordered to undergo three days of home quarantine, four days of health monitoring, and six days of PCR testing.

However, this measure has been controversial as it was implemented despite no reported infections. According to media reports, Ningbo City, which includes Beilun District, recorded zero infections on the 8th. On the same day, Zhejiang Province reported 14 daily infections, and Henan Province reported 38.

Nevertheless, authorities did not clearly explain the reason for controlling travelers from Henan Province, which intensified the controversy. On Weibo, China’s social networking service, criticisms such as "excessive control," "why arbitrarily assign red health codes," "this is laughable," and "apologize for the absurd prevention measures" were widespread.

China is stepping up COVID-19 prevention measures ahead of the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party, the country's largest political event. The photo shows Chinese President Xi Jinping toasting at a reception held at the Great Hall of the People on the 30th of last month. [Image source=AP Yonhap News] Photo by AP

A similar situation occurred earlier in Shanxi Province. On the 7th, the government of Yongji City imposed a three-day lockdown despite no reported infections. As a result, roads leading out of the city and public places except hospitals and supermarkets were closed, and all residents had to undergo three rounds of mass testing over three days. At the time, authorities explained this as a decision "to prevent external COVID-19 inflow and ensure residents’ health and safety."

In Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, a popular southern tourist destination, part of the city was locked down starting from the 3rd, and tourists were prohibited from moving within hotels. This was due to confirmed cases emerging during the National Day holiday from the 1st to the 7th, when a large influx of tourists occurred. Photos showing armed personnel controlling citizens at the locked-down Xishuangbanna Airport were also frequently posted on social media at the time.

The background for authorities strengthening COVID-19 prevention measures is linked to the upcoming Party Congress to be held on the 16th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The Party Congress, held every five years, is China’s largest political event and is expected to decide on President Xi Jinping’s potential third term. Most local governments are reportedly treating COVID-19 prevention as a critical political task ahead of the imminent Party Congress.

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