Coronavirus: China orders detention in Zhengzhou after violent protests

Authorities Zhengzhou, the headquarters of the world’s largest iPhone factory, has ordered the shutdown of several areas of the city amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. Residents should not leave their homes “unnecessarily,” local authorities said.

The Asian giant announced this Thursday a record number of daily infections since the start of the pandemic: 31,454 new cases, a relatively low figure for a population of 1.4 billion. Of these new infections, 675 have been reported in Zhengzhou, the vast majority asymptomatic.

City center residents Zhengzhou They will not be able to leave the territory unless they present a negative coronavirus test and receive permission from the city authorities. China.

The restrictions, which will last at least five days, will affect more than six million people, about half the population of this city in the center of the country.

The government notice also requires residents of eight districts to be tested daily for the coronavirus during this period.

The order comes after violent protests erupted at the huge industrial complex in Foxconn, the technology firm town that houses the world’s largest iPhone manufacturing facility.

The plant independently introduced anti-covid restrictions for a month to prevent the spread of infection among its employees. The Zhengzhou municipal government said on Wednesday that the outbreak in the city is “still serious and complex.”

confusion and fear

With metropolitan lockdowns, rising infections and sporadic protests, China’s “COVID-19 zero” policy has stalled as authorities relentlessly try to contain the virus while keeping the economy going.

Beijing registered a new record for new coronavirus cases on Tuesday amid the outbreak, which is filling the city with restrictions such as school and restaurant closures or the introduction of remote work.

Beijing imposes closure of schools and restaurants

Beijing has suspended in-person classes at schools and kindergartens after two deaths and nearly a thousand new infections were reported last Sunday, while outbreaks are reported in various Chinese cities and some, such as Shijiazhuang (north), cancel recent “zero COVID” policy adjustments.

Many restaurants in the Chinese capital, especially in the Chaoyang business district, closed on Monday or were only serving takeaway orders. In addition, the authorities have asked residents to work from home if possible.

Although an unknown number of buildings in Beijing remain on lockdown due to a COVID case being found inside, the Chinese capital has so far avoided imposing a large-scale quarantine.

(According to AFP and Europa Press)