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{{short description|Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in mainland China}} |
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{{Multiple issues|{{POV|date=February 2022}} |
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{{missing information|[[case definition]]; evolution of case def; see [https://github.com/CSSEGISandData/COVID-19/issues/5579 OWiD announcement] (still working on updating the data). The article needs one or more up-to-date graphs (of cases and deaths)|date=April 2022}}}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}} |
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{{Use American English|date=March 2020}} |
{{Use American English|date=March 2020}} |
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{{short description|Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in mainland China}} |
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{{Infobox pandemic |
{{Infobox pandemic |
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| name = COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China |
| name = COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China |
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| map1 = COVID-19 |
| map1 = COVID-19 in China 2020 to April 20, 2022.png |
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| legend1 = Rolling average of confirmed COVID-19 cases per day in mainland China |
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| legend1 = {{Center|Confirmed COVID-19 cases in [[mainland China]] per 100,000 inhabitants by province {{as of|lc=y|2020|04|13}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.163.com/special/epidemic/ |script-title=zh:新型肺炎疫情地圖 實時更新|date=29 January 2020|work=[[163.com]] news|access-date=2 February 2020|language=zh|trans-title=New pneumonia epidemic map updated in real time|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130044249/https://news.163.com/special/epidemic/|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>}} |
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| disease = [[COVID-19]] |
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{{Block indent|{{legend|#000000|114.40 cases per 100,000 (Hubei)}} |
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| virus_strain = [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|SARS-CoV-2]] |
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{{legend|#cc0c0a|1.5–2.5 cases per 100,000}} |
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{{legend|#e45353|1–1.5 cases per 100,000}} |
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{{legend|#f89292|0.5–1 cases per 100,000}} |
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{{legend|#ffd0d0|>0–0.5 cases per 100,000}}|left=2}} |
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| map2 = <!-- COVID-19 cases in mainland China by Prefectures.png --> |
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| legend2 = COVID-19 cases in mainland China by prefectures |
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| map3 = |
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| legend3 = |
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| disease = [[Coronavirus disease 2019]] (COVID-19) |
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| virus_strain = [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2]] (SARS-CoV-2) |
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| location = Mainland China |
| location = Mainland China |
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| first_case = 1 December 2019<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=12|day1=01|year1=2019|month2=|day2=|year2=}} ago) |
| first_case = 1 December 2019<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=12|day1=01|year1=2019|month2=|day2=|year2=}} ago) |
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| origin = [[Wuhan]], Hubei<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sheikh |first1=Knvul |last2=Rabin |first2=Roni Caryn |title=The Coronavirus: What Scientists Have Learned So Far |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-coronavirus.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=10 March 2020| |
| origin = [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sheikh |first1=Knvul |last2=Rabin |first2=Roni Caryn |title=The Coronavirus: What Scientists Have Learned So Far |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-coronavirus.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=10 March 2020 |access-date=24 March 2020 |archive-date=23 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623171613/https://www.nytimes.com/article/what-is-coronavirus.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| recovery_cases = 379,053<!--daily report included to cite asymptomatic numbers--><ref name="nhc-daily-report">{{cite web |url=http://www.nhc.gov.cn/yjb/s7860/202205/4b6b9808ba8a469c9026f05d3f35546e.shtml |script-title=zh:截至5月30日24时新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情最新情况|publisher=National Health Commission |date=30 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022 |language=zh-cn}}</ref> |
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| active_cases = 402 |
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| deaths = {{COVID-19 data/Text|CN|deaths}} |
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| recovery_cases = 78,509<!--daily report included to cite asymptomatic numbers--><ref name="nhc-daily-report">{{cite web |url=http://www.nhc.gov.cn/yjb/s7860/202006/af2f9873b4df4ccfa2146b0000428111.shtml |script-title=zh:截至6月14日24时新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情最新情况 |publisher=National Health Commission |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=26 June 2020 |language=zh-cn |quote="{{lang|zh-Hans|31个省(自治区、直辖市)和新疆生产建设兵团报告新增无症状感染者18例(境外输入11例);当日无转为确诊病例;当日解除医学观察9例(境外输入2例);尚在医学观察无症状感染者112例(境外输入62例)。}}" }}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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| confirmed_cases = {{COVID-19 data/Text|CN|cases}}<br />503,302 (symptomatic) |
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| deaths = 4,634<ref name="nhc-daily-report"/><ref name="NHC 17 Apr WH correction">{{cite web |url=http://www.nhc.gov.cn/yjb/s7860/202004/9d15772389c64d478713e710a756b883.shtml |title=湖北省武汉市新冠肺炎疫情数据订正情况 |publisher=National Health Commission |date=17 April 2020 |accessdate=2 June 2020 |language=zh-cn |trans-title=Revision of the data of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic situation in Wuhan City, Hubei Province}}</ref> |
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| suspected_cases = 1.1 billion+ ([[Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention|CCDC]] estimate in January 2022)<ref name="CCDC estimate">{{cite news |title=China says COVID outbreak has infected 80% of population |work=Reuters |date=21 January 2023 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-says-covid-outbreak-has-infected-80-population-2023-01-21 |access-date=22 January 2023 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314191002/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-says-covid-outbreak-has-infected-80-population-2023-01-21/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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| confirmed_cases = 83,545{{efn|group=note|Excluding 114 [[asymptomatic]] cases, 62 of which were imported, under medical observation {{as of|2020|6|14|lc=y}}.<ref name="nhc-daily-report"/> Asymptomatic cases were not reported prior to 31 March 2020.}}<ref name="nhc-daily-report"/> |
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| vaccinations = {{ublist |
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| {{COVID-19 data/Text|CN|total_vaccinated}} (total vaccinated) |
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| website = |
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| {{COVID-19 data/Text|CN|fully_vaccinated}} (fully vaccinated) |
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| {{COVID-19 data/Text|CN|vaccine_doses}} (doses administered) |
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}} |
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}} |
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{{History of the People's Republic of China}} |
{{History of the People's Republic of China}} |
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The '''COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China''' is part of [[COVID-19 pandemic|the worldwide pandemic]] of coronavirus disease 2019 ([[COVID-19]]) caused by [[severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2]] (SARS-CoV-2). [[China]] was where the first COVID outbreak occurred, the first where authorities imposed drastic measures in response (including lockdowns and face mask mandates), and was one of the first countries to bring the outbreak under control, at least temporarily. |
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<onlyinclude>{{#ifeq:{{{1|Summary}}}|Summary|The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] originated with a cluster of mysterious, suspected [[pneumonia]] cases in the city of [[Wuhan]], the capital of [[Hubei]], China. A Wuhan hospital notified the local center for disease control and prevention (CDC) and health commissions on 27 December 2019. On 31 December, the [[Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention|Wuhan CDC]] disclosed to the media that there was a cluster of unknown pneumonia cases related to [[Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market|Huanan Seafood Market]] after the unverified documents appeared on the Internet. The potential disease outbreak soon drew nationwide attention including that of the [[National Health Commission]] (NHC) in Beijing who sent experts to Wuhan on the following day. Chinese authorities formally notified the [[World Health Organisation]] on this same day.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pneumonia of unknown cause – China |url=https://www.who.int/csr/don/05-january-2020-pneumonia-of-unkown-cause-china/en/ |website=WHO |publisher=WHO |accessdate=12 May 2020 |ref=who}}</ref> On 8 January 2020, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of the pneumonia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-virus-discovered-by-chinese-scientists-investigating-pneumonia-outbreak-11578485668|title=New Virus Discovered by Chinese Scientists Investigating Pneumonia Outbreak|last=Khan|first=Natasha|date=9 January 2020|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=2 February 2020|issn=0099-9660|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154104/https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-virus-discovered-by-chinese-scientists-investigating-pneumonia-outbreak-11578485668|archive-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> The sequence of the virus was soon published on an [[Open access|open-access]] database.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/01/chinese-researchers-reveal-draft-genome-virus-implicated-wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak|title=Chinese researchers reveal draft genome of virus implicated in Wuhan pneumonia outbreak|last=Cohen|first=Jon|date=11 January 2020|website=Science|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129015720/https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/01/chinese-researchers-reveal-draft-genome-virus-implicated-wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak|archive-date=29 January 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
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The [[2019–2020 COVID-19 outbreak in mainland China]] was the first wave of the disease, and was first manifested as a cluster of mysterious [[pneumonia]] cases, mostly related to the [[Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market|Huanan Seafood Market]], in [[Wuhan]], the capital of [[Hubei]] province. It was first reported to the local government on 27 December 2019 and published on 31 December. On 8 January 2020, a new [[coronavirus]] ([[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|SARS-CoV-2]]) was identified as the cause of the pneumonia by Chinese scientists.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Khan|first=Natasha|date=9 January 2020|title=New Virus Discovered by Chinese Scientists Investigating Pneumonia Outbreak|work=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-virus-discovered-by-chinese-scientists-investigating-pneumonia-outbreak-11578485668|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154104/https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-virus-discovered-by-chinese-scientists-investigating-pneumonia-outbreak-11578485668|archive-date=2 February 2020|issn=0099-9660}}</ref> By 29 January, the virus was found to have spread to all [[Provinces of China|provinces of mainland China]].<ref name="HKC-2020">{{cite web |script-title=zh:眾新聞 {{!}} 【武漢肺炎大爆發】西藏首宗確診 全國淪陷 內地確診累計7711宗 湖北黃岡疫情僅次武漢 |url=https://www.hkcnews.com/article/26475/武漢肺炎-西藏-黃岡-26478/【武漢肺炎大爆發】西藏首宗確診-全國淪陷-內地確診累計7711宗-湖北黃岡疫情僅次武漢 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154120/https://www.hkcnews.com/article/26475/%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E-%E8%A5%BF%E8%97%8F-%E9%BB%83%E5%B2%A1-26478/%E3%80%90%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E5%A4%A7%E7%88%86%E7%99%BC%E3%80%91%E8%A5%BF%E8%97%8F%E9%A6%96%E5%AE%97%E7%A2%BA%E8%A8%BA-%E5%85%A8%E5%9C%8B%E6%B7%AA%E9%99%B7-%E5%85%A7%E5%9C%B0%E7%A2%BA%E8%A8%BA%E7%B4%AF%E8%A8%887711%E5%AE%97-%E6%B9%96%E5%8C%97%E9%BB%83%E5%B2%A1%E7%96%AB%E6%83%85%E5%83%85%E6%AC%A1%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2 |archive-date=2 February 2020 |access-date=2 February 2020 |language=zh |script-website=zh:眾新聞}}</ref><ref name="AllRegions22">{{cite news |last1=Chappell |first1=Bill |date=30 January 2020 |title=Coronavirus Has Now Spread To All Regions Of mainland China |newspaper=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/01/30/801142924/coronavirus-has-now-spread-to-all-regions-of-mainland-china |url-status=live |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154104/https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/01/30/801142924/coronavirus-has-now-spread-to-all-regions-of-mainland-china |archive-date=2 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="Declared23">{{Cite news |date=31 January 2020 |title=Coronavirus declared global health emergency |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51318246 |url-status=live |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130201004/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51318246 |archive-date=30 January 2020}}</ref> |
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By late February, the pandemic had been brought under control in most [[Provinces of China|Chinese provinces]]. On 25 February, the reported number of newly confirmed cases outside mainland China exceeded those reported from within for the first time.<ref name="WHO Director general opening remarks 26 Feb22">{{cite web |date=26 February 2020 |title=WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the mission briefing on COVID-19 – 26 February 2020 |url=https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-mission-briefing-on-covid-19---26-february-2020 |work=World Health Organization |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=6 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506224550/https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-mission-briefing-on-covid-19---26-february-2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> By mid-2020, widespread community transmission in China had been ended, and restrictions were significantly eased.<ref name="Lancet-COVID-China-lessons2">{{cite journal |last1=Lancet |first1=The |date=25 July 2020 |title=COVID-19 and China: lessons and the way forward |journal=The Lancet |volume=396 |issue=10246 |pages=213 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31637-8 |pmc=7377676 |pmid=32711779}}</ref> |
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The Chinese government may have [[Censorship in China|censored discussions]] about the outbreak since the beginning of its spread.<ref>{{cite news|author=Javier C. Hernández |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/14/business/media/coronavirus-china-journalists.html |title=As China Cracks Down on Coronavirus Coverage, Journalists Fight Back - The New York Times |publisher=Nytimes.com |date= |accessdate=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51732042 |title=Coronavirus: Chinese app WeChat censored virus content since 1 Jan - BBC News |publisher=Bbc.com |date= |accessdate=6 April 2020}}</ref> On 25 January, [[Communist Party of China|Chinese Communist Party]] [[General Secretary of the Communist Party of China|General Secretary]] [[Xi Jinping]] warned about a "grave situation" facing China.<ref name="Politburo meeting">{{Cite news |url=http://en.people.cn/n3/2020/0125/c90000-9651799.html |title=CPC leadership meets to discuss novel coronavirus prevention, control |date=25 January 2020 |work=People's Daily |access-date=26 January 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125202946/http://en.people.cn/n3/2020/0125/c90000-9651799.html |archive-date=25 January 2020 |quote=Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the meeting.}}</ref><ref name="GraveSituation">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-idUSKBN1ZO005|title=Xi says China faces 'grave situation' as virus death toll hits 42|date=26 January 2020|agency=Reuters|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203151650/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-idUSKBN1ZO005|archive-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Politburo of the Communist Party of China|Party Politburo]] formed a special leading group for epidemic control, led by [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Premier]] [[Li Keqiang]]. The 25 January [[Chinese New Year]] celebrations were cancelled. Passengers across the country have been checked for their temperatures.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51249208|title=China virus spread is accelerating, Xi warns|date=26 January 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202192447/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51249208|archive-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Commands for epidemic control (CEC) have been formed in different regions including Wuhan and Hubei. Many inter-province bus services<ref>{{cite web|url=http://leaders.people.com.cn/n1/2020/0128/c58278-31563642.html |script-title=zh:【各地在行动②】全国19省份暂停省际长途客运|last=Yu|first=Xinyi|date=28 January 2020|website=[[:zh:人民网|People's Daily Online]] |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202170031/http://leaders.people.com.cn/n1/2020/0128/c58278-31563642.html|archive-date=2 February 2020|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> and railway services have been suspended.<ref>{{Cite news|trans-title=Wuhan Pneumonia: Hong Kong Announces Significant Cuts in Transport Services to and from mainland China|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-51280516|script-title=zh:武汉肺炎:香港宣布大幅削减来往中国大陆交通服务|date=28 January 2020|work=BBC News Chinese|access-date=2 February 2020|language=zh-Hans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130002626/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-51280516|archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> By 29 January, all Hubei cities [[2020 Hubei lockdowns|were quarantined]].<ref name=":16">{{cite web|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5671283 |script-title=zh:襄阳火车站关闭,湖北省最后一个地级市"封城"|date=29 January 2020|script-website=zh:国际金融报|via=The Paper|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202170024/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5671283|archive-date=2 February 2020|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> Curfew laws were implemented in [[Huanggang]], [[Wenzhou]],<ref name="DayHigh">{{cite web|url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/special/report/politic/cnpol/story20200202-1025551|script-title=zh:中国确诊及死亡病例创单日新高 黄冈恐成"第二个武汉" |last1=Yang |first1=Danxu (杨丹旭) |date=2 February 2020|work=[[Zaobao]] |language=zh-sg|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154106/https://www.zaobao.com.sg/special/report/politic/cnpol/story20200202-1025551|archive-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and other mainland cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cbgc.scol.com.cn/news/227255 |script-title=zh:温州之后,杭州台州宁波多地实施最严禁令|date=3 February 2020|script-website=zh:川报观察|language=zh-Hans|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> In February 2020, the region also saw a huge shortage of face masks and other protective gear despite itself being the world's manufacturing hub for these products.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/feb/03/coronavirus-live-updates-china-wuhan-outbreak-evacuations-flights-latest-news-death-toll-climbs-passing-sars|title=China issues 'urgent' appeal for protective medical equipment – as it happened|last=Safi (now)|first=Michael|date=3 February 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=4 February 2020|last2=Rourke (earlier)|first2=Alison|issn=0261-3077|last3=Greenfield|first3=Patrick|last4=Giuffrida|first4=Angela|last5=Kollewe|first5=Julia|last6=Oltermann|first6=Philip|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204074810/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/feb/03/coronavirus-live-updates-china-wuhan-outbreak-evacuations-flights-latest-news-death-toll-climbs-passing-sars|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Other countries donated medical supplies to help China deal with the epidemic.<ref name="africanews.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.africanews.com/2020/02/05/equatorial-guinea-donates-2m-to-china-to-help-combat-coronavirus/|title=Equatorial Guinea donates $2m to China to help combat coronavirus|website=Africanews}}</ref><ref name="Xinhuanet.com">{{cite news|author= |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/13/c_138779612.htm |title=Feature: Japan offers warm support to China in battle against virus outbreak - Xinhua |publisher=Xinhuanet.com |date=13 February 2020 |accessdate=11 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="Bloomberg">{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-22/china-s-xi-writes-thank-you-letter-to-bill-gates-for-virus-help |title=China’s Xi Writes Thank-You Letter to Bill Gates for Virus Help |publisher=Bloomberg |date=21 February 2020 |accessdate=11 April 2020}}</ref> |
