A Chinese government spokesman warned, on Saturday, that the capital, Beijing, was facing an “explosion” of coronavirus cases linked to a bar, while the commercial center of Shanghai began mass tests to contain a jump in cases linked to a famous beauty salon.
The warning came in the wake of a new tightening of Covid restrictions imposed in Beijing since Thursday, with the closure of at least two areas, including the most populous Chaoyang District, and some entertainment venues after counting several cases in a crowded neighborhood known for its nightlife and shopping and home to many embassies, according to the report. Agency Archyde.com.
While China’s infection rate is low by global standards, President Xi Jinping has doubled down on the coronavirus non-proliferation policy, which authorities say is necessary to protect the elderly and the medical system, even as other countries try to live with the virus.
So far, China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has seen a total of 5,226 deaths only.
The latest cases in Beijing have been linked to a bar known as “Yeven Supermarket Bar”.
Infections soared, with Beijing saying on Saturday that all 61 new infections detected in the city on Friday had either visited or had links with the bar.
The capital reported 46 new local cases of coronavirus, Saturday, as of 3 pm, local time (7 GMT).
So far a total of 115 cases and 6,158 close contacts have been reported linked to the pub, putting the city of 22 million people back into a state of concern.
On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged to continue to adhere to Beijing’s “zero Covid” strategy to combat the pandemic while protecting the economy at the same time, while more than half of Shanghai’s 25 million residents are preparing to undergo widespread examinations, Friday.
China is adopting strict measures to prevent the spread of the Corona virus, from mandatory quarantine for infected people, closures as soon as infections appear, and “PCR” tests necessary to enter a building or travel.
This strategy, which has been vigorously defended by the central authority and Xi Jinping, is particularly motivated by the fact that many elderly people have not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
But the strategy requires large logistical, human and economic resources, especially with the spread of the mutant Omicron in almost all of China in recent months, especially in Shanghai, before it clearly declined in recent weeks, according to Agence France-Presse.
The government is trying to find the right balance between eliminating the virus and limiting the economic fallout due to the restrictions that dealt a severe blow to the hotel and restaurant sector, companies and industrial production.