(Beijing) A few weeks before the Beijing Olympics (February 4-20), several Chinese cities are affected by outbreaks. On a limited scale, however, they are straining China’s “zero COVID-19” strategy.
Here is a summary of the measures taken in these different places:
Xi’an (north)
The 13 million inhabitants of this former capital of the Chinese Empire, known for its army buried in terracotta, are in their third week of confinement.
The city is facing an epidemic resurgence which has already made 2,000 sick in recent weeks.
This is very little compared to the situation in many other countries. It is, however, the largest hotbed in China since 2020.
Concretely, the inhabitants have the right to go out to refuel only once every three days. They can’t leave town. Non-essential businesses are closed.
If the supply of the inhabitants has generally proved effective during previous confinements elsewhere in the country, thanks in particular to the civil servants and volunteers mobilized, they were more laborious in Xi’an.
Residents complained about a lack of access to food. And some others were unable to access overzealous hospitals.
A senior local official apologized publicly last week after the miscarriage of an eight-month-pregnant woman. Her dismissal from a hospital because she did not have a valid COVID-19 test had sparked an uproar on social media.
Xi’an authorities also admitted that some residents were having difficulty obtaining food. The problem appears to have abated in recent days.
Tianjin (north)
Located 100 km south-east of Beijing, this large port city of 14 million inhabitants crystallizes concerns, because at least two patients have been infected with the variant Omicron, very contagious.
On Sunday, the authorities called on the population not to leave Tianjin “unless there is a compelling reason,” and prohibited any unauthorized exit.
Schools are closed and all residents have been screened.
Limited, this home is however watched like milk on the fire because of the proximity of Beijing.
Rail links from Tianjin to the capital have been suspended. Road checkpoints prevent any vehicle from entering Beijing from the port city.
Henan (center)
Several cities in Henan province have tightened their restrictions amid a surge of more than 250 cases since the end of December.
The provincial capital, Zhengzhou, has imposed lockdowns on certain neighborhoods and ordered its 13 million residents to be tested.
Anyang City on Monday reported 18 new cases – including two Omicrons linked to the Tianjin outbreak. The town hall has launched a screening of its 5 million inhabitants.
The sale of long-distance train and bus tickets from Anyang has been suspended and roadblocks have been set up.
Measures taken to prevent exits from the city and the spread of the virus elsewhere in the country.
Beijing
As the Olympics approach, the capital launched its “closed loop” concept last week.
This health bubble must prevent any direct contact between its future inhabitants (athletes, officials, volunteers, drivers, cooks) and the general Chinese population.
All people entering this “closed loop” must be fully vaccinated or undergo a 21-day quarantine upon arrival.
Daily screening for COVID-19 will be imposed in the bubble.
Outside of this “closed loop”, the rules are much less strict for Pekingese.
However, the city is banning the entry of people from places that have recorded cases of COVID-19 during the past two weeks.
It also requires the presentation of a negative test dated within 48 hours.
Shenzhen (south)
After a handful of cases in recent days, this metropolis where many technology companies are located has confined some residential complexes, launched a general screening campaign and closed some long-distance bus stations.