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Until late 2022, the [[Chinese government response to COVID-19|Chinese government response]] included a [[zero-COVID]] strategy, which aims to eliminate transmission of the virus within the country and allow resumption of normal economic and social activity, making it one of few countries to pursue this approach.<ref name="Normile20212">{{cite journal |last1=Normile |first1=Dennis |date=19 November 2021 |title='Zero COVID' is getting harder—but China is sticking with it |url= |journal=Science |volume=374 |issue=6570 |pages=924 |bibcode=2021Sci...374..924N |doi=10.1126/science.acx9657 |issn=0036-8075 |eissn=1095-9203 |pmid=34793217 |s2cid=244403712}}</ref> By late 2020, China's economy continued to broaden recovery from the recession during the pandemic, with stable job creation and record international trade growth, although retail consumption was still slower than predicted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 October 2020 |title=China's economy continues to bounce back from virus slump |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54594877 |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-date=27 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127143906/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54594877 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=China's economic recovery continues but signals mixed in October |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Caixin/China-s-economic-recovery-continues-but-signals-mixed-in-October |access-date=9 January 2021 |website=Nikkei Asia |archive-date=4 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104034127/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Caixin/China-s-economic-recovery-continues-but-signals-mixed-in-October |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 25 February, the number of newly confirmed cases outside mainland China exceeded those from within for the first time; the WHO praised the effectiveness of measures taken in the country.<ref name="WHO Director general opening remarks 26 Feb">{{cite web |url= https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-mission-briefing-on-covid-19---26-february-2020 |title=WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the mission briefing on COVID-19 – 26 February 2020 |date=26 February 2020 |work=World Health Organization}}</ref> By 6 March the reported number of new cases had dropped to well fewer than 100 nationally per day, down from thousands per day at the height of the crisis. On 13 March, the number of newly imported cases passed the number of domestically transmitted new cases for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/mainland-china-reports-11-new-coronavirus-cases-on-march-13 |title=Mainland China sees imported coronavirus cases exceed new local infections for first time |work=[[The Straits Times]] |date=13 March 2020}}</ref><!--this is a paragraph on the general epidemiological timeline, not politics--> |
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Infection rates increased in 2022, and on 3 April of that year, China reported 13,146 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which was the highest single-day total of new cases since the height of the 2020 outbreak.<ref name="France24 China reports" /> Following [[2022 COVID-19 protests in China|nationwide protests]] in November and December of that year, the Chinese government relaxed many of its previous restrictions, effectively ending the zero-COVID policy and leading to a massive surge in cases.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zhang |first=Hannah Ritchie, Nectar Gan, Simone McCarthy, Selina Wang, Mengchen |date=2022-12-24 |title=Leaked notes from Chinese health officials estimate 250 million Covid-19 infections in December: reports |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/23/china/china-covid-infections-250-million-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=24 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224034306/https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/23/china/china-covid-infections-250-million-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Fear, [[regional discrimination in China]], and [[Xenophobia and racism related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic|racial discrimination within and beyond China]] increased with the growing number of reported cases of infections despite calls for stopping the discrimination by many governments.<ref name="fox61">{{Citation|title=Wuhan coronavirus reaches India as countries evacuate citizens from China|url=https://fox61.com/2020/01/30/wuhan-coronavirus-reaches-india-as-countries-evacuate-citizens-from-china/|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/47822/1/life-under-lockdown-young-people-in-wuhan-china-tell-their-coronavirus-stories|title=Life under lockdown: Young people in Wuhan tell their coronavirus stories|last=Dazed|date=6 February 2020|website=Dazed|access-date=8 February 2020}}</ref> Some rumors circulated across Chinese social media, along with endorsements and counter-rumor efforts by media and governments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678570.html |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:关于新型冠状病毒肺炎 这九大谣言别"中招"|date=n.d.|website=Beijing News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201044832/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678570.html|archive-date=1 February 2020|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/29/c_1125510533.htm |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:聚焦 {{!}} 关于新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎疫情的最新辟谣!|date=n.d.|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202181755/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/29/c_1125510533.htm|archive-date=2 February 2020|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref>}} The Chinese government has worked to censor and counter reporting and criticism about the crisis and portray the official response to the outbreak in a positive light. They have also provided humanitarian assistance to other countries dealing with the virus.<ref name="A China Cracks Down"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven Lee |title=Xi Goes to Wuhan, Coronavirus Epicenter, in Show of Confidence |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/world/asia/coronavirus-china-xi-jinping.html |work=The New York Times |date=10 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="China Turns Focus Outward"/> News outlets have reported concerns that the Chinese government has deliberately under-reported the extent of infections and deaths.<ref name="ft1">{{cite news|url=https://www.ft.com/content/bb73bd9c-4d92-11ea-95a0-43d18ec715f5|title=China accused of under-reporting coronavirus outbreak|quote=Health experts question the timeliness and accuracy of China’s official data, saying the testing system captured only a fraction of the cases in China’s hospitals, particularly those that are poorly run. Neil Ferguson, a professor of epidemiology at Imperial College London, said only the most severe infections were being diagnosed and as few as 10 per cent of cases were being properly detected, in a video released by the university.}}</ref><ref name="bostonherald1">{{cite web|last=Sobey |first=Rick |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/03/31/chinese-government-lying-about-coronavirus-could-impact-u-s-business-ties-experts/ |title=Chinese government lying about coronavirus could impact U.S. business ties: Experts |publisher=Bostonherald.com |date=31 March 2020 |accessdate=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="time5813628">{{cite news|url=https://time.com/5813628/china-coronavirus-statistics-wuhan/|title=China Says It's Beating Coronavirus. But Can We Believe Its Numbers?|quote=The move follows criticism from health experts and the U.S. and other governments that it risked a resurgence of the deadly pandemic by downplaying the number of cases within its borders.}}</ref> |
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== Graphics == |
== Graphics == |
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{{Main article|Statistics of the COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China}} |
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[[File:2020 coronavirus patients in China.svg|400px|thumb|right]]{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Mainland China medical cases chart}}<!-- beginning of transclusion --> |
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{{COVID-19 pandemic data/Mainland China medical cases map (dots)}} |
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<!-- {{COVID-19 pandemic data/Mainland China medical cases map (dots))}} --><!-- template commented out because it caused the page to exceed the post-expand include size, and therefore not all citations were appearing properly --> |
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{{See also|2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in Asia}} |
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== Context == |
== Context == |
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{{See also| |
{{See also|2002–2004 SARS outbreak}} |
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New infectious diseases impose a serious threat to the health of the general public. Their origins are often mysterious despite intensive research efforts.<ref>{{Cite journal| |
New infectious diseases impose a serious threat to the health of the general public. Their origins are often mysterious despite intensive research efforts.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wu|first1=Fan |last2=Zhao|first2=Su |last3=Yu|first3=Bin |last4=Chen|first4=Yan-Mei |last5=Wang|first5=Wen |last6=Song|first6=Zhi-Gang |last7=Hu|first7=Yi |last8=Tao|first8=Zhao-Wu |last9=Tian|first9=Jun-Hua |last10=Pei|first10=Yuan-Yuan |last11=Yuan|first11=Ming-Li |date=3 February 2020|title=A new coronavirus associated with human respiratory disease in China|journal=Nature |volume=579 |issue=7798 |pages=265–269|doi=10.1038/s41586-020-2008-3 |pmid=32015508|pmc=7094943 |bibcode=2020Natur.579..265W |issn=1476-4687}}</ref> Although [[Coronavirus|human coronaviruses]] (CoVs) had been known as major [[pathogen]]s to cause the [[common cold]],<ref>{{Citation|last1=Tyrrell|first1=David A. J.|title=Coronaviruses|year=1996|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7782/|work=Medical Microbiology|editor-last=Baron|editor-first=Samuel|edition=4th|publisher=University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston|isbn=978-0-9631172-1-2|pmid=21413266|access-date=5 February 2020|last2=Myint|first2=Steven H.|archive-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310092315/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK7782/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kahn-2005">{{Cite journal|last1=Kahn|first1=Jeffrey S.|last2=McIntosh|first2=Kenneth |year=2005|title=History and Recent Advances in Coronavirus Discovery|journal=The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal |volume=24|issue=11|pages=S223–7, discussion S226 |doi=10.1097/01.inf.0000188166.17324.60|pmid=16378050|s2cid=10654941|issn=0891-3668|doi-access=free}}</ref> a new species of coronavirus, namely [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus|SARS-CoV]] caused an epidemic involving 29 countries during 2002–03 which infected 8098 persons and killed 774 of them.<ref name="Kahn-2005" /> The evidence shows that the virus might have originated from an animal coronavirus, but somehow entered the human population.<ref name="Kahn-2005" /><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Al-Omari|first1=Awad |last2=Rabaan|first2=Ali A. |last3=Salih|first3=Samer |last4=Al-Tawfiq|first4=Jaffar A. |last5=Memish|first5=Ziad A. |year=2019|title=MERS coronavirus outbreak: Implications for emerging viral infections|journal=Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease |volume=93|issue=3|pages=265–285 |doi=10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.10.011|issn=1879-0070|pmid=30413355|pmc=7127703 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=To|first1=Kelvin K. W.|last2=Hung|first2=Ivan F. N.|last3=Chan|first3=Jasper F. W.|last4=Yuen|first4=Kwok-Yung |year=2013|title=From SARS coronavirus to novel animal and human coronaviruses|journal=Journal of Thoracic Disease|volume=5|issue=Suppl 2|pages=S103–S108 |doi=10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2013.06.02|issn=2072-1439|pmc=3747523|pmid=23977429}}</ref> Its outbreak also implies that animal coronaviruses could be a potential danger to humans.<ref name="Kahn-2005" /> |
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Since [[Timeline of the SARS outbreak|the 2003 SARS outbreak]], the general public and the scientific community in China have been worried about the potential return of the deadly virus which motivated the Chinese government to reform its public health system to handle the next public health crisis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2005-01-14/06164826542s.shtml |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:警惕非典再来(今日谈)|last=Tang|first=Song |date=14 January 2005|website=People's Daily|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205142636/http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2005-01-14/06164826542s.shtml |archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com.cn/GB/keji/1059/2247790.html |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:非典之后再回首|last=Bai|first=Jianfeng |date=16 December 2003|website=People's Daily|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205142639/http://www.people.com.cn/GB/keji/1059/2247790.html |archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=" |
Since [[Timeline of the SARS outbreak|the 2003 SARS outbreak]], the general public and the scientific community in China have been worried about the potential return of the deadly virus which motivated the Chinese government to reform its public health system to handle the next public health crisis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2005-01-14/06164826542s.shtml |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:警惕非典再来(今日谈)|last=Tang|first=Song |date=14 January 2005|website=People's Daily|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205142636/http://news.sina.com.cn/o/2005-01-14/06164826542s.shtml |archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com.cn/GB/keji/1059/2247790.html |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:非典之后再回首|last=Bai|first=Jianfeng |date=16 December 2003|website=People's Daily|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205142639/http://www.people.com.cn/GB/keji/1059/2247790.html |archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="Liu-2013">{{cite web|url=http://health.sohu.com/20130226/n367086195.shtml |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:钟南山:如果"非典"再来一次 不会成为挑战|last=Liu|first=Weining |date=25 February 2013|website=[[Yangcheng Evening News]]|via=Sohu|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205142638/http://health.sohu.com/20130226/n367086195.shtml |archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref> As part of the reform, China expanded the laboratory networks to handle the pathogens of the infectious diseases which included a newly built [[Biosafety level|BSL-4]] laboratory in Wuhan and a [[State Key Laboratories|national key laboratory]] to investigate into pneumonia with unclear causes.<ref name="Zhang-2013">{{cite web|url=http://news.sciencenet.cn/htmlnews/2013/4/276695.shtm |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:致命病毒:再相逢能否从容|last=Zhang|first=Lin |date=12 April 2013|website=China Science Daily|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205142641/http://news.sciencenet.cn/htmlnews/2013/4/276695.shtm |archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref> [[Zeng Guang]], the chief scientist at [[Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention|China CDC]] believed that a quicker publication of the epidemic information was a lesson that China learned from the SARS outbreak as the lack of information release worsened the outbreak.<ref name="Zhang-2013" /> |
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With the improved public health system, China managed to handle several public health emergencies. In coping with the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak starting from Mexico, China developed and distributed vaccines to 100 million people within months as an active prevention.<ref name=" |
With the improved public health system, China managed to handle several public health emergencies. In coping with the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak starting from Mexico, China developed and distributed vaccines to 100 million people within months as an active prevention.<ref name="Liu-2013" /> During the 2013 [[Influenza A virus subtype H7N9|H7N9]] outbreak in East China, the country's health system identified the pathogen 5 days after the outbreak. Test kits for diagnosis were designed and distributed to all mainland provinces 3 days after the identification. Within months, effective vaccines were developed. Chinese academic [[Li Lanjuan]] and her group were the first to reveal the virus's transmission methods, molecular mechanisms and effective treatment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zqb.cyol.com/html/2018-01/10/nw.D110000zgqnb_20180110_1-04.htm |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:十年建起一道防治新发传染病屏障|last=Li|first=Jianping |date=10 January 2018|website=China Youth Daily|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205142644/http://zqb.cyol.com/html/2018-01/10/nw.D110000zgqnb_20180110_1-04.htm |archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref> |
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However, ''[[Southern Metropolis Daily]]'' stated that although people paid more attention to public health, the government's funding to the health system was far from enough as CDCs in smaller municipalities had to reduce their staff. |
However, ''[[Southern Metropolis Daily]]'' stated that although people paid more attention to public health, the government's funding to the health system was far from enough as CDCs in smaller municipalities had to reduce their staff. Ten years after the SARS outbreak, few people wore a face mask when they had respiratory symptoms and the hospitals were cutting the fever clinics off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hn.ifeng.com/zixun/detail_2013_03/06/618822_0.shtml |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:如果再来一次非典......|date=6 March 2013|website=Southern Metropolis Daily|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160104162035/http://hn.ifeng.com/zixun/detail_2013_03/06/618822_0.shtml |archive-date=4 January 2016|access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref> Despite confidence in winning the next battle against [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome|SARS]], [[Zhong Nanshan]] who earned fame in fighting the SARS outbreak in 2003 still held a conservative attitude to whether the Chinese officials would lie to the people about a disease outbreak.<ref name="Liu-2013" /> As of 2017, mainland China had only 36 critical care beds per million people; in comparison, South Korea had 106, and Taiwan 285, beds per million people.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zero-Covid policy: why is China still having severe lockdowns? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/29/china-zero-covid-policy-what-is-it-and-why-lockdowns-quarantine-protests |access-date=30 November 2022 |work=the Guardian |date=29 November 2022 |language=en |archive-date=29 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129221634/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/29/china-zero-covid-policy-what-is-it-and-why-lockdowns-quarantine-protests |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Phua |first1=Jason |last2=Faruq |first2=Mohammad Omar |last3=Kulkarni |first3=Atul P. |last4=Redjeki |first4=Ike Sri |last5=Detleuxay |first5=Khamsay |last6=Mendsaikhan |first6=Naranpurev |last7=Sann |first7=Kyi Kyi |last8=Shrestha |first8=Babu Raja |last9=Hashmi |first9=Madiha |last10=Palo |first10=Jose Emmanuel M. |last11=Haniffa |first11=Rashan |last12=Wang |first12=Chunting |last13=Hashemian |first13=Seyed Mohammad Reza |last14=Konkayev |first14=Aidos |last15=Mat Nor |first15=Mohd Basri |last16=Patjanasoontorn |first16=Boonsong |last17=Nafees |first17=Khalid Mahmood Khan |last18=Ling |first18=Lowell |last19=Nishimura |first19=Masaji |last20=Al Bahrani |first20=Maher Jaffer |last21=Arabi |first21=Yaseen M. |last22=Lim |first22=Chae-Man |last23=Fang |first23=Wen-Feng |title=Critical Care Bed Capacity in Asian Countries and Regions |journal=Critical Care Medicine |date=May 2020 |volume=48 |issue=5 |pages=654–662 |doi=10.1097/CCM.0000000000004222 |pmid=31923030 |s2cid=210150861 |url=http://irep.iium.edu.my/78953/7/78953_Critical%20care%20bed%20capacity%20in%20Asian%20countries%20and%20regions_MYRA.pdf |access-date=19 December 2022 |archive-date=20 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320201308/http://irep.iium.edu.my/78953/7/78953_Critical%20care%20bed%20capacity%20in%20Asian%20countries%20and%20regions_MYRA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Early cases surrounding the animal market suggested potential animal-to-human transmission while later the virus |
