China Enforces , Strict COVID Lockdown , Following Earthquake.
NBC reports that authorities in southwestern China's
Chengdu have imposed strict COVID lockdowns despite
a major earthquake that killed at least 65 people.
On September 5, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake
struck the province of Sichuan, which includes,
Chengdu, a city of 21 million people.
On September 6, footage circulated online showing
workers wearing protective gear preventing residents
of apartment complexes from exiting their homes.
Despite only recording a small number of cases, Chengdu's lockdown is the most severe since Shanghai was shut down over the summer.
That lockdown led to widespread
complaints over shortages of food,
medicine and access to health care.
NBC reports that the lockdown in Chengdu
appears to be similarly strict, with reports
of even ordering takeout being banned.
China's 'zero-COVID' policy, largely championed by party leader Xi Jinping, includes compulsory testing, lockdowns, quarantines and masking.
China's 'zero-COVID' policy, largely championed by party leader Xi Jinping, includes compulsory testing, lockdowns, quarantines and masking.
As of September 6, China reported
1,499 new cases of local infection,
most of which were asymptomatic.
There were a total of 138 new
cases in the Sichuan province. .
NBC reports that the earthquake and the lockdown
come amid a heatwave and drought that
caused water and power shortages.