Ahead of Winter Olympics, China rattled by Omicron scare; Xi'an under lockdown

As world continues to witness a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by lately discovered Omicron variant, ahe of Winter Olympics, Chinese authorities have been implementing a zero-COVID strategy to contain spre of virus. Ever since cases of COVID-19 have been reported in China, authorities have been imposing a lockdown and using surveillance to control spre of virus. Chinese authorities have been trying this approach in Xi'an to eliminate COVID-19 outbreak ahe of Winter Olympics.

So far, China has reported only a few Omicron cases, however, zero-COVID-19 approach of Chinese authorities might face challenges if highly transmissible variant spres more rapidly, ANI cited CNN report. Furrmore, CNN report claimed that Omicron variant of COVID-19 is showing resistance even to booster dose of China's Sinovac vaccine. Even though China has been using lockdown approach to control spre of COVID-19 infection, however, ir strategy might result in dwindling economic growth. Last week, World Bank reduced growth forecasts for China due to effect of COVID-19 pandemic and its performance in property sector, as per news report. 

13 million people under lockdown in Xi'an

Currently, China is witnessing a spike in COVID-19 cases in Xi’an where authorities have put 13 million people in lockdown. authorities in Xi'an have been making efforts to ensure that people receive daily necessities as residents continue to be in lockdown for tenth consecutive day. Since December 31, authorities have launched five rounds of citywide nucleic acid testing. From December 23, local officials have tightened travel restrictions for those who are travelling within or leaving city. 

COVID-19 situation in China

According to China's National Health Commission, as of 2 January, 31 provincial-level regions and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps on Chinese mainland h reported 11,259 cases of imported COVID-19 infections, taking overall tally to 102,666 confirmed cases. Of m, 94,903 patients have been cured and discharged from hospital. total number of deaths reported due to COVID-19 in China is 4,636. Furrmore, 29,813 cases have been reported in Hong Kong and Macao special ministrative regions and Taiwan province. 

Inputs from ANI

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