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China moves to stamp out virus outbreak in city of 11 million
BEIJING, Jan 6, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Travel has been restricted to a northern
Chinese city of 11 million people and schools closed as authorities Wednesday
moved to snuff out a cluster of Covid-19 after dozens were infected.
Ten major highways leading into the city of Shijiazhuang, around 300
kilometres (200 miles) south of Beijing, have been closed and a bus terminus
was closed in an attempt to prevent the virus spreading beyond the city in
Hebei province.
There have been 117 cases in the city — including at least 63 more
reported Wednesday — 78 of which were asymptomatic, prompting mass testing
across the affected area.
Unlike much of the world, China has largely brought the virus under control
through strict lockdowns and travel restrictions.
But there have been a series of local outbreaks in recent weeks, prompting
mass testing and targeted lockdowns.
The village of Xiaoguozhuang within the city boundary has been classified
as a “high risk” district and sealed off.
Health authorities said all 40,000 residents in that district have been
tested for the virus.
State TV showed villagers being tested by staff in full hazmat suits and
protective wear, with roadblocks staffed by police and medical workers.
All schools in Shijiazhuang have been closed.
State broadcaster CCTV showed teams of health workers spraying disinfectant
across streets and said an emergency team of medical workers had been sent to
the city.
More than 400,000 residents of another nearby city, Nangong, have also been
tested, authorities said.
Beijing is also racing to vaccinate millions ahead of the country’s Lunar
New Year travel rush next month.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1044 hrs