Early cases surrounding the animal market suggested potential animal-to-human transmission while later the virus was found to be able to transmit from ill people to others.<ref name="CDC-2020">{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html|title=About Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)|date=3 February 2020|website=CDC|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211105920/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> There have been cases where [[asymptomatic carrier|asymptomatic patients]] transmitted the virus to others.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Rothe|first1=Camilla |author-link1=Camilla Rothe |last2=Schunk|first2=Mirjam |last3=Sothmann|first3=Peter |last4=Bretzel|first4=Gisela |last5=Froeschl|first5=Guenter |last6=Wallrauch|first6=Claudia |last7=Zimmer|first7=Thorbjörn| last8=Thiel|first8=Verena |last9=Janke|first9=Christian |last10=Guggemos|first10=Wolfgang |last11=Seilmaier|first11=Michael |date=30 January 2020|title=Transmission of 2019-nCoV Infection from an Asymptomatic Contact in Germany|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=382 |issue=10 |pages=970–971 |doi=10.1056/NEJMc2001468|pmid=32003551|pmc=7120970 |issn=0028-4793}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html |title=Transmission of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) {{!}} CDC|date=31 January 2020|website=[[cdc.gov]]|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200128152653/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html |archive-date=28 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> According to China NHC, the virus transmits by droplets or close contact<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.gov.cn/yzygj/s7653p/202001/4294563ed35b43209b31739bd0785e67/files/7a9309111267475a99d4306962c8bf78.pdf |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎诊疗方案(试行第四版)|website=[[National Health Commission]]|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200128055836/http://www.nhc.gov.cn/yzygj/s7653p/202001/4294563ed35b43209b31739bd0785e67/files/7a9309111267475a99d4306962c8bf78.pdf |archive-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> while some proposed that feces could also be where the virus hides and transmits from.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/02/02/asia-pacific/science-health-asia-pacific/coronavirus-feces-risk-of-spread/ |title=Coronavirus lurking in feces may be a hidden source of spread|date=2 February 2020|work=Japan Times|access-date=5 February 2020|issn=0447-5763|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200203150657/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/02/02/asia-pacific/science-health-asia-pacific/coronavirus-feces-risk-of-spread/ |archive-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-01/coronavirus-lurking-in-feces-may-reveal-hidden-risk-of-spread|title=Coronavirus Lurking in Feces May Reveal Hidden Risk of Spread|last=Gale|first=Jason|date=1 February 2020|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-date=1 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201213825/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-01/coronavirus-lurking-in-feces-may-reveal-hidden-risk-of-spread|url-status=live}}</ref> The typical symptoms of the viral infection included fever, dry cough, dyspnea, headache and pneumonia<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Zhou|first1=Peng |last2=Yang|first2=Xing-Lou |last3=Wang|first3=Xian-Guang |last4=Hu|first4=Ben |last5=Zhang|first5=Lei |last6=Zhang|first6=Wei |last7=Si|first7=Hao-Rui |last8=Zhu|first8=Yan |last9=Li|first9=Bei |last10=Huang|first10=Chao-Lin |last11=Chen|first11=Hui-Dong |date=3 February 2020|title=A pneumonia outbreak associated with a new coronavirus of probable bat origin|journal=Nature|volume=579 |issue=7798 |pages=270–273 |doi=10.1038/s41586-020-2012-7|pmid=32015507|pmc=7095418 |bibcode=2020Natur.579..270Z |issn=1476-4687}}</ref> which are usually developed after an incubation time lasting as long as 2 weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html |title=Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) {{!}} CDC|date=31 January 2020 |website=cdc.gov|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200130202038/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html |archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The existence of mild but infectious cases complicated the epidemic control efforts.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mahase|first=Elisabeth |date=28 January 2020|title=China coronavirus: mild but infectious cases may make it hard to control outbreak, report warns|url=https://www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m325 |journal=BMJ |volume=368|pages=m325|doi=10.1136/bmj.m325 |issn=1756-1833|pmid=31992570|s2cid=210949384 |access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200128133825/https://www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m325 |archive-date=28 January 2020|url-status=live|doi-access=free}}</ref> It is also noticed that patients might be able to transmit the virus even during the incubation period.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/health/coronavirus-symptoms-germany.html |title=Even Without Symptoms, Wuhan Coronavirus May Spread, Experts Fear|last=Rabin|first=Roni Caryn|date=4 February 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=5 February 2020 |issn=0362-4331|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205135054/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/health/coronavirus-symptoms-germany.html |archive-date=5 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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''[[Financial Times]]'' described the outbreak as China's [[Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl]] moment, increasing the pressure on its leader, Xi Jinping. A trade war with the US, the Hong Kong protests, and an African swine fever outbreak that led to a pork shortage already placed pressure on the current government.<ref name="Anderlini-2020">{{cite web|last=Anderlini|first=Jamil|date=10 February 2020|title=Xi Jinping faces China's Chernobyl moment|url=https://www.ft.com/content/6f7fdbae-4b3b-11ea-95a0-43d18ec715f5|access-date=12 February 2020|work=[[Financial Times]]|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211153031/https://www.ft.com/content/6f7fdbae-4b3b-11ea-95a0-43d18ec715f5|url-status=live}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Coughlin|first=Con|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/12/coronavirus-crisis-could-chinas-chernobyl/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/12/coronavirus-crisis-could-chinas-chernobyl/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The coronavirus crisis could be China's Chernobyl|date=12 February 2020|work=The Telegraph|access-date=12 February 2020|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |
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== Early response by Wuhan == |
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=== Discovery === |
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[[File:关于做好不明原因肺炎救治工作的紧急通知.pdf|alt=|thumb|One of the earliest Wuhan MHC notices about the pneumonia epidemic. It was first posted on Weibo on 30 December 2019 and was confirmed by Wuhan CDC the next day (31 December).]] |
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The first confirmed patient started experiencing symptoms on 1 December 2019,<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Huang|first=Chaolin|last2=Wang|first2=Yeming|last3=Li|first3=Xingwang|last4=Ren|first4=Lili|last5=Zhao|first5=Jianping|last6=Hu|first6=Yi|last7=Zhang|first7=Li|last8=Fan|first8=Guohui|last9=Xu|first9=Jiuyang|last10=Gu|first10=Xiaoying|last11=Cheng|first11=Zhenshun|date=15 February 2020|title=Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China|url=https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30183-5/abstract|journal=The Lancet|volume=395|issue=10223|pages=497–506|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30183-5|issn=0140-6736|pmid=31986264}}</ref> though the ''[[South China Morning Post]]'' later reported that the first case may have been a 55-year-old patient from Hubei province as early as 17 November.<ref>{{cite news |title=China's first confirmed Covid-19 case traced back to November 17 |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3074991/coronavirus-chinas-first-confirmed-covid-19-case-traced-back |accessdate=23 March 2020 |work=South China Morning Post |date=13 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="NW-20200314">{{cite news |last=Walker |first=James |url=https://www.newsweek.com/china-traces-coronavirus-back-first-confirmed-patient-zero-1492327 |title=China Traces Coronavirus to First Confirmed Case, Nearly Identifying 'Patient Zero' |date=14 March 2020 |work=[[Newsweek]]|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Helen |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/13/first-covid-19-case-happened-in-november-china-government-records-show-report |title=First Covid-19 case happened in November, China government records show—report |date=13 March 2020 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=15 March 2020 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> More recently, on 27 March 2020, news outlets citing a government document reported that a 57-year-old woman, who started having symptoms on 10 December 2019 and subsequently tested positive for the [[coronavirus disease]], was described in ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' on 6 March 2020, may have been [[Index case|patient zero]] in the coronavirus pandemic.<ref name="NYDN-20200327">{{cite news |last=Oliveira |first=Nelson |title=Shrimp vendor identified as possible coronavirus ‘patient zero,’ leaked document says |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-coronavirus-wuhan-shrimp-vendor-may-be-patient-zero-20200327-nnqrpn3hwfb43cxyzsnftdul7a-story.html |date=27 March 2020 |work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|location=New York |accessdate=27 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="WSJ-20200306">{{cite news |last1=Page |first1=Jeremy |last2=Fan |first2=Wenxin |last3=Khan |first3=Natasha |title=How It All Started: China’s Early Coronavirus Missteps |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-it-all-started-chinas-early-coronavirus-missteps-11583508932 |date=6 March 2020 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |accessdate=27 March 2020}}</ref> Although the first confirmed patient did not have any exposure to [[Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market|Huanan Seafood Market]], an outbreak of the virus began among the people who had been exposed to the market nine days later.<ref name=":37">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-51382117|script-title=zh:时间线:武汉疫情如何一步步扩散至全球|date=5 February 2020|work=BBC News 中文|access-date=5 February 2020|language=zh-Hans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205112519/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-51382117|archive-date=5 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":38">{{Cite journal|last=Huang|first=Chaolin|last2=Wang|first2=Yeming|last3=Li|first3=Xingwang|last4=Ren|first4=Lili|last5=Zhao|first5=Jianping|last6=Hu|first6=Yi|last7=Zhang|first7=Li|last8=Fan|first8=Guohui|last9=Xu|first9=Jiuyang|last10=Gu|first10=Xiaoying|last11=Cheng|first11=Zhenshun|date=24 January 2020|title=Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China|url=https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30183-5/abstract|journal=The Lancet|volume=0|doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30183-5|issn=0140-6736|pmid=31986264}}</ref> It is possible the infection may have passed from bat to human; if so, it may be related to bat [[guano]] used in [[traditional Chinese medicine]].<ref>{{Citation| last =Wassenaar| first =Trudy| last2 =Zhou| first2 =Y.| title =2019_nCoV/SARS‐CoV‐2: rapid classification of betacoronaviruses and identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine as potential origin of zoonotic coronaviruses| journal =Letters in Applied Microbiology| volume =70| issue =5| pages =342–348| date =May 2020| doi =10.1111/lam.13285| pmid =32060933| pmc =7165814}}</ref> On 26 December, Shanghai PHC received a sample of a patient with unknown pneumonia from Wuhan CDC and Wuhan Central Hospital and started an investigation to the sample which was later confirmed to contain a new coronavirus.<ref name=":37" /> |
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At the end of December 2019, [[Henan]] announced the suspension of passenger trains to and from Wuhan. In early January 2020, the local government of Henan Province with its complete disinfection measures, effective and intensive publicity, a strong awareness of epidemic prevention and quarantine among the people, the setting up of return spots at the village entrance and even the use of garbage trucks, the digging of trenches to block roads connecting Hubei and the hanging of slogans such as "returning home with sickness is to dishonor your parents." {{lang|zh-Hans|#抄河南的作业}} ({{Zh|c=|s=|t=|p=|l=copy Henan's homework}}) became a trending hashtag on Weibo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/25/c_1125501347.htm|script-title=zh:既过年关,也过难关|author=田宇|date=25 January 2020|work=人民网|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125183422/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/25/c_1125501347.htm|archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2020-01-25/1402907.html|script-title=zh:防控肺炎病毒,"硬核"河南究竟有多硬核?|author=何小桃|date=25 January 2020|script-work=zh:每日经济新闻|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126185019/http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2020-01-25/1402907.html|archive-date=26 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sohu.com/a/368787344_617717|script-title=zh:快评丨"快来抄作业",面对疫情防控,河南做对了什么?|author=张丰|date=24 January 2020|script-work=zh:红星新闻|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125145237/http://www.sohu.com/a/368787344_617717|archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The outbreak went unnoticed until a cluster of unknown pneumonia cases was observed by Zhang Jixian,<ref name=":39" /> director of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Hubei Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,<ref name="Sina Corp">{{cite web|url=https://k.sina.cn/article_6456450127_180d59c4f02000uy9s.html?from=news&subch=onews|title=Hubei rewards Zhang Dingyu and Zhang Jixian for their great merit|date=7 February 2020|publisher=Sina Corp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227063952/https://k.sina.cn/article_6456450127_180d59c4f02000uy9s.html%3Ffrom%3Dnews%26subch%3Donews|archive-date=27 February 2020|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> whose experience fighting [[2002–2004 SARS outbreak|SARS in 2003]] kept her alerted about a public health emergency. On 26 December 2019, a couple of seniors who lived near Zhang's hospital came to her for their fever and cough. The CT scan results of the couple's thorax showed unusual changes in the lungs which were different from those in any known [[viral pneumonia]]. Zhang saw the couple's son and found similar conditions. On the same day, a patient from Huanan Seafood Market that Dr. Zhang saw also had the unusual conditions.<ref name=":46">{{cite web|url=https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1178756.shtml|title=Ringing the alarm|date=7 February 2020|website=Global Times|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> |
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However, cutting the roads off without authorization is illegal in mainland China as Xinhua and the Public Security Ministry pointed out.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/29/c_1125509195.htm|script-title=zh:擅自封路是"硬核抗疫"?违法乱为不可纵!|date=29 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204100038/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/29/c_1125509195.htm|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/30/c_1125513503.htm|script-title=zh:拦截、断路、阻断交通?部委回应:行为违法,将依法妥处|date=30 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131202547/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/30/c_1125513503.htm|archive-date=31 January 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> The Ministry of Transport asked the local governments to take the principle of "block one, not three" ({{Zh|c=一断三不断|s=|t=|p=}}), that is, to block the virus from spreading, but not to block roads, traffic and Internet access, the transportation of emergency supplies and the transportation of essential goods.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/26/c_1125503648.htm|script-title=zh:交通运输部:按照"一断三不断"原则推动工作|date=26 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127152131/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/26/c_1125503648.htm|archive-date=27 January 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> [[File:雁塔_曲江收费站的防疫检查_01.jpg|thumb|Staff examining cars for epidemic control at [[Qujiang New District|Qujiang]] entry to [[Xi'an]] Bypass]] |
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On 27 December, the doctor reported her discovery to her hospital and the hospital soon informed [[Jianghan District|Jianghan]] CDC, thinking that this might be an infectious disease as it was indicated by the familial cluster. As a precaution, she told her colleagues to wear protective gear and prepare a specialized area in the hospital to receive patients with similar conditions.<ref name=":46" /> |
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[[File:Check for 2019-nCoV in Jishuitan metro station (Beijing).jpg|thumb|Body temperature screening at [[Jishuitan station|Jishuitan subway station]], Beijing]] |
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== First outbreak == |
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On 28 and 29 December, three more patients who had visited the Huanan Seafood Market visited the clinic of the hospital. The hospital notified the provincial and municipal health commissions. The health commissions appointed Wuhan and Jianghan CDC and Jinyintan Hospital to undertake epidemiological research for the seven patients on 29 December. Six of them were transferred to Jinyintan, a specialized facility for infectious diseases. Only one patient refused the transfer.<ref name=":39">{{cite news|url=https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-02-02/doc-iimxyqvy9611122.shtml|script-title=zh:最早上报疫情的她,怎样发现这种不一样的肺炎|date=2 February 2020|work=武汉晚报|access-date=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202190807/https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-02-02/doc-iimxyqvy9611122.shtml|archive-date=2 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=":46" /> Zhang's discovery was widely praised;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/doctor-who-treated-first-7-coronavirus-patients-in-wuhan-now-a-hero-in-china/story-hUvQxiFVaDa8lfQMn9YSdK.html|title=Doctor who treated first 7 Coronavirus patients in Wuhan now a hero in China|date=2 February 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> the Hubei government honored her and Zhang Dingyu, the president of Jinyintan, for their contribution to controlling the viral outbreak.<ref name="Sina Corp"/> |
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{{Main|2019-2020 COVID-19 outbreak in mainland China}} |
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{{Further|COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei}} |
