China seeing new surge in cases despite 'zero tolerance'
Mar 7, 2022
China is seeing a new surge in COVID-19 cases across the vast country, despite its draconian “zero tolerance" approach to dealing with outbreaks
BEIJING (AP) — China is seeing a new surge in COVID-19 cases across the vast country, despite its draconian “zero tolerance” approach to dealing with outbreaks.
The mainland on Monday reported 214 new cases of infection over the previous 24 hours, with the most, 69, in the southern province of Guangdong bordering on Hong Kong, which has been recording tens of thousands of cases per day.
Another 54 cases were reported in the Jilin province, more than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) to the north, and 46 in the eastern province Shandong.
In his annual report to the national legislature Saturday, Premier Li Keqiang said China needs to “constantly refine epidemic containment” but gave no indication Beijing might ease the highly touted “zero tolerance” strategy.
Li called for accelerating vaccine development and “strengthening epidemic controls” in cities where travelers and goods arrive from abroad.
“Zero tolerance" requires quarantines and lockdowns on entire communities and sometimes even cities when as few as a handful of cases have been detected. Chinese officials credit the approach — along with a vaccination rate of more than 80% — with helping prevent a major nationwide outbreak, but critics say it is taking a major toll on the economy and preventing the population from building up natural immunity.
No new cases were reported in Beijing and the city was largely back to normal, although masks continue to be worn in public places indoors.
One area that continues to feel the effects of tight COVID-19 control is the religious sector. Three of Beijing's most famous Catholic churches, Buddhist temples and mosques stated Sunday they had been ordered closed in January with no date given on reopening.
Even before the pandemic, such institutions were under heavy pressure from the Communist authorities to follow through on demands from leader Xi Jinping that all religious centers be purged of outside influence, including the physical appearance of places of worship.
The latest daily case numbers mark some of the highest since the initial outbreak in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019 that is believed to have sparked the pandemic.
They bring China's total to 111,195 with 4,636 deaths, according to the National Health Commission. At present, 3,837 people are receiving treatment for COVID-19, many of them infected with the omicron strain.
MORE NEWS
Elon Musk to co-lead 'Project Meridian' on future of warfare, announces US War Secy Pete Hegseth
US Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the formation of Project Meridian to study future warfare strategies. Elon Musk will co-lead this initiative alongside Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich. The project aims to explore and identify key domains and technologies relevant to warfare. It has a strict 120-day deadline to provide findings to military leadership. Hegseth also introduced the Autonomous Warfare Command, emphasizing the need for advancements in military technology.
Midair miracles: Passengers hail Captain Smit Machchhar and Israeli heroes who thwarted attack on flydubai flight
An Indian flydubai pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was seriously stabbed by his copilot in an attempted plane crash. Despite his injuries, he unlocked the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. The plane landed safely, and global leaders hailed the captain as a hero.
Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 13: India Win Squash Women's Team Bronze
India at the Asian Games 2026 Live: Follow all the latest updates, scores and latest medals tally as India competes across various events on Day 13 in Japan.
Murder of Sena (UBT) leader: In police statement, son blames ex-mayor of Thane, her husband
Pradeep Purnekar was shot dead in Thane, leading to major protests by his family and supporters. His son, Ram Purnekar, has accused Meenakshi Shinde and her husband of orchestrating the crime. The police arrested one suspect and detained another in connection with the murder case.
RBI’s success on dollar flows raises stakes in inflation fight & clamour for rate hike
India’s record $133 billion diaspora inflow has flooded banks with liquidity, pushing overnight rates below the RBI’s 5.25% policy rate. The Reserve Bank has already drained more than ₹1 trillion as food and oil prices fuel inflation concerns. Markets now expect further liquidity measures and are increasingly pricing in a possible RBI interest-rate hike.
Senate punts bill to permanently ban Chinese cars until after midterm elections
Legislation aiming to permanently prohibit Chinese vehicles and technology from entering the U.S. market is currently stalled. Senators are negotiating to address concerns raised by a Republican senator regarding foreign ownership stakes. The proposed bill seeks to protect American automakers from subsidized Chinese competition and prevent data privacy risks. Supporters of the bill anticipate revisiting this matter after the upcoming November elections.
SC seeks response of Delhi government on plea for free treatment for EWS patients at ILBS
The court agreed to examine the plea which also sought an independent inquiry into alleged patient-rights violations and financial irregularities at the ILBS
'Very good call': US Ambassador Sergio Gor on PM Modi-Trump telephonic conversation
Modi and Trump engaged in a telephone conversation reviewing bilateral cooperation. They discussed trade, defense, energy, and critical technologies during the call. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership after evaluating ongoing regional and international developments. EAM S Jaishankar indicated progress on a mutually beneficial trade deal while addressing tariff concerns.
KPSC paper leak: ED alleges IAS officer supplied Veterinary Officer exam paper for bribes
Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar, an IAS officer, allegedly leaked the Veterinary Officers Recruitment Examination question paper for money. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating this corruption case involving 400 Veterinary Officer posts. Middleman Basavaraj Kannale, who facilitated the scheme, promised candidates their selection in exchange for bribes. Candidates received leaked exam materials while residing at a resort prior to the exam.