Chinese authorities are facing questions over their zero-Covid strategy as cases surge in the western region of Xinjiang, prompting a lockdown in the regional capital Urumqi..
The lockdown, which began on Monday, is the first in a major Chinese city since Shanghai’s two-month shutdown earlier this year. It came as Xinjiang reported a record number of new Covid-19 cases, with 322 infections reported on Tuesday..
The surge in cases in Xinjiang has raised concerns about the effectiveness of China’s zero-Covid policy, which aims to eliminate all cases of the virus through strict lockdowns, mass testing, and travel restrictions..
Critics of the policy argue that it is too costly and unsustainable, and that it is causing unnecessary social and economic disruption. They also point to the fact that China’s vaccination rate is still relatively low, with only about 60% of the population fully vaccinated..
Supporters of the zero-Covid policy argue that it is the only way to prevent a major outbreak of the virus in China, which has a population of 1.4 billion people. They also point to the fact that China has had one of the lowest Covid-19 death tolls in the world, with just over 5,000 deaths reported since the pandemic began..
The surge in cases in Xinjiang is a test for China’s zero-Covid policy. If the authorities are unable to contain the outbreak, it could lead to a nationwide lockdown, which would have a devastating impact on the economy..
The lockdown in Urumqi has already caused disruptions to businesses and travel. Many flights and trains have been canceled, and businesses have been ordered to close. Residents have been told to stay home and only leave for essential reasons, such as buying groceries or seeking medical care..
The lockdown is also a test for the patience of the Chinese people. Many people have grown weary of the strict Covid-19 restrictions, and there have been sporadic protests in recent months..
It remains to be seen whether the lockdown in Urumqi will be successful in containing the outbreak. If it is not, it could lead to a nationwide lockdown, which would have a devastating impact on the economy and the lives of the Chinese people..