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{{see also|Investigations into the origin of COVID-19}} |
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Based on retrospective analysis published in ''[[The Lancet]]'' in late January, the first confirmed patient started experiencing symptoms on 1 December 2019,<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Huang |first1=Chaolin |last2=Wang |first2=Yeming |last3=Li |first3=Xingwang |last4=Ren |first4=Lili |last5=Zhao |first5=Jianping |last6=Hu |first6=Yi |last7=Zhang |first7=Li |last8=Fan |first8=Guohui |last9=Xu |first9=Jiuyang |last10=Gu |first10=Xiaoying |last11=Cheng |first11=Zhenshun |date=15 February 2020 |title=Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China |url= |journal=The Lancet |volume=395 |issue=10223 |pages=497–506 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30183-5 |issn=0140-6736 |pmc=7159299 |pmid=31986264}}</ref> though the ''[[South China Morning Post]]'' later reported that a retrospective analysis showed the first case may have been a 55-year-old patient from Hubei province as early as 17 November.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 March 2020 |title=China's first confirmed Covid-19 case traced back to November 17 |work=South China Morning Post |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3074991/coronavirus-chinas-first-confirmed-covid-19-case-traced-back |access-date=23 March 2020 |archive-date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313004217/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3074991/coronavirus-chinas-first-confirmed-covid-19-case-traced-back |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Helen |date=13 March 2020 |title=First Covid-19 case happened in November, China government records show—report |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/13/first-covid-19-case-happened-in-november-china-government-records-show-report |access-date=15 March 2020 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320235432/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/13/first-covid-19-case-happened-in-november-china-government-records-show-report |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Disclosure === |
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The outbreak went unnoticed until 26 December 2019, when [[Zhang Jixian]], director of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Hubei Xinhua Hospital, noticed a cluster of patients with pneumonia of unknown origin, several of whom had connections to the [[Huanan Seafood Market]] in Wuhan.<ref name="Caixin-29Feb20202">{{cite news |last1=Yu |first1=Gao |last2=Yanfeng |first2=Peng |last3=Rui |first3=Yang |last4=Yuding |first4=Feng |last5=Danmeng |first5=Ma |last6=Murphy |first6=Flynn |last7=Wei |first7=Han |last8=Shen |first8=Timmy |date=29 February 2020 |title=In Depth: How Early Signs of a SARS-Like Virus Were Spotted, Spread, and Throttled |publisher=Caixin Global |url=https://www.caixinglobal.com/2020-02-29/in-depth-how-early-signs-of-a-sars-like-virus-were-spotted-spread-and-throttled-101521745.html |access-date=29 December 2020 |archive-date=18 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218150248/https://www.caixinglobal.com/2020-02-29/in-depth-how-early-signs-of-a-sars-like-virus-were-spotted-spread-and-throttled-101521745.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She subsequently alerted the hospital, as well as municipal and provincial health authorities, which issued an alert on 30 December.<ref name="Caixin-29Feb20202" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=www.bjnews.com.cn |title=武汉疾控证实:当地现不明原因肺炎病人,发病数在统计 |url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2019/12/31/668430.html |access-date=29 September 2020 |website=www.bjnews.com.cn |archive-date=31 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231045932/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2019/12/31/668430.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Results from patient samples obtained on 29–30 December indicated the presence of a novel coronavirus, related to [[SARS]].<ref name="Caixin-29Feb20202" /> |
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On 1 January 2020, the seafood market was closed down by [[Jianghan District]]'s Health Agency and Administration for Market Regulation due to an "environment improvement." According to ''[[China Business]],'' the workers in [[hazmat suit]]s were inspecting all around the market and collecting samples. The storekeepers at the market said that they were not told what the people were collecting and detecting. The urban management officers and police officers were on the spot to ask the storekeepers to finish up and leave the market.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.sina.com.cn/china/gncj/2020-01-01/doc-iihnzhfz9652655.shtml|script-title=zh:武汉华南海鲜市场休市整治:多数商户已关门停业(图)|date=January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102112601/https://finance.sina.com.cn/china/gncj/2020-01-01/doc-iihnzhfz9652655.shtml|archive-date=2 January 2020|accessdate=|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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Several doctors were warned by Wuhan's police for "spreading misinformation" and eight "rumormongers" who were all doctors at Wuhan hospitals according to [[Wang Gaofei]], [[Weibo (company)|Weibo]]'s CEO<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/rumor-01302020141720.html|script-title=zh:内地高院为武汉肺炎「造谣者」平反 消息指8人均为前线医生|website=Radio Free Asia|language=zh-yue|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201180538/https://www.rfa.org/cantonese/news/rumor-01302020141720.html|archive-date=1 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> were summoned by the police on 3 January.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/01/c_1125412773.htm|script-title=zh:8人因网上散布"武汉病毒性肺炎"不实信息被依法处理|agency=Xinhua News Agency|language=zh-cn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102112602/http://health.people.com.cn/n1/2020/0102/c14739-31531892.html|archive-date=2 January 2020|accessdate=2 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://tv.cctv.com/2020/01/02/VIDErnm2wPQlxvVrWCJtEZ6O200102.shtml|script-title=zh:[东方时空]湖北武汉发现不明原因肺炎 8名散播谣言者被查处_CCTV节目官网-CCTV-13_央视网(cctv.com)|work=tv.cctv.com|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129070240/http://tv.cctv.com/2020/01/02/VIDErnm2wPQlxvVrWCJtEZ6O200102.shtml|archive-date=29 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Li Wenliang]], one of the whistleblowers died from the virus on 7 February<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/06/asia/li-wenliang-coronavirus-whistleblower-doctor-dies-intl/index.html|title=Wuhan hospital announces death of whistleblower doctor Li Wenliang|first1=Yong |last1=Xiong |author2=Hande Atay Alam |first3=Nectar|last3=Gan|publisher=CNN|access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref> which was the same day when the discoverers of the outbreak, Zhang Jixian and Zhang Dingyu, were honored by Hubei's government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theinitium.com/article/20200207-in-memory-of-li-wen-liang/|script-title=zh:別讓普通人李文亮,僅僅成為體制崩壞的註腳|date=7 February 2020|website=The Initium|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> The death of Dr. Li led to widespread grief and criticism toward the government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/07/coronavirus-latest-updates-china-death-toll-rises.html|script-title=zh:Trump heaps praise on Xi, Singapore raises coronavirus alert to SARS level|last=Cheng|first=Sam Meredith, Joanna Tan, Evelyn|date=7 February 2020|publisher=CNBC|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> |
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== Measures and impact in Hubei == |
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{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei}} |
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[[File:2020-1-23 湖北黄冈黄州区的一个公交车上.jpg|thumb|right|Most people on a bus wearing a mask, Hubei province, 23 January 2020.]] |
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[[File:Covid 19 new cases and deaths China showing Hubei lockdown.png|location=center|500px|Semi-log graph of new cases and deaths in China during COVID-19 epidemic showing the lockdown and lifting]] |
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[[File:2020-1-23_湖北黄冈黄州区的一个公交车上.jpg|right|thumb|Most people on a bus wearing a mask, Hubei province, 23 January 2020.]] |
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[[File:Covid_19_new_cases_and_deaths_China_showing_Hubei_lockdown.png|center|500x500px|Semi-log graph of new cases and deaths in China during COVID-19 epidemic showing the lockdown and lifting]] |
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Semi-log graph of 3-day rolling average of new cases and deaths in China during COVID-19 epidemic showing the lockdown on 23 January and partial lifting on 19 March. |
Semi-log graph of 3-day rolling average of new cases and deaths in China during COVID-19 epidemic showing the lockdown on 23 January and partial lifting on 19 March. |
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Within three weeks of the first known cases, the government built sixteen large mobile hospitals in Wuhan and sent 40,000 medical staff to the city.<ref name=":02422">{{Cite book |last=Jin |first=Keyu |title=The New China Playbook: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism |date=2023 |publisher=Viking |isbn=978-1-9848-7828-1 |location=New York |author-link=Keyu Jin}}</ref>{{Rp|page=137}} |
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== Impact beyond Hubei == |
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[[File:COVID-19-China-log.svg|thumb|right|upright=2|Number of cases (blue) and number of deaths (red) on a [[logarithmic scale]].]] |
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{{See also|Template:2019–20 coronavirus pandemic data/China medical cases by province|label 1=Current toll of confirmed cases, deaths and recovery by province}} |
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[[Communist Party of China|Chinese Communist Party]] [[General Secretary of the Communist Party of China|general secretary]] [[Xi Jinping]] warned that China was facing a 'grave situation'.<ref name="Politburo meeting"/><ref name="GraveSituation"/> He held a [[Politburo of the Communist Party of China|Party Politburo]] meeting which promised resources and experts for treatment and supplies to Hubei<ref name=":8">{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/cloneofchina-battles-coronavirus-outbreak-latest-200124234326882.html|title=China battles coronavirus outbreak: All the latest updates|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129105433/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/01/cloneofchina-battles-coronavirus-outbreak-latest-200124234326882.html|archive-date=29 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> as more and more cases of the viral infection, mostly exported from Wuhan were confirmed in other cities in Hubei<ref name=":22" /> and multiple parts in mainland China.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news|url=https://www.yicai.com/news/100480475.html|script-title=zh:多个省市启动一级响应抗击疫情,为何湖北省却不是最快的?|date=24 January 2020|script-work=zh:[[:zh:第一财经|第一财经]] |trans-work=China Business Network |access-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154107/https://www.yicai.com/news/100480475.html|archive-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> On 29 January, [[Tibet Autonomous Region|Tibet]] announced its first confirmed case, a male who traveled from Wuhan to [[Lhasa (prefecture-level city)|Lhasa]] by rail on 22–24 January<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20200129-%E8%87%AA%E4%BF%9D%E5%A4%B1%E8%B4%A5-%E8%A5%BF%E8%97%8F%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E6%B2%A6%E9%99%B7|script-title=zh:自保失败 西藏武汉肺炎疑沦陷|date=29 January 2020 |work=[[Radio France Internationale|RFI]] Chinese|language=zh-Hans|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202171747/http://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20200129-%E8%87%AA%E4%BF%9D%E5%A4%B1%E8%B4%A5-%E8%A5%BF%E8%97%8F%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E6%B2%A6%E9%99%B7|archive-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> which marked that the virus spread to all parts of mainland China.<ref name=":22" /><ref name="AllRegions" /><ref name="Declared" /> |
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=== Spread beyond Wuhan === |
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The 25 January [[Chinese New Year]] celebrations were canceled in many cities. The passengers were checked for their temperatures to see whether they had a fever.<ref name=":10" /> Henan, Wuxi, Hefei, Shanghai, Inner Mongolia suspended trade of living poultry on 21 January.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-01-23/doc-iihnzahk5906524.shtml|script-title=zh:多地启动联防联控措施 严禁销售活禽、野生动物|date=23 January 2020|work=[[Caijing]] |accessdate=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123081840/https://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-01-23/doc-iihnzahk5906524.shtml|archive-date=23 January 2020|language=zh}}</ref> |
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[[File:COVID-19-China-log.svg|right|thumb|Number of cases (blue) and number of deaths (red) on a [[logarithmic scale]]. Numbers including Hong Kong and Macau.]] |
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{{See also|Template:2019–20 coronavirus pandemic data/China medical cases by province|label 1=Current toll of confirmed cases, deaths and recovery by province}}On 22 January, Hubei launched a Class 2 Response to Public Health Emergency.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 January 2020 |script-title=zh:湖北省人民政府关于加强新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎防控工作的通告 |url=http://www.hubei.gov.cn/xxgk/gsgg/202001/t20200122_2013895.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200205092902/http://www.hubei.gov.cn/xxgk/gsgg/202001/t20200122_2013895.shtml |archive-date=5 February 2020 |access-date=22 January 2020 |publisher=Hubei Province People's Government}}</ref> Ahead of the Hubei authorities, a Class 1 Response to Public Health Emergency, the highest response level was announced by the mainland province of [[Zhejiang]] on 23.<ref name="zhe1232">{{cite news |date=23 January 2020 |script-title=zh:浙江新增新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎确诊病例17例 |publisher=Provincial Health Commission of Zhejiang via The Beijing Times |editor=杨利 |url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678373.html |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-date=24 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124013857/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678373.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="zj-yiji2">{{cite news |author=俞菀 |date=23 January 2020 |script-title=zh:浙江:新增新型冠状病毒感染肺炎确诊病例17例 启动重大公共突发卫生事件一级响应 |language=zh-cn |agency=Xinhua News Agency |editor=周楚卿 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/23/c_1125497886.htm |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127085748/http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/23/c_1125497886.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Stringent measures such as [[COVID-19 lockdown in China|lockdown of Wuhan and the wider Hubei province]] and face mask mandates were introduced around 23 January,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cadell |first1=Cate |last2=Chen |first2=Yawen |date=8 April 2020 |title='Painful lesson': how a military-style lockdown unfolded in Wuhan |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-wuhan-scientists-insi-idINKBN21Q0KF |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-date=11 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111155710/https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-wuhan-scientists-insi-idINKBN21Q0KF |url-status=live }}</ref> which significantly lowered and delayed the epidemic peak according to epidemiology modelling.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Prem |first1=Kiesha |last2=Liu |first2=Yang |last3=Russell |first3=Timothy W. |last4=Kucharski |first4=Adam J. |last5=Eggo |first5=Rosalind M. |last6=Davies |first6=Nicholas |last7=Flasche |first7=Stefan |last8=Clifford |first8=Samuel |last9=Pearson |first9=Carl A. B. |last10=Munday |first10=James D. |last11=Abbott |first11=Sam |date=1 May 2020 |title=The effect of control strategies to reduce social mixing on outcomes of the COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan, China: a modelling study |url= |journal=The Lancet Public Health |volume=5 |issue=5 |pages=e261–e270 |doi=10.1016/S2468-2667(20)30073-6 |issn=2468-2667 |pmc=7158905 |pmid=32220655 |doi-access=free}}</ref> [[Guangdong]] and [[Hunan]] followed suit later on the day. On the following day, Hubei<ref name="CBN-2020">{{Cite news |date=24 January 2020 |script-title=zh:多个省市启动一级响应抗击疫情,为何湖北省却不是最快的? |url=https://www.yicai.com/news/100480475.html |url-status=live |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154107/https://www.yicai.com/news/100480475.html |archive-date=2 February 2020 |script-work=zh:[[:zh:第一财经|第一财经]] |trans-work=China Business Network}}</ref> and other 13 mainland provinces<ref>{{cite web |date=24 January 2020 |script-title=zh:北京市启动重大突发公共卫生事件一级响应 |url=http://news.ifeng.com/c/7tUoW6aZsa8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124091242/https://news.ifeng.com/c/7tUoW6aZsa8 |archive-date=24 January 2020 |access-date=24 January 2020 |work=[[Beijing Youth Daily]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=24 January 2020 |script-title=zh:上海、天津、重庆、安徽启动重大突发公共卫生事件一级响应机制 |agency=Xinhua News Agency |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/24/c_1125500208.htm |url-status=live |access-date=24 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080851/http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/24/c_1125500208.htm |archive-date=27 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=储白珊 |date=24 January 2020 |script-title=zh:福建启动重大突发公共卫生事件一级响应机制 |url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/24/WS5e2b0290e4b0e6e58393c30d.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080909/http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/24/WS5e2b0290e4b0e6e58393c30d.html |archive-date=27 January 2020 |access-date=24 January 2020 |script-work=zh:福建日报}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=苏子牧 |date=24 January 2020 |script-title=zh:【武汉肺炎疫情】中国14省市启动一级响应 |url=https://www.dwnews.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/60166093/%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E7%96%AB%E6%83%85%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD14%E7%9C%81%E5%B8%82%E5%90%AF%E5%8A%A8%E4%B8%80%E7%BA%A7%E5%93%8D%E5%BA%94 |access-date=24 January 2020 |work=多维新闻 |archive-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080902/https://www.dwnews.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/60166093/%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E7%96%AB%E6%83%85%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD14%E7%9C%81%E5%B8%82%E5%90%AF%E5%8A%A8%E4%B8%80%E7%BA%A7%E5%93%8D%E5%BA%94 |url-status=live }}</ref> also launched a Class 1 Response. By 29, all parts of mainland initiated a Class 1 Response after Tibet upgraded its response level on that day.<ref name="Caixin-2020">{{cite web |date=29 January 2020 |script-title=zh:中国内地31省份全部启动突发公共卫生事件一级响应 |url=http://china.caixin.com/2020-01-29/101509411.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154111/http://china.caixin.com/2020-01-29/101509411.html |archive-date=2 February 2020 |access-date=2 February 2020 |website=Caixin}}</ref> |
