The Chinese city of Zhengzhou, which hosts an iPhone manufacturing center, One of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the city, to control the outbreak of the “Covid-19” virus, with restrictions creeping across China confirming the continuing threat of disruption to companies due to these restrictions in light of China’s commitment to the “zero Covid” policy.
About one million residents of Zhongyuan District were ordered to stay at home as of Monday, except for when they need to take a “Covid” test, as non-essential businesses have been closed, according to a government notice.
The broader restrictions came on the heels of some neighborhood closures last week, surprising many residents following officials said there would be no citywide lockdown.
Foxconn Technology Group’s factories that manufacture iPhones are not located in the area that has been closed, according to “Bloomberg” and seen by “Al Arabiya.net”.
On Sunday, the city reported 6 new local COVID-19 cases, down from the last peak of 40 cases on Oct. 9.
Nationwide, the number of cases fell to 697, the lowest level in two weeks, as outbreaks in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang were brought under control.
Beijing recorded 13 new cases, while Shanghai witnessed 32 cases.
China is sticking to the zero-Covid pillars of lockdowns and mass testing to tame its biggest outburst in two months, despite the steep cost.
The policy has dented growth in the world’s second-largest economy and disrupted global supply chains, as important manufacturing hubs – from cars to phones and Christmas trees – struggle with shutdowns and reopenings being disrupted.
On Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping did not indicate any looming change in approach, disappointing investors who had been hoping for some signs of backtracking.
During the opening speech of the ruling party’s congress held twice a decade in Beijing, the president said strict rules protect people’s lives, though Xi avoided mentioning economic losses.
While China’s most important cities have so far avoided large-scale shutdowns, officials have instead quietly halted a growing list of activities.
Many schools in Shanghai have suspended in-person classes as fear of infection spreads, according to parents and social media posts.
Last week, the coastal city of Tianjin announced the closure of one district, and the major southern city of Guangzhou closed schools in one district.