Chinese city put under Wuhan-style lockdown after fresh coronavirus outbreak
Chinese authorities have imposed strict lockdown measures in the north-eastern city of Shulan amid fears of a fresh Covid-19 outbreak.
Shulan, home to around 700,000 residents, has had 19 confirmed cases of coronavirus since May 7, according to China Daily, which described it as the ‘latest pandemic hotspot in the country’.
Earlier this month, officials reclassified the city as ‘high risk’ following a cluster of new infections connected to a woman who had not travelled and with no known exposure to the virus.
Schools, public transport and public spaces were shut in the city, in the Jilin province, but yesterday it was put under restrictions similar to those implemented in Wuhan at the start of the outbreak.
Local reports said residential areas with positive or suspected cases have been placed under quarantine, with just one guarded entry and exit for emergency vehicles.
Only one person per household is allowed out to buy essentials such as food or medicine for two hours every other day.
Restaurants, gyms, cinemas and other recreational venues in Shulan have been ordered to close, while several schools have stopped pupils coming to the classroom.
Public transport to and from the city and within the city has been halted, along with taxi rides.
In the Jilin province at least 34 people have tested positive for the virus in the last two weeks.
Concerns have been raised that cases appear to have entered the region from people crossing the border from Russia and North Korea.
Another city in the province, Jiaohe, also had restrictions tightened today due to the ‘severe circumstances’ of the outbreak in the surrounding areas.
Public transport to and from the city and inside it, has been stopped until infections are brought down.
China recorded 23 new cases of the virus – with 17 of those being asymptomatic – on Monday.
However, local media reported that the country may start relaxing some border restrictions following official meetings which are due to start on Thursday.
It is understood new measures could allow Chinese students abroad to return home after graduating, along with people travelling for businesses but large numbers of tourists will not be permitted yet.
Earlier this month, officials reclassified the city as ‘high risk’ following a cluster of new infections connected to a woman who had not travelled and with no known exposure to the virus.
Schools, public transport and public spaces were shut in the city, in the Jilin province, but yesterday it was put under restrictions similar to those implemented in Wuhan at the start of the outbreak.
Local reports said residential areas with positive or suspected cases have been placed under quarantine, with just one guarded entry and exit for emergency vehicles.
Only one person per household is allowed out to buy essentials such as food or medicine for two hours every other day.
Restaurants, gyms, cinemas and other recreational venues in Shulan have been ordered to close, while several schools have stopped pupils coming to the classroom.
Public transport to and from the city and within the city has been halted, along with taxi rides.
In the Jilin province at least 34 people have tested positive for the virus in the last two weeks.
Concerns have been raised that cases appear to have entered the region from people crossing the border from Russia and North Korea.
Another city in the province, Jiaohe, also had restrictions tightened today due to the ‘severe circumstances’ of the outbreak in the surrounding areas.
Public transport to and from the city and inside it, has been stopped until infections are brought down.
China recorded 23 new cases of the virus – with 17 of those being asymptomatic – on Monday.
However, local media reported that the country may start relaxing some border restrictions following official meetings which are due to start on Thursday.
It is understood new measures could allow Chinese students abroad to return home after graduating, along with people travelling for businesses but large numbers of tourists will not be permitted yet.