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Yet, by 29 January, the virus was found to have spread to all [[Provinces of China|provinces of mainland China]].<ref name="HKC-2020" /><ref name="AllRegions22" /><ref name="Declared23" /> Hubei party secretary Jiao Chaoliang was removed from office for failure to contain the outbreak.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book |last1=Marquis |first1=Christopher |url= |title=Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise |last2=Qiao |first2=Kunyuan |date=2022 |publisher=[[Yale University Press]] |isbn=978-0-300-26883-6 |location=New Haven |doi=10.2307/j.ctv3006z6k |jstor=j.ctv3006z6k |oclc=1348572572 |author-link=Christopher Marquis |s2cid=253067190}}</ref>{{Rp|pages=194–195}} On 31 January, the [[World Health Organization]] declared the outbreak a [[Public Health Emergency of International Concern]].<ref name="Declared23"/> A severe shortage of [[Face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic|face masks]] and other protective gear<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Safi |first1=Michael |last2=Rourke |first2=Alison |last3=Greenfield |first3=Patrick |last4=Giuffrida |first4=Angela |last5=Kollewe |first5=Julia |last6=Oltermann |first6=Philip |date=3 February 2020 |title=China issues 'urgent' appeal for protective medical equipment – as it happened |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/feb/03/coronavirus-live-updates-china-wuhan-outbreak-evacuations-flights-latest-news-death-toll-climbs-passing-sars |url-status=live |access-date=4 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204074810/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/feb/03/coronavirus-live-updates-china-wuhan-outbreak-evacuations-flights-latest-news-death-toll-climbs-passing-sars |archive-date=4 February 2020 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> led several countries to send international aid, including medical supplies, to China.<ref name="africanews.com2">{{cite web |date=5 February 2020 |title=Equatorial Guinea donates $2m to China to help combat coronavirus |url=https://www.africanews.com/2020/02/05/equatorial-guinea-donates-2m-to-china-to-help-combat-coronavirus/ |website=Africanews |access-date=10 April 2020 |archive-date=13 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413084438/https://www.africanews.com/2020/02/05/equatorial-guinea-donates-2m-to-china-to-help-combat-coronavirus/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Xinhuanet.com2">{{cite news |date=13 February 2020 |title=Feature: Japan offers warm support to China in battle against virus outbreak – Xinhua |publisher=Xinhuanet.com |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/13/c_138779612.htm |access-date=11 April 2020 |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818192300/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/13/c_138779612.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Bloomberg2">{{cite news |date=21 February 2020 |title=China's Xi Writes Thank-You Letter to Bill Gates for Virus Help |publisher=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-22/china-s-xi-writes-thank-you-letter-to-bill-gates-for-virus-help |access-date=11 April 2020 |archive-date=12 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412183804/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-22/china-s-xi-writes-thank-you-letter-to-bill-gates-for-virus-help |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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''[[Financial Times]]'' described the outbreak as China's [[Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl]] moment, increasing the pressure on its leader, [[Xi Jinping]]. A trade war with the US, Hong Kong protests, and an African swine fever outbreak that led to a pork shortage already placed pressure on the current government.<ref name=":47" /><ref>{{Cite news|last=Coughlin|first=Con|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/02/12/coronavirus-crisis-could-chinas-chernobyl/|title=The coronavirus crisis could be China's Chernobyl|date=12 February 2020|work=The Telegraph|access-date=12 February 2020|issn=0307-1235}}</ref> |
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On 25 March, authorities began to lift travel restrictions in Hubei outside of Wuhan and people need to confirm their "Green Code" health classification to travel.<ref>{{cite news |title=China to lift travel restrictions in Hubei after months of coronavirus lockdown |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/24/china-to-lift-travel-restrictions-in-hubei-after-months-of-coronavirus-lockdown |work=The Guardian |date=2020-03-24 |access-date=7 February 2023 |archive-date=20 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620173109/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/24/china-to-lift-travel-restrictions-in-hubei-after-months-of-coronavirus-lockdown |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Early responses by Henan === |
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At the end of December 2019, [[Henan]] announced the suspension of passenger trains to and from Wuhan. In early January 2020, the local government of Henan Province with its complete disinfection measures, effective and intensive publicity, a strong awareness of epidemic prevention and quarantine among the people, the setting up of return spots at the village entrance and even the use of garbage trucks, the digging of trenches to block roads connecting Hubei and the hanging of slogans such as "return home with sickness is to dishonor your parents." {{lang|zh-Hans|#抄河南的作业}} ({{Zh|c=|s=|t=|p=|l=copy Henan's homework}}) became a trending Weibo topic hashtag.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/25/c_1125501347.htm|script-title=zh:既过年关,也过难关|author=田宇|date=25 January 2020|work=人民网|accessdate=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125183422/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/25/c_1125501347.htm|archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2020-01-25/1402907.html|script-title=zh:防控肺炎病毒,"硬核"河南究竟有多硬核?|author=何小桃|date=25 January 2020|script-work=zh:每日经济新闻|accessdate=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126185019/http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2020-01-25/1402907.html|archive-date=26 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sohu.com/a/368787344_617717|script-title=zh:快评丨"快来抄作业",面对疫情防控,河南做对了什么?|author=张丰|date=24 January 2020|script-work=zh:红星新闻|accessdate=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125145237/http://www.sohu.com/a/368787344_617717|archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 8 April, Wuhan lifts its lockdown, all transportation in the city were resumed. |
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However, cutting the roads off without authorization is illegal in mainland China as Xinhua and the Public Security Ministry pointed out.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/29/c_1125509195.htm|script-title=zh:擅自封路是"硬核抗疫"?违法乱为不可纵!|date=29 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204100038/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/29/c_1125509195.htm|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/30/c_1125513503.htm|script-title=zh:拦截、断路、阻断交通?部委回应:行为违法,将依法妥处|date=30 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131202547/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/30/c_1125513503.htm|archive-date=31 January 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> The Ministry of Transport asked the local governments to take the principle of "block one, not three ({{Zh|c=一断三不断|s=|t=|p=}})", that is, to block the virus from spreading, but not to block roads, traffic and Internet access, the transportation of emergency supplies and the transportation of essential goods.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/26/c_1125503648.htm|script-title=zh:交通运输部:按照"一断三不断"原则推动工作|date=26 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127152131/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/26/c_1125503648.htm|archive-date=27 January 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> [[File:雁塔_曲江收费站的防疫检查_01.jpg|thumb|Staff examining cars for epidemic control at [[Qujiang New District|Qujiang]] entry to [[Xi'an]] Bypass]] |
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[[File:Check for 2019-nCoV in Jishuitan metro station (Beijing).jpg|thumb|Body temperature screening at [[Jishuitan station|Jishuitan subway station]], Beijing]] |
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== April 2020–December 2021 == |
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=== Public Health Emergency declarations === |
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[[File:湖南抗疫一线医生父子隔防护玻璃互相打气.webm|thumb|Doctor father and son encouraging each other to fight the virus in [[Chenzhou]], Hunan]] |
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By 21 January, government officials warned against hiding the disease.<ref name=scmp2020-01-21>{{cite web |author1=William Zheng and Mimi Lau |title=China's credibility on the line as it tries to dispel cover-up fears |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3046984/china-warns-cadres-cover-spread-virus-and-be-nailed-pillar |website=[[South China Morning Post]] |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20200321015749/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3046984/china-warns-cadres-cover-spread-virus-and-be-nailed-pillar |archivedate=21 March 2020 |date=21 January 2020 |url-status=live |quote=Party’s law and order body warns officials that anyone who tries to hide the spread of the disease will be ‘nailed on the pillar of shame for eternity’}}</ref> |
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=== 2020 === |
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On 22 January, Hubei launched a Class 2 Response to Public Health Emergency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hubei.gov.cn/xxgk/gsgg/202001/t20200122_2013895.shtml |script-title=zh:湖北省人民政府关于加强新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎防控工作的通告 |date=21 January 2020|publisher=Hubei Province People's Government |url-status=dead|archive-url= https://archive.today/20200205092902/http://www.hubei.gov.cn/xxgk/gsgg/202001/t20200122_2013895.shtml |archive-date=5 February 2020|accessdate=22 January 2020}}</ref> Ahead of the Hubei authorities, a Class 1 Response to Public Health Emergency, the highest response level was announced by the mainland province of [[Zhejiang]] on 23.<ref name="zhe123">{{cite news|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678373.html |script-title=zh:浙江新增新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎确诊病例17例 |date=23 January 2020|accessdate=23 January 2020 |publisher=Provincial Health Commission of Zhejiang via The Beijing Times|editor=杨利}}</ref><ref name="zj-yiji">{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/23/c_1125497886.htm |script-title=zh:浙江:新增新型冠状病毒感染肺炎确诊病例17例 启动重大公共突发卫生事件一级响应 |author=俞菀|date=23 January 2020|editor=周楚卿 |agency=Xinhua News Agency|language=zh-cn|accessdate=23 January 2020}}</ref> [[Guangdong]] and [[Hunan]] followed suit later on the day. On the following day, Hubei<ref name=":12" /> and other 13 mainland provinces<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ifeng.com/c/7tUoW6aZsa8|script-title=zh:北京市启动重大突发公共卫生事件一级响应 |date=24 January 2020|work=[[Beijing Youth Daily]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124091242/https://news.ifeng.com/c/7tUoW6aZsa8 |archive-date=24 January 2020|accessdate=24 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/24/c_1125500208.htm |script-title=zh:上海、天津、重庆、安徽启动重大突发公共卫生事件一级响应机制 |date=24 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080851/http://www.xinhuanet.com/2020-01/24/c_1125500208.htm |archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=24 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/24/WS5e2b0290e4b0e6e58393c30d.html |script-title=zh:福建启动重大突发公共卫生事件一级响应机制|author=储白珊|date=24 January 2020 |script-work=zh:福建日报|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080909/http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/24/WS5e2b0290e4b0e6e58393c30d.html |archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=24 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dwnews.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/60166093/%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E7%96%AB%E6%83%85%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD14%E7%9C%81%E5%B8%82%E5%90%AF%E5%8A%A8%E4%B8%80%E7%BA%A7%E5%93%8D%E5%BA%94 |script-title=zh:【武汉肺炎疫情】中国14省市启动一级响应|author=苏子牧|date=24 January 2020|work=多维新闻 |accessdate=24 January 2020}}</ref> also launched a Class 1 Response. By 29, all parts of mainland initiated a Class 1 Response after Tibet upgraded its response level on that day.<ref name=":9" /> |
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On 2 April 2020, the government ordered a Hubei-like lockdown in [[Jia County, Henan]], after a woman tested positive for the COVID-19. It is suspected that she may have been infected when she visited a hospital where three doctors tested positive for the virus, despite showing no symptoms.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-02/chinese-county-back-under-lockdown-after-infection-re-emerges |title=Chinese County Back Under Lockdown After Coronavirus Cases Re-Emerge |newspaper=Bloomberg.com |date=2 April 2020 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |access-date=3 April 2020 |archive-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403152816/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-02/chinese-county-back-under-lockdown-after-infection-re-emerges |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 9 April, a COVID-19 cluster was detected in Heilongjiang Province, which started with an asymptomatic patient [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United States|returning from the United States]] and quarantining at home. The US [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|CDC]] reported that the infections were initially spread through a shared elevator used at different times, and led to at least 71 cases by 22 April.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Liu |first1=Jingtao |last2=Huang |first2=Jiaquan |last3=Xiang |first3=Dandan |title=Large SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak Caused by Asymptomatic Traveler, China |url=https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/9/20-1798_article?deliveryName=USCDC_333-DM32083 |url-status=live |journal=Emerging Infectious Diseases |year=2020 |volume=26 |issue=9 |pages= 2260–2263|doi=10.3201/eid2609.201798 |pmid=32603652 |pmc=7454089 |s2cid=220282338 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819124519/https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/9/20-1798_article?deliveryName=USCDC_333-DM32083 |archive-date=19 August 2020 |access-date=11 September 2020}}</ref> |
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The highest response level authorizes a provincial government to requisition resources under the administration to control the epidemic. The government was allowed to organize and coordinate treatment for the patients, make investigations into the epidemic area, declare certain areas in the province as an epidemic control area, issue compulsory orders, manage human movement, publish information and reports, sustain social stability and to do other work related to epidemic control.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jlntv.cn/folder2228/folder2229/folder2441/2020-01-26/1111429.html |script-title=zh:防控小知识|突发公共卫生事件Ⅰ级应急响应意味着什么?|date=26 January 2020|website=吉林电视台|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200204091353/http://www.jlntv.cn/folder2228/folder2229/folder2441/2020-01-26/1111429.html |archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> |
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In early May, restrictions were tightened in [[Harbin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbin city shuts eateries, coronavirus curbs ease elsewhere in China |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-idUSKBN22E07B |access-date=3 May 2020 |work=Reuters |date=2 May 2020 |archive-date=2 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502174014/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-idUSKBN22E07B |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 11 June, officials confirmed another outbreak of the infection in [[Fengtai District|Fengtai]], a south-western district in Beijing.<ref>{{Cite news|title=An outbreak in Beijing of covid-19 is causing alarm|work=The Economist|url=https://www.economist.com/china/2020/06/20/an-outbreak-in-beijing-of-covid-19-is-causing-alarm|access-date=2020-06-25|issn=0013-0613}}</ref> |
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In June, an outbreak with 45 people testing positive at [[Xinfadi Market]] in [[Beijing]] caused some alarm.<ref>{{cite news |title=Beijing district in 'wartime emergency' after virus cluster at major food market |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-beijing-idUSKBN23K03V |access-date=18 June 2020 |work=Reuters |date=13 June 2020 |archive-date=17 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617025540/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-beijing-idUSKBN23K03V |url-status=live }}</ref> Authorities closed the market and nearby schools; eleven neighborhoods in the [[Fengtai District]] started requiring temperature checks and were closed to visitors.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/06/13/876544822/beijing-in-wartime-emergency-mode-amid-fresh-cluster-of-coronavirus-cases|title=Beijing In 'Wartime Emergency Mode' Amid Fresh Cluster Of Coronavirus Cases|newspaper=NPR|date=13 June 2020|last1=Dwyer|first1=Colin|last2=Cheng|first2=Amy|access-date=14 July 2020|archive-date=14 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714001446/https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/06/13/876544822/beijing-in-wartime-emergency-mode-amid-fresh-cluster-of-coronavirus-cases|url-status=live}}</ref> By this time, public health technology included special [[leaf blower]] backpacks designed to vent hot air onto outdoor surfaces.<ref name="dt19j">{{cite news |title=China releases genome of virus that caused Beijing outbreak, saying it could be linked to Europe |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/06/19/china-releases-genome-virus-caused-beijing-outbreak-saying-could/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/06/19/china-releases-genome-virus-caused-beijing-outbreak-saying-could/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |agency=Reuters |publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited |date=19 June 2020 |location=see photo by Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Reuters}}{{cbignore}}</ref> By the evening of 23 June, Chinese Vice Premier [[Sun Chunlan]] declared that the situation had been brought under control.<ref>{{cite news |title=Vice premier stresses more targeted COVID-19 control in Beijing - Xinhua |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/23/c_139161909.htm |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=www.xinhuanet.com |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126004826/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-06/23/c_139161909.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> China's traffic authorities vowed to strictly guard traffic out of Beijing: those with abnormal [[Health Code|health QR codes]] or without recently-taken negative PCR test proof would not be allowed to take public transportation or drive out of the capital.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Dan |title=Life After COVID-19: The View From Beijing |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/04/life-after-covid-the-view-from-beijing.html |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=Intelligencer |date=9 April 2020 |language=en-us |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126004852/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2020/04/life-after-covid-the-view-from-beijing.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gan |first1=Nectar |last2=Culver |first2=David |title=China is fighting the coronavirus with a digital QR code. Here's how it works |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/15/asia/china-coronavirus-qr-code-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=CNN |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126004826/https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/15/asia/china-coronavirus-qr-code-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=As Chinese authorities expand use of health tracking apps, privacy concerns grow |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-tech/as-chinese-authorities-expand-use-of-health-tracking-apps-privacy-concerns-grow-idUSKBN23212V |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=Reuters |date=26 May 2020 |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126004826/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-tech/as-chinese-authorities-expand-use-of-health-tracking-apps-privacy-concerns-grow-idUSKBN23212V |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Cancellations, delays and shutdowns === |
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On 26 July, China saw its highest number of daily cases since March, mostly from outbreaks in Xinjiang and [[Liaoning]].<ref name="NewScientist">{{cite web|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/2249982-coronavirus-second-wave-hits-asia-as-global-cases-continue-to-soar/|title=Coronavirus: Second wave hits Asia as global cases continue to soar|date=27 July 2020|website=NewScientist|author=Adam Vaughan|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731172837/https://www.newscientist.com/article/2249982-coronavirus-second-wave-hits-asia-as-global-cases-continue-to-soar/|url-status=live}}</ref> with 61 new cases, up from 46 cases a day earlier,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-07-26/china-reports-61-new-covid-19-cases-for-sunday-highest-daily-domestic-infections-since-march-6|title=China Reports 61 New COVID-19 Cases for Sunday, Highest Daily Domestic Infections Since March 6|website=US News|date=26 July 2020|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727051117/https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-07-26/china-reports-61-new-covid-19-cases-for-sunday-highest-daily-domestic-infections-since-march-6|url-status=live}} Reporting by Huizhong Wu, Judy Hua and Ryan Woo; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Kenneth Maxwell</ref> This increased to 127 daily COVID cases on 30 July.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china/china-reports-127-new-coronavirus-cases-highest-since-march-5-idUSKCN24W01L|title=China reports 127 new coronavirus cases, highest since March 5|website=Reuters|date=30 July 2020|access-date=31 July 2020|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731185427/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china/china-reports-127-new-coronavirus-cases-highest-since-march-5-idUSKCN24W01L|url-status=live}} Reporting by David Stanway and Wang Jing; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman</ref> The daily reported cases subsequently went down, to 16 on 23 August.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cases/china-reports-16-new-covid-19-cases-eighth-day-without-local-infections-idUSKBN25K011|title=China reports 16 new COVID-19 cases, eighth day without local infections|website=Reuters|author=Reporting by Jing Wang and David Stanway; writing by Se Young Lee; Editing by Himani Sarkar|date=23 August 2020|access-date=24 August 2020|archive-date=24 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824203432/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cases/china-reports-16-new-covid-19-cases-eighth-day-without-local-infections-idUSKBN25K011|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==== Holiday extension ==== |
