As China reported a new record high with nearly 40,000 new Covid infections on Saturday, a fresh wave of anger has spread across the country with anti-Covid protests rocking the streets in some parts. The spike in cases has prompted lockdowns and other restrictions in cities across China as Beijing is adhering to a zero-Covid policy. The Chinese city of Shenzhen on Sunday said that it will limit restaurants and other indoor venues to 50 percent occupancy as a part of measures to prevent the coronavirus spread, news agency Reuters reported.
Here are the latest developments in China:
1. China, on Saturday, recorded a record high of 39,791 new infections – out of which 3,709 were symptomatic and 36,082 were asymptomatic, the National Health Commission was quoted as saying in reports. The country had recorded 32,943 new cases a day earlier – 3,103 symptomatic and 29,840 asymptomatic infections. As of now, mainland China has confirmed 307,802 cases with symptoms.
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2. The Chinese city of Shenzhen on Sunday is limiting its restaurant and other indoor venues to 50 percent occupancy. Along with this, new arrivals to the southern city will be barred from entering venues such as theatres and gyms for the first three days.
3. Massive protests have been triggered in China as the surge in Covid cases has prompted lockdowns. Angry crowds took to the streets on Sunday calling for an end to the strict restrictions.
4. A deadly fire on Thursday in the capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang region – Urumqi – that killed 10 people – has spurred an outpouring of anger as many social media users blamed lengthy Covid lockdowns for hampering rescue efforts. In China’s most populous city and financial hub – Shanghai – residents gathered on Saturday night for a vigil that turned into a protest in the early hours of Sunday. “Lift lockdown for Urumqi, lift lockdown for Xinjiang, lift lockdown for all of China!” the crowds in Shanghai shouted, reported Reuters.
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5. On Saturday, several videos emerged on social media which showcased people chanting slogans against restrictions imposed by the Chinese government to curb the spread of Covid in China’s Shanghai city, reported ANI.
(With inputs from agencies)