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On 26 January, the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council]] extended the 2020 [[Chinese New Year|Spring Festival]] holiday to 2 February (Sunday, the ninth day of the first lunar month) with 3 February (Monday) marking the start of normal work. The educational institutions postponed the start of school.<ref name="春节延长">{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2020-01/27/content_5472352.htm|script-title=zh:国务院办公厅关于延长2020年春节假期的通知|date=26 January 2020|website=中国政府网|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126235820/http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2020-01/27/content_5472352.htm|archive-date=26 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020}}</ref> The different provinces made their own policies about holiday extension.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finance.jrj.com.cn/2020/02/03112828753038.shtml|script-title=zh:29省发布延迟开工通知 来看各地复工具体时间及安排|last=Ding|first=Ke|date=3 February 2020|website=券商中国|access-date=}}</ref> |
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In July, Xinjiang province and its capital [[Ürümqi]] were locked down in the wake of the discovery of new cases in the city.<ref>{{cite news |date=24 August 2020 |title=Xinjiang residents protest online against COVID-19 lockdown |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/covid-19-xinjiang-residents-protest-online-coronavirus-lockdown-13047664 |url-status=live |work=[[CNA (TV network)|Channel News Asia]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200908075307/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/covid-19-xinjiang-residents-protest-online-coronavirus-lockdown-13047664 |archive-date=8 September 2020 |access-date=11 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Javier C. Hernández |date=25 August 2020 |title=China Locks Down Xinjiang to Fight Covid-19, Angering Residents |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/25/world/asia/china-xinjiang-covid.html |url-status=live |work=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911022406/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/25/world/asia/china-xinjiang-covid.html |archive-date=11 September 2020 |access-date=11 September 2020}}</ref> |
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==== Sporting events ==== |
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For the [[Football at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Women's qualification|2020 Olympic women's football qualifier]], the third round of the Group B matches for the Asian division was planned to be held in Wuhan and later Nanjing,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kbsapp.sports.qq.com/article/20200122A0GO4F?sharer=7f9e32b1389e02303ccb0d8598c5a3d7&shareKey=7f9e32b1389e02303ccb0d8598c5a3d7|script-title=zh:腾讯体育_新型冠状病毒席卷武汉 女足奥预赛易地南京举行|date=n.d.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122154919/https://kbsapp.sports.qq.com/article/20200122A0GO4F?sharer=7f9e32b1389e02303ccb0d8598c5a3d7&shareKey=7f9e32b1389e02303ccb0d8598c5a3d7|archive-date=22 January 2020|accessdate=|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.foxsports.com.tw/other-sports/900256/東奧》女足資格賽-由武漢改至南京舉行/ 東奧》女足資格賽 由武漢改至南京舉行] ,Fox體育,2020-01-23</ref> but the match was finally held in Sydney, Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/womenfootballs/2020-01-27/doc-iihnzahk6521394.shtml|script-title=zh:女足将隔离备战奥预赛 王珊珊回归盼解锋无力难题|date=27 January 2020|work=[[Sina Corp|Sina Sports]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127055800/http://sports.sina.com.cn/china/womenfootballs/2020-01-27/doc-iihnzahk6521394.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[2020 Chinese FA Super Cup]], to be held in Suzhou on 5 February 2020 was postponed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chinanews.com/ty/2020/01-25/9069552.shtml|script-title=zh:中国足协延期举行超级杯 中超联赛或将同样延期|date=25 January 2020|script-work=zh:中新社|accessdate=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126134735/http://www.chinanews.com/ty/2020/01-25/9069552.shtml|archive-date=26 January 2020|language=zh}}</ref> The [[2020 AFC Champions League qualifying play-offs#East Region 3|2020 Asian Champions League play-off]] match between [[Shanghai SIPG F.C.|Shanghai SIPG]] and [[Buriram United F.C.|Buriram United]] were played behind closed doors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.sg/soccer/shanghai-sipg/story/4040114/chinese-champions-league-qualifier-to-be-played-behind-closed-doors-due-to-coronavirus|title=Coronavirus affects AFC Champions League|date=25 January 2020|publisher=ESPN|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130174735/https://www.espn.com.sg/soccer/shanghai-sipg/story/4040114/chinese-champions-league-qualifier-to-be-played-behind-closed-doors-due-to-coronavirus|archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Chinese Football Association]] announced that the 2020 season is postponed from 30 January.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.xinhuanet.com/c/2020-01/30/c_1125513028.htm|script-title=zh:中国足协延期开始2020赛季全国各级各类足球比赛|access-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130103753/http://sports.xinhuanet.com/c/2020-01/30/c_1125513028.htm|archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The Asian Football Confederation postponed all home matches for Chinese clubs in the [[2020 AFC Champions League group stage|Champions League group stage]]. The three of them had not played a single game yet as of 3 March 2020.<ref name="AFC 20200227">{{cite web|url=https://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-champions-league/latest/news/afc-calls-for-emergency-meetings-with-national-and-club-representatives|title=AFC calls for emergency meetings with National and Club representatives (Updated)|publisher=Asian Football Confederation|date=28 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 11 October, officials in [[Qingdao]] urged to carry out contact tracing and mass testing after 12 new cases were found connected to the Qingdao Chest Hospital. On 12 October, it was announced that Qingdao would test all 9 million of its residents.<ref>{{Cite news|title=China is testing an entire city of 9 million for COVID-19 after it found 12 cases connected to a hospital there|work=Business Insider|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/china-testing-qingdao-city-9-million-after-12-cases-hospital-2020-10|access-date=26 October 2020|archive-date=28 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028214549/https://www.businessinsider.com/china-testing-qingdao-city-9-million-after-12-cases-hospital-2020-10|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The [[Boxing at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Qualification|Olympic boxing qualifier]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.sina.com.cn/others/boxing/2020-01-22/doc-iihnzhha4173515.shtml|script-title=zh:受武汉疫情影响 东京奥运会拳击预选赛被终止|date=22 January 2020|work=[[Sina Corp|Sina Sports]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080902/https://sports.sina.com.cn/others/boxing/2020-01-22/doc-iihnzhha4173515.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=23 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/23/WS5e29588de4b0e6e58393bba0.html|script-title=zh:东京奥运拳击项目武汉站资格赛取消|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080932/http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/23/WS5e29588de4b0e6e58393bba0.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> has also been rescheduled to March and the venue has been moved to Amman, Jordan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.sina.com.cn/others/boxing/2020-01-26/doc-iihnzhha4703901.shtml|script-title=zh:东京奥运会拳击资格赛将从武汉改至约旦安曼举行|date=26 January 2020|work=[[Sina Corp|Sina Sports]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127055817/http://sports.sina.com.cn/others/boxing/2020-01-26/doc-iihnzhha4703901.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The Group B of the [[Basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics – Women's qualification|Olympic women's basketball qualifiers]], originally scheduled to be held in Foshan, Guangdong was also moved to Belgrade, Serbia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/sport/2020/01/27/680434.html|script-title=zh:女篮奥运资格赛因疫情易地,中国队失去主场优势|date=27 January 2020|work=The Beijing Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127135210/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/sport/2020/01/27/680434.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In October, 137 asymptomatic cases were detected in [[Kashgar]], [[Xinjiang]] and were linked to a garment factory.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Davidson|first=Helen|date=26 October 2020|title=China: new coronavirus outbreak detected in Xinjiang city of Kashgar|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/china-new-coronavirus-outbreak-detected-in-xinjiang-city-of-kashgar|access-date=6 November 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=6 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106043317/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/oct/26/china-new-coronavirus-outbreak-detected-in-xinjiang-city-of-kashgar|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Dou|first=Eva|date=26 October 2020|title=China's Kashgar had a coronavirus outbreak. Within two days, 4.5 million people were tested.|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-kashgar-xinjiang-coronavirus-outbreak/2020/10/26/6db14e6e-1748-11eb-8bda-814ca56e138b_story.html|access-date=6 November 2020|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=26 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026085357/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-kashgar-xinjiang-coronavirus-outbreak/2020/10/26/6db14e6e-1748-11eb-8bda-814ca56e138b_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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As for the other major sports events, [[FIS Alpine Ski World Cup]], scheduled for 15–16 February 2020 was canceled due to the outbreak. The event was originally planned to be the 2022 Winter Olympics' first test. The 2020 World Athletics Indoor Championships, originally scheduled to take place in Nanjing from 13 to 15 March are [[2021 World Athletics Indoor Championships|postponed for a year]] and will be held at the same venue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.163.com/20/0130/09/F44LDCE900058782.html|script-title=zh:室内田径世锦赛因疫情推迟1年 田联仍交由南京举办|date=30 January 2020|work=[[163.com]] Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130022541/http://sports.163.com/20/0130/09/F44LDCE900058782.html|archive-date=30 January 2020|accessdate=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The Confederations Cup Asia Pacific Group I, scheduled to be held in Dongguan, [[Guangdong]] was moved to [[Nur-Sultan]], Kazakhstan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.163.com/20/0126/16/F3R4FC6Q00058782.html|script-title=zh:受疫情影响 网球联合会杯从东莞改至哈萨克进行|date=26 January 2020|work=[[163.com]] Sports|accessdate=1 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 18 December, a local case was reported in Beijing. It was the first local infection in 152 days in Beijing. As of 27 December, thirteen more cases have been detected.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Coronavirus: Beijing goes into emergency mode after five new cases recorded|work=South China Morning Post|date=27 December 2020|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3115474/coronavirus-beijing-goes-emergency-mode-after-five-new-cases|access-date=29 December 2020|archive-date=29 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229035752/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3115474/coronavirus-beijing-goes-emergency-mode-after-five-new-cases|url-status=live}}</ref> Another outbreak linked to a traveler from South Korea was reported in Liaoning late December. |
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The State General Administration of Sports announced a suspension of all sporting events until April. The Mudanjiang Sports Culture Winter Camp<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5612306|script-title=zh:体育总局:防控疫情,取消举办体育六艺系列活动之乐动冰雪_中国政库_澎湃新闻-The Paper|date=n.d.|publisher=Thepaper.cn|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123184953/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5612306|archive-date=23 January 2020|accessdate=24 January 2020}}</ref> and China Rally Championship Changbai Mountains<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5610300|script-title=zh:防控疫情:2020年中国长白山冰雪汽车拉力赛暂停举办|date=n.d.|publisher=澎湃新闻|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125021831/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5610300|archive-date=25 January 2020|accessdate=24 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> are both suspended. After the postponement of national women's basketball games, the [[Chinese Volleyball Association]] suspended all volleyball matches and activities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.takefoto.cn/viewnews-2034292.html|script-title=zh:WCBA后续赛事延迟,中国排协暂停一切排球赛事和活动|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203160509/https://www.takefoto.cn/viewnews-2034292.html|archive-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== 2021 === |
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The [[Sanya ePrix|2020 Sanya ePrix]], due to take place on 21 March as the third round of the [[Formula E season]] was postponed to a yet to be announced date.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/fe-china-sanya-eprix-coronavirus/4679553/|title=Formula E postpones China race amid virus outbreak|website=motorsport.com|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> On 12 February, the [[2020 Chinese Grand Prix]], due to take place on 19 April as the fourth round of the [[2020 Formula One World Championship]] was also postponed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.chinese-grand-prix-postponed-due-to-coronavirus-outbreak.3g2y5Ngyrk1MbNxQB9hj4s.html|title=2020 F1 Chinese Grand Prix postponed due to novel coronavirus outbreak {{!}} Formula One|publisher=Formula One|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> |
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In January 2021, many cities and districts in the province of Hebei, Jilin and Heilongjiang were put into lockdown to contain a new outbreak in the region.<ref name="Tian 2021">{{cite web | last=Tian | first=Yew Lun | title=As China COVID-19 cases rise, millions more placed under lockdown | work=[[Reuters]] | date=13 January 2021 | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cases-idUSKBN29I03G | access-date=16 January 2021 | archive-date=14 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114181331/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cases-idUSKBN29I03G | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 7 January, [[Dalian]] authorities reported 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 31 asymptomatic carriers.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Xiaomin |first1=Zhang |title=More info released on Dalian outbreak |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202101/07/WS5ff6f2daa31024ad0baa1346.html |work=China Daily |date=7 January 2021 |access-date=14 January 2021 |archive-date=15 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115071545/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202101/07/WS5ff6f2daa31024ad0baa1346.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The [[2020 Lingshui China Masters|Lingshui China Masters]] badminton tournament, scheduled to commence on 25 February to 1 March 2020 was postponed to early May.<ref>{{cite news |title=BWF Statement on Postponement of Lingshui China Masters |url=https://bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2020/02/01/bwf-statement-on-postponement-of-lingshui-china-masters/ |work=bwfbadminton.com|publisher=Badminton World Federation |accessdate=2 February 2020 |date=1 February 2020 }}</ref> |
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On 6 January, after reporting 63 new cases in the northern province of [[Hebei]], of which 20 were infections and 43 asymptomatic cases locally transmitted, the local Government decided to lockdown the provincial capital city of [[Shijiazhuang]], as most of the cases were detected there. On 9 January, the cities of Shijiazhuang and [[Xingtai]] with total population of 19 million, were placed under lockdown measures, with passenger trains suspended, as well as flights and coach service to Beijing at 300 km distance in north east direction.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Coronavirus: Chinese city in lockdown as Hebei province has biggest outbreak in months|work=South China Morning Post|date=6 January 2021|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3116597/coronavirus-china-raises-alarm-after-63-local-infections-found|first1=Jane|last1=Cai|first2=Siqi|last2=Ji|access-date=7 January 2021|archive-date=7 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107113840/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3116597/coronavirus-china-raises-alarm-after-63-local-infections-found|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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China's 14th National Winter Games, originally scheduled for 16–26 February were also postponed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.163.com/20/0126/15/F3QV4B1K00058782.html|script-title=zh:受疫情影响 第14届全国冬季运动会将推迟举办|date=26 January 2020|work=[[163.com]] Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127060104/http://sports.163.com/20/0126/15/F3QV4B1K00058782.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 14 January, Wangkui County of Suihua City, Heilongjiang Province moved into lockdown after reporting 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The virus sample taken from the cases in Suihua is reported to be similar to the strain identified in Dalian.<ref>{{Cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=China's Heilongjiang reports 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases |url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2021-01/14/content_77114286.htm |work=China.org |date=14 January 2021 |access-date=14 January 2021 |archive-date=14 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114022239/http://www.china.org.cn/china/2021-01/14/content_77114286.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Beauty Pageants ==== |
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[[Miss Universe China 2020]] was originally scheduled to take place on 8 March 2020; however, on 21 February 2020, the Miss Universe China Organization announced that the pageant was cancelled and postponed to a later date due to the pandemic.<ref name="Miss Universe China">{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B81fZicBkjV/|title=Miss China Official 中国环球小姐 on Instagram: “We would like to apologize and humbly announce that due to the coronavirus, the original on-date (March 8, 2020, Lijiang, China) Miss…”|website=Instagram|language=en|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> |
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Also on 14 January, China reported the first death from the virus after eight months, a patient from [[Hebei]]. A team of experts from the [[WHO]] visited [[Wuhan]] to conduct investigations into the origin of the pandemic. They were also supposed to quarantine for two weeks prior to starting their inquiry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/14/china-records-first-covid-death-since-may-as-who-team-arrives-in-wuhan|title=China records first Covid death since May as WHO team arrives in Wuhan|access-date=14 January 2021|website=The Guardian|date=14 January 2021|archive-date=14 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114060006/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/14/china-records-first-covid-death-since-may-as-who-team-arrives-in-wuhan|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 January, the city of [[Langfang]] of Hebei was put into lockdown.<ref>{{cite news |last=McNulty |first=Tim |date=15 January 2021 |title=China locks down 5 million people in Langfang City after one Covid case reported |url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1384390/China-news-lockdown-Langfang-city-Covid-19-Beijing-coronavirus-latest-vn |work=Express |access-date=26 January 2021 |archive-date=20 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120141734/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1384390/China-news-lockdown-Langfang-city-Covid-19-Beijing-coronavirus-latest-vn |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Tourist attractions ==== |
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[[File:20200123_Qingdao_Metro_Line_3_car_No.3016.jpg|thumb|Ridership was significantly reduced at 4 May Square Station of [[Qingdao Metro]] [[Line 3 (Qingdao Metro)|Line 3]] during the epidemic.]] On 21 January, the Wuhan Culture and Tourism Bureau postponed a tourism promotion activity to the city's citizens. All qualified citizens will be able to continue the qualification in the Bureau's next activity.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2020/01-21/9066093.shtml|script-title=zh:武汉2020春节文化旅游惠民活动延期举行|date=21 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080936/http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2020/01-21/9066093.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|work=[[China News Service]]|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 January, the Bureau announced the temporary closing of museums, memorials, public libraries and cultural centers in Wuhan from 23 January to 8 February.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678396.html|script-title=zh:武汉文博场馆闭馆至元宵节,全国多地博物馆取消公众活动|author=倪伟|date=23 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080935/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678396.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|work=The Beijing Times|url-status=live}}</ref> All tour groups to and from Wuhan will be canceled.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2020/01-23/9068158.shtml|script-title=zh:武汉市文化和旅游局:全市所有旅游团队一律取消|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080851/http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2020/01-23/9068158.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.takungpao.com/news/232108/2020/0121/408125.html|script-title=zh:武汉对进出武汉人员加强管控 遏制疫情扩散|date=21 January 2020|work=[[Ta Kung Pao]]}}</ref> |
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By 18 January 11 regions in China were under ''de facto'' lockdown, including five districts in Heilongjiang and the cities of Gongzhuling and Tonghua in Jilin province.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=China Locks Down Two Northeast Cities Amid Covid-19 Resurgence |url=https://www.caixinglobal.com/2021-01-19/china-locks-down-two-northeast-cities-amid-covid-19-resurgence-101652415.html |work=Caixin |date=19 January 2021 |access-date=26 January 2021 |archive-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124033000/https://www.caixinglobal.com/2021-01-19/china-locks-down-two-northeast-cities-amid-covid-19-resurgence-101652415.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 20 January, residents of [[Daxing District]] of Beijing were banned from leaving the capital region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Partial lockdown in Beijing over Covid-19 outbreak |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210120-partial-lockdown-in-beijing-over-covid-19-outbreak |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=France 24 |date=20 January 2021 |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126004850/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210120-partial-lockdown-in-beijing-over-covid-19-outbreak |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Daxing District of Beijing provides supplies for quarantined residents - Xinhua |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-01/21/c_139686305.htm |access-date=26 January 2022 |work=www.xinhuanet.com |archive-date=26 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126004850/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-01/21/c_139686305.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 23 January, the City Administration of [[Dongcheng District, Beijing|Dongcheng]], Beijing cancelled temple fairs in Longtan and [[Temple of Earth]], originally scheduled for 25 January.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://culture.workercn.cn/32871/202001/23/200123155421095.shtml|script-title=zh:北京龙潭、地坛庙会取消|date=23 January 2020|work=[[Beijing Youth Daily]]|access-date=23 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080925/http://culture.workercn.cn/32871/202001/23/200123155421095.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The Beijing Culture and Tourism Bureau later announced cancellations of all major events including temple fairs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/23/WS5e297c88e4b0e6e58393bc0d.html|script-title=zh:北京宣布即日起取消包括庙会在内的大型活动|date=23 January 2020|work=[[Beijing Daily]] |access-date=23 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080952/http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/23/WS5e297c88e4b0e6e58393bc0d.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The tourist attractions in Beijing<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-23/doc-iihnzahk6037304.shtml|script-title=zh:北京故宫恭王府世纪坛宣布明日起暂停开放|date=23 January 2020|work=The Beijing Times|access-date=23 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080910/https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-23/doc-iihnzahk6037304.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> and Tianjin,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://new.qq.com/omn/HTC20200/HTC2020012301391500.html|script-title=zh:关于国家海洋博物馆暂停试运行开放的公告|author1=国家海洋博物馆|date=24 January 2020}}</ref> including the [[Forbidden City]] and the National Maritime Museum closed their doors to the public from 24 January. On the evening of 23 January, the [[Palace Museum]] decided to shut down from 25 January<ref name="gugong">{{cite web|url=http://ent.chinanews.com/cul/2020/01-23/9068531.shtml|script-title=zh:故宫博物院发布闭馆公告 中国多地取消新春文化活动|author=应妮|date=23 January 2020|editor=郭泽华|work=[[China News Service]]|language=zh-cn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080900/http://ent.chinanews.com/cul/2020/01-23/9068531.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=23 January 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the West Lake in Hangzhou announced shutting all paid attractions and the Music Fountain down and suspended the services of all large-scale cruise ships starting the next day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/23/WS5e299805e4b0e6e58393bc54.html|script-title=zh:西湖景区收费景点、博物馆明起全部关闭 游船、喷泉暂停|date=23 January 2020|work=浙江新闻客户端|access-date=24 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127081132/http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/23/WS5e299805e4b0e6e58393bc54.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 24 January, many major attractions are shut down nationwide including the [[Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum]] in Nanjing,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.xdkb.net/2020-01/24/content_1217608.htm|script-title=zh:南京秦淮灯会多个展区即日起闭园|author=苏湘洋|date=24 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080901/http://news.xdkb.net/2020-01/24/content_1217608.htm|archive-date=27 January 2020|publisher=現代快報|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Shanghai Disneyland Park|Shanghai Disneyland]], [[Pingyao]] Ancient City in Shanxi, [[Canton Tower]] in Guangdong, the [[Old Town of Lijiang]], Yunnan and [[Mount Emei]] in Sichuan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B/426206/%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E-%E5%85%A8%E5%9C%8B%E5%A4%9A%E5%9C%B0%E6%97%85%E9%81%8A%E6%99%AF%E5%8D%80%E9%97%9C%E9%96%89%E9%98%B2%E7%96%AB-%E4%B8%8A%E6%B5%B7%E8%BF%AA%E5%A3%AB%E5%B0%BC%E5%B9%B4%E5%88%9D%E4%B8%80%E8%B5%B7%E9%97%9C%E9%96%89|script-title=zh:【武漢肺炎】全國多地旅遊景區關閉防疫 上海迪士尼年初一起關閉|author=葉琪|date=24 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080938/https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B/426206/%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E-%E5%85%A8%E5%9C%8B%E5%A4%9A%E5%9C%B0%E6%97%85%E9%81%8A%E6%99%AF%E5%8D%80%E9%97%9C%E9%96%89%E9%98%B2%E7%96%AB-%E4%B8%8A%E6%B5%B7%E8%BF%AA%E5%A3%AB%E5%B0%BC%E5%B9%B4%E5%88%9D%E4%B8%80%E8%B5%B7%E9%97%9C%E9%96%89|archive-date=27 January 2020|work=[[HK01]]|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 4 April, China saw the largest number of reported COVID-19 cases in over two months, with 15 new reported cases of local transmission in the city of [[Ruili]] on the Burmese border.<ref name="Reuters biggest daily case jump Ruili">{{cite news |title=China reports biggest daily COVID-19 case jump in over two months |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cases-idUKKBN2BS00V |access-date=5 April 2021 |work=Reuters |date=5 April 2021 |archive-date=5 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405025134/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cases-idUKKBN2BS00V |url-status=live }}</ref> This followed a previous outbreak in Ruili in September 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=New coronavirus cluster closes China-Myanmar bridge, sparks lockdown |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3127751/coronavirus-chinese-city-closes-border-bridge-myanmar-and |access-date=5 April 2021 |work=South China Morning Post |date=31 March 2021 |archive-date=5 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210405070931/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3127751/coronavirus-chinese-city-closes-border-bridge-myanmar-and |url-status=live }}</ref> Unauthorized border crossings from Myanmar remain a concern, and the local government has started vaccinating Ruili residents to work towards herd immunity.<ref name="Reuters biggest daily case jump Ruili" /> |
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==== Education ==== |
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{{See also|Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on education}} |
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On 21 January 2020, the [[Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China|Ministry of Education]] (MoE) requested the education system to do a good job in the prevention and control of pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus infection. After that, private education providers including [[New Oriental]], NewChannel and TAL Education,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.sina.com.cn/chanjing/gsnews/2020-01-21/doc-iihnzhha3953000.shtml|script-title=zh:武汉新东方、新航道、学而思等校外培训机构停课防疫|author=人民日报|date=21 January 2020|website=新浪财经_新浪网|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123034008/https://finance.sina.com.cn/chanjing/gsnews/2020-01-21/doc-iihnzhha3953000.shtml|archive-date=23 January 2020|access-date=22 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> education departments in Hubei,<ref name="hbzhbtg">{{cite news|url=http://finance.eastmoney.com/a/202001241367489993.html|script-title=zh:湖北:全省学校推迟开学时间 党政机关出差取消|date=24 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080853/http://finance.eastmoney.com/a/202001241367489993.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=24 January 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Zhejiang,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edu.zjol.com.cn/jyjsb/jyfb/202001/t20200122_11603412.shtml|script-title=zh:浙江省教育厅紧急通知!切实做好新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎疫情防控工作|date=22 January 2020|website=浙江在线|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080859/http://edu.zjol.com.cn/jyjsb/jyfb/202001/t20200122_11603412.shtml|archive-date=27 January 2020|access-date=22 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Shenzhen,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yicai.com/news/100478599.html|script-title=zh:深圳即日起停止校外培训机构春节假期补课,何时复课等官方通知|date=n.d.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080915/https://www.yicai.com/news/100478599.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=|url-status=live}}</ref> and Shanghai University<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shu.edu.cn/info/1051/68257.htm|script-title=zh:关于2019-2020学年寒假延期的通知-上海大学|date=n.d.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125162314/http://www.shu.edu.cn/info/1051/68257.htm|archive-date=25 January 2020|accessdate=|url-status=dead}}</ref> cancelled all ongoing courses and postponed the new semester. On 27 January, MoE advised all higher education institutions to postpone the new spring semester with all local education departments to determine the starting time of the new semester for K-12 education and local colleges according to the decision of the local governments.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://cbgc.scol.com.cn/news/222002|script-title=zh:教育部发布2020年春季学期延期开学的通知|date=27 January 2020|work=央视新闻客户端|accessdate=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127153021/https://cbgc.scol.com.cn/news/222002|archive-date=27 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security also decided to put the new semester off for all vocational education facilities.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2020-01-28/1403421.html|script-title=zh:人社部:全国技工院校2020年春季学期延期开学|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129135724/http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2020-01-28/1403421.html|archive-date=29 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 29 May, authorities shut down some streets in [[Liwan District]] in [[Guangzhou]] due to an outbreak in Guangdong province.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3135333/covid-19-china-parts-guangzhou-city-shut-down-province-battles-latest |title=Covid-19 in China: parts of Guangzhou shut down as province battles latest outbreak |agency=South China Morning Post |date=29 May 2021 |access-date=30 May 2021 |archive-date=30 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530055400/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3135333/covid-19-china-parts-guangzhou-city-shut-down-province-battles-latest |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Foshan]]'s [[Shadi Airport]] has cancelled all flights and suspended operations from 12 June.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2021-06-19 |title=Shenzhen airport tightens COVID-19 measures as China logs 30 new cases |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shenzhen-airport-tightens-covid-19-measures-china-logs-30-new-cases-2021-06-19/ |access-date=2023-01-20 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120094031/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shenzhen-airport-tightens-covid-19-measures-china-logs-30-new-cases-2021-06-19/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The [[National Education Examinations Authority]] canceled all [[International English Language Testing System|IELTS]], [[Test of English as a Foreign Language|TOEFL]] and [[Graduate Record Examinations|GRE]] exams scheduled for February. The decision was first made for tests to be held in Wuhan and extended to those in all parts of mainland China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cn.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202001/25/WS5e2c1aaea3107bb6b579b898.html|script-title=zh:湖北二月托福雅思考试取消 可全额退还报名费 – 中国日报网|last=徐锟|work=China Daily|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126031057/http://cn.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202001/25/WS5e2c1aaea3107bb6b579b898.html|archive-date=26 January 2020|accessdate=26 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5612614|script-title=zh:雅思官微:取消在武汉的2月8日、13日及20日雅思考试_教育家_澎湃新闻-The Paper|date=n.d.|publisher=Thepaper.cn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124035902/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5612614|archive-date=24 January 2020|accessdate=24 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/27/WS5e2e8f31e4b0e6e58393cb09.html|script-title=zh:教育部考试中心:取消2月所有托福、雅思考试|work=bjd.com.cn|accessdate=3 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203053234/http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/27/WS5e2e8f31e4b0e6e58393cb09.html|archive-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> MoE also urged the Chinese students studying abroad to delay their travels. For those who need to go abroad, MoE advised them to arrive earlier in case of any kind of health check and to stop traveling if they have any signs of coughing and fever.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2020/01-28/9072111.shtml|script-title=zh:教育部:留学人员无特殊需要建议推迟出境时间-中新网|work=chinanews.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128161014/http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2020/01-28/9072111.shtml|archive-date=28 January 2020|accessdate=28 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 6 June, [[Ruili]] was again put into lockdown after three local infections associated with the Delta variant.<ref>{{cite news |title=Third Lockdown Imposed on Southwest China Border Town After Delta Variant Appears |url=https://www.caixinglobal.com/2021-07-06/third-lockdown-imposed-on-southwest-china-border-town-after-delta-variant-appears-101736811.html |agency=Caixin Global |date=6 July 2021 |access-date=10 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185801/https://www.caixinglobal.com/2021-07-06/third-lockdown-imposed-on-southwest-china-border-town-after-delta-variant-appears-101736811.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 28 January, the National Civil Service Bureau said that it would postpone the 2020 civil service recruitment examination, public selection and public selection interview time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sina.com.cn/zx/2020-01-28/doc-iihnzhha5152389.shtml|script-title=zh:国家公务员局:国考面试时间推迟|date=28 January 2020|website=人民日报客户端|language=zh-cn|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128145726/https://news.sina.com.cn/zx/2020-01-28/doc-iihnzhha5152389.shtml|archive-date=28 January 2020|accessdate=28 January 2020}}</ref> |
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On 10 July, it was reported that the new outbreak has spread to 13 cities in five provinces including the capital Beijing. The cases were linked to cleaners who worked on a flight from Russia that arrived in Nanjing on 10 July 2021 who did not follow strict hygiene measures. Officials added that the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus was behind these new infections and there are worries about whether the Chinese vaccines would work against the Delta variant.<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 July 2021|title=New virus outbreak worst since Wuhan, say Chinese state media|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-58021911|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804022344/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-58021911|archive-date=4 August 2021|access-date=5 August 2021|website=BBC News}}</ref> |
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==== Marriage registration ==== |
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Civil Affairs authorities in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Jinan, Ningbo and Gansu announced on 25 January that they would cancel the special arrangement of marriage registration scheduled for 2 February 2020 to avoid the spread of the epidemic and cross-infection caused by the gathering of people.<ref>{{Cite news|author=陈咏|url=https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-25/doc-iihnzahk6294188.shtml|script-title=zh:扬州取消2月2日结婚登记|date=25 January 2020|work=扬子晚报|accessdate=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125145221/https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-25/doc-iihnzahk6294188.shtml|archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=徐俊勇|url=http://www.lzbs.com.cn/ttnews/2020-01/25/content_4573283.htm|script-title=zh:甘肃省取消2 February 2020 结婚登记办理|date=25 January 2020|work=甘肃日报|accessdate=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126185507/http://www.lzbs.com.cn/ttnews/2020-01/25/content_4573283.htm|archive-date=26 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|author=苏赞|url=https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-25/doc-iihnzahk6304873.shtml|script-title=zh:广州取消2 February 2020 婚姻登记工作|date=25 January 2020|work=广州日报|accessdate=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125145219/https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-25/doc-iihnzahk6304873.shtml|archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.sinchew.com.my/content/content_2206534.html|script-title=zh:上海因防疫取消2月2日结婚登记办理|date=25 January 2020|work=星洲日报|accessdate=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125145237/https://www.sinchew.com.my/content/content_2206534.html|archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref> Later, on 30 January, the Ministry of Civil Affairs ordered to cancel marriage registrations on 2 February.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://politics.people.com.cn/n1/2020/0131/c1001-31565646.html|script-title=zh:民政部:建议取消2月2日开放婚姻登记|date=31 January 2020|work=人民日报客户端|accessdate=|language=zh}}</ref> |
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On 21 July, another local cluster was identified in [[Nanjing]] after 17 airport workers have tested positive during a routine check up.<ref>{{cite news |title=17 airport workers test positive for Covid-19 in Nanjing |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/17-airport-workers-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-nanjing |agency=The Straits Times |date=21 July 2021 |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=21 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721182214/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/17-airport-workers-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-nanjing |url-status=live }}</ref> By 2 August, the outbreak, caused by fast-spreading Delta variant, has reached more than 20 cities. [[Zhuzhou]], [[Zhangjiajie]] and [[Yangzhou]] were forced into lockdowns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Millions under strict lockdown in China after Covid outbreak|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/02/millions-under-strict-lockdown-china-covid-outbreak|website=The Guardian|date=2021-08-02|access-date=3 August 2021|archive-date=3 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803215302/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/02/millions-under-strict-lockdown-china-covid-outbreak|url-status=live}}</ref> Some flights, trains and buses to Beijing have been cancelled to guard the capital against the new surge.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-02 |title=Transport into Beijing cut to 'guard' capital against Covid-19 surge |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3143485/transport-beijing-halted-bid-guard-capital-all-costs-amid-covid |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=3 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803215302/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3143485/transport-beijing-halted-bid-guard-capital-all-costs-amid-covid |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Parliament sessions === |
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{{See also|Lianghui}} |
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The outbreak made an impact on the [[National People's Congress]] (NPC), China's national parliament and many local parliaments. On 27 January, the Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee (PPCSC) of Yunnan announced to postpone local Lianghui sessions scheduled for early February which was followed by the PPCSC of Sichuan on 28 January. The local parliament sessions of cities including [[Hohhot]], [[Chengdu]], [[Jinan]], [[Qingdao]], [[Binzhou]], [[Zhengzhou]], [[Pingdingshan]], [[Anyang]], [[Hefei]], [[Changzhou]], [[Ningbo]], [[Wenzhou]], [[Zhoushan]], [[Ganzhou]], [[Shangluo]], and [[Jiangjin District|Jiangjin]] were also put off.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://china.caixin.com/2020-02-09/101509095.html|script-title=zh:防控疫情 浙江宁波"两会"推迟召开|date=9 February 2020|website=Caixin|access-date=17 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 11 September, another cluster of infections was found in Xianyou county of Putian, Fujian province.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-reports-49-new-coronavirus-cases-sept-12-vs-46-day-ago-2021-09-13/|title=Chinese city imposes travel curbs, closes public venues in new COVID-19 outbreak|newspaper=Reuters|date=13 September 2021|access-date=13 September 2021|archive-date=13 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913204527/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-reports-49-new-coronavirus-cases-sept-12-vs-46-day-ago-2021-09-13/|url-status=live}}</ref> Multiple clusters have also emerged in Bayan county of [[Harbin]], Heilongjiang, the source of infections remains unclear.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-28 |title=Harbin residents told to stay home for the holiday amid Covid-19 outbreak |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3150458/harbin-residents-told-stay-home-holiday-amid-covid-19-outbreak |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928185617/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3150458/harbin-residents-told-stay-home-holiday-amid-covid-19-outbreak |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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[[Standing Committee of the National People's Congress|The NPC's Standing Committee]] will discuss on 24 February to decide whether to delay its March session or not.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-parliament-idUSKBN20B0JI|title=China parliament may delay key annual March session: Xinhua|date=17 February 2020|agency=Reuters|access-date=17 February 2020}}</ref> The 10-day session in March is an annual gathering of about 3,000 delegates from all parts of China where the major laws are passed and key economic targets are unveiled. The potential delay will be the first time since 1995 when the NPC first adopted the schedule for the March session.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-congress-idUSKBN2000EI|title=China may delay annual meeting of parliament due to virus outbreak: sources|date=6 February 2020|agency=Reuters|access-date=17 February 2020}}</ref> Willy Lam, a political analyst at the [[Chinese University of Hong Kong]] believed that the sessions may not only increase the risk of infections but also "post hostile and embarrassing questions to the top officials about the outbreak." He also believed that canceling the meetings would be possible although this never happened after the [[Cultural Revolution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-13/with-coronavirus-still-a-threat-xi-jinping-faces-a-big-dilemma/11960724|title=Xi Jinping faces big dilemma as coronavirus threatens China's showpiece political event|last=Birtles|first=Bill|date=13 February 2020|website=ABC News|access-date=17 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 23 October, China reported the highest number of new cases since the September outbreak in Fujian, with domestic infections reported in [[Ejin Banner]] of Inner Mongolia and in [[Lanzhou]], Gansu and new cases reported in Beijing, Ningxia, Jiangxi and Yunnan. Another outbreak by imported case was reported in the northern border town of [[Heihe]], Heilongjiang province.<ref>{{Cite news |title=China reports highest number of Covid-19 cases in over a month |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3153451/china-reports-highest-number-covid-19-cases-over-month |work=SCMP |date=23 October 2021 |access-date=1 November 2021 |archive-date=1 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101162201/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3153451/china-reports-highest-number-covid-19-cases-over-month |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Religion === |
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{{Further|Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on religion}} |
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The government of China, which upholds a policy of [[state atheism]], used the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic to continue its [[Antireligious campaigns in China|antireligious campaigns]], demolishing Xiangbaishu Church in [[Yixing]] and removing a Christian Cross from the steeple of a church in [[Guiyang County]].<ref name="2020Parke">{{cite web |last1=Parke |first1=Caleb |title=In coronavirus fight, China hasn't stopped persecuting Christians: watchdog |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/coronavirus-china-update-christian-persecution-vom |publisher=[[Fox News Channel]] |accessdate=27 March 2020 |date=23 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="Klett2020"/> In the [[Shandong]], "officials issued guidance forbidding online preaching, a vital way for churches to reach congregants amid both persecution and the spread of the virus".<ref name="2020Parke"/><ref name="Klett2020">{{cite web |last1=Klett |first1=Leah MarieAnn |title=China demolishes church, removes crosses as Christians worship at home |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-demolishes-church-removes-crosses-as-christians-worship-at-home.html |work=[[The Christian Post]] |accessdate=27 March 2020 |date=21 March 2020}}</ref> |
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On 26 October, the city of [[Lanzhou]] was put into lockdown after six new cases were detected.<ref>{{cite web |title=China locks down city of 4m people after six Covid cases detected |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/26/china-locks-down-city-lanzhou-gansu-covid |work=Guardian |date=26 October 2021 |access-date=1 November 2021 |archive-date=1 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101022717/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/26/china-locks-down-city-lanzhou-gansu-covid |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Economic impact === |
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{{see also|Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic#Economy}} |
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In late January, economists predicted a V-shaped recovery. By March, it was much more uncertain.<ref>The Economist, March 28th 2020, page 37.</ref> Millions of workers were stranded far from their jobs while the workplaces were short-handed. The data for February 2020—the first full month after the virus became a major factor in January—saw official indicators of economic activity fell to record lows. The Caixin [[Purchasing Managers' Index|manufacturing index]] (PMI) fell to 35.7 in February from 50 in January, showing a deep contraction. The nation's non-manufacturing index sank even further to a record low of 29.6 in February from 54.1 in January 2020. According to the ''[[Wall Street Journal]]'', "The factory index indicated contraction for most of 2019, hit by a trade war between the United States and China. It didn't cross back into expansion until late last year when trade tensions between the two sides eased."<ref>"China Purchasing Indexes Drop to Record Lows as Epidemic Stalls Output: Factory and nonfactory figures tumble to levels below readings during the financial crisis," [https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-purchasing-indexes-drop-to-record-lows-as-epidemic-stalls-output-11582945366?mod=world_major_3_pos3 ''Wall Street Journal'' 28 February 2020]</ref> |
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In early November, Dalian reported more than 80 cases of COVID-19, the first of which occurred in a warehouse worker in the Zhuanghe district of the city on 4 November. In response, on 8 November local authorities ordered all businesses handling imported chilled and frozen foods to suspend operations.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Patton|first=Dominique|date=11 November 2021|title=Chinese city Dalian halts frozen food trade after COVID-19 cases|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-city-dalian-halts-frozen-food-trade-after-covid-19-cases-2021-11-11/|access-date=14 November 2021|archive-date=14 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114110216/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-city-dalian-halts-frozen-food-trade-after-covid-19-cases-2021-11-11/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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China's economic growth is expected to slow by up to 1.1 percentage in the first half of 2020 as economic activity is negatively affected by the new coronavirus outbreak, according to a Morgan Stanley study cited by Reuters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20200129-%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E7%B4%AF%E7%BB%8F%E6%B5%8E%E4%BA%AE%E7%BA%A2%E7%81%AF-%E4%B8%8A%E5%8D%8A%E5%B9%B4%E5%87%8F%E8%87%B3%E5%B0%91%E4%B8%80%E4%B8%AA%E7%99%BE%E5%88%86%E7%82%B9 |script-title=zh:武汉肺炎累经济亮红灯 上半年减至少一个百分点 |date=29 January 2020|website=法广|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200129180818/http://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20200129-%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E7%B4%AF%E7%BB%8F%E6%B5%8E%E4%BA%AE%E7%BA%A2%E7%81%AF-%E4%B8%8A%E5%8D%8A%E5%B9%B4%E5%87%8F%E8%87%B3%E5%B0%91%E4%B8%80%E4%B8%AA%E7%99%BE%E5%88%86%E7%82%B9 |archive-date=29 January 2020|access-date=1 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> But, on 1 February 2020, the People's Bank of China said that the impact of the epidemic on China's economy was temporary and the fundamentals of China's long-term positive and high-quality growth remained unchanged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202002/01/WS5e353b8de4b002ffe99402c6.html |script-title=zh:人民银行:疫情对中国经济的影响是暂时的 |author=吴雨|date=1 February 2020|website=@新华视点|access-date=1 February 2020}}</ref> |
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In mid-December, the outbreak in the cities of Ningbo, Shaoxing and Hangzhou was developing at a "relatively rapid" speed, forcing closure of flights and venues.<ref>{{Cite news |title=China faces new COVID outbreak as first Omicron case is reported |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/14/chinas-zhejiang-fights-new-covid-outbreak-amid-omicron |work=Al Jazeera |date=14 December 2021 |access-date=23 December 2021 |archive-date=23 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223073010/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/14/chinas-zhejiang-fights-new-covid-outbreak-amid-omicron |url-status=live }}</ref> The outbreak began to subside from mid December, with Hangzhou resuming low-risk status as of 21 December.<ref name="cnbc_20211222" /> |
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Due to the outbreak, the [[Shanghai Stock Exchange]] and the [[Shenzhen Stock Exchange]] announced that with the approval of the [[China Securities Regulatory Commission]], the Spring Festival holiday was extended to 2 February and trading will resume on 3 February.<ref name=":110">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51217455 |title=Lockdowns rise as China tries to control virus|date=23 January 2020|accessdate=23 January 2020|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200123181250/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51217455 |archive-date=23 January 2020|publisher=BBC|location=United Kingdom}}</ref><ref name=":210">{{cite web|url=http://news.cnstock.com/news,bwkx-202001-4482785.htm |script-title=zh:深交所:延长2020年春节休市至2月2日 2月3日起照常开市 |date=27 January 2020|script-website=zh:上海证券报·中国证券网|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200127153351/http://news.cnstock.com/news,bwkx-202001-4482785.htm |archive-date=27 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Before that, on 23 January, the last trading day of shares before the Spring Festival, all three major stock indexes opened lower, creating a drop of about 3% and the [[SSE Composite Index|Shanghai index]] fell below 3000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinanews.com/cj/2020/01-23/9068183.shtml |script-title=zh:股市猪年收官日:A股大跌 沪指跌破3000点关口 |date=n.d.|accessdate=}}</ref> On 2 February, the first trading day after the holiday, the three major indexes even set a record low opening of about 8%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://equitybazar.com/why-is-the-stock-market-dropping/|title=Why is the stock market dropping?|website=EquityBAZAR|access-date=9 February 2020}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> By the end of the day, the decline narrowed to about 7%, the Shenzhen index fell below 10,000 points, and a total of 3,177 stocks in the two markets fell.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finance.chinanews.com/cj/2020/02-03/9077187.shtml |script-title=zh:A股鼠年开市3177只个股跌停 外资200亿资金抄底 |date=n.d.|accessdate=}}</ref> |
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On 22 December, the border city of [[Dongxing, Guangxi|Dongxing]] next to Vietnam has ordered residents to stay at home due to one COVID-19 case.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chinese city orders residents to stay at home, cuts public transport, due to one COVID-19 case |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinese-city-delays-clearing-travellers-cargos-port-entry-after-one-covid-19-2021-12-21/ |work=Reuters |date=22 December 2021 |access-date=6 January 2022 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105193413/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinese-city-delays-clearing-travellers-cargos-port-entry-after-one-covid-19-2021-12-21/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The strict measures resulted in severe backlog of trucks at the border crossings and disrupted trade, prompting the Vietnam government to complain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vietnam complains China's border controls to stop coronavirus spreading are 'overkill' |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3161810/vietnam-complains-chinas-border-controls-stop-coronavirus |work=SCMP |date=2 January 2022 |access-date=6 January 2022 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105201227/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3161810/vietnam-complains-chinas-border-controls-stop-coronavirus |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The People's Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange announced that the inter-bank RMB foreign exchange market, the foreign-currency-to-market and the foreign-currency market will extend their holiday closed until 2 February 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.sina.com.cn/o/2020-01-28/doc-iihnzhha5108712.shtml |script-title=zh:央行、外汇局:延长银行间市场休市时间,2月3日起恢复 |last=澎湃新闻|date=28 January 2020 |publisher=Sina Corp|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> When the market opened on 3 February, the Renminbi declined against major foreign currencies. The central parity rate of the Renminbi against the US dollar opened at 6.9249, a drop of 373 basis points from the previous trading day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2020-02/03/c_1125525254.htm |script-title=zh:3日人民币对美元汇率中间价下调373个基点 |date=n.d.|accessdate=}}</ref> It fell below the 7.00 than an hour after the opening,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5753802|script-title=zh:双双破"7",在岸、离岸人民币对美元汇率跌破7.01_金改实验室_澎湃新闻-The Paper |work=thepaper.cn|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> and closed at 7.0257.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cs.com.cn/xwzx/hg/202002/t20200204_6021968.html |script-title=zh:避险情绪释放 人民币对美元汇率破"7"_中证网 |work=cs.com.cn|accessdate=4 February 2020}}</ref> |
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From 23 December 2021, the city of [[Xi'an]] with 13 million people was put into strict lockdown after local authorities reported more than 250 cases,<ref>{{cite web |title=13 million people under lockdown in Xi'an, China |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20211224_16 |work=NHK |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=25 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225160055/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20211224_16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> traced to the [[Delta variant]] by authorities.<ref name="cnbc_20211222">{{Cite news|title=Major Chinese city locks down to control Covid outbreak|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/23/major-chinese-city-locks-down-to-control-covid-outbreak.html|first=Evelyn|last=Cheng|work=CNBC|date=22 December 2021|access-date=3 January 2021|archive-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104022529/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/23/major-chinese-city-locks-down-to-control-covid-outbreak.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The lockdown led to stressed healthcare and delayed or insufficient food deliveries to some parts of the city.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Tales of anguish emerge from China's locked-down Xian, as hospitals demand patients be covid-free|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/05/china-covid-xian-lockdown-miscarriage/|access-date=6 January 2022|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105114103/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/05/china-covid-xian-lockdown-miscarriage/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The sale of new cars in China was affected by the outbreak. There was a 92% reduction on the volume of cars sold during the first two weeks of February 2020.<ref name="Autonews Europe 92% sales drop"/> According to the sources of ''Automative News'', Chinese policymakers had discussed the extension of subsidies for electric-vehicle purchases beyond this year to revive sales,<ref name="Autonews Europe 92% sales drop">{{cite web|url=https://europe.autonews.com/sales-market/china-sales-slump-92-first-half-february-coronavirus |title=China sales slump 92% in first half of February on coronavirus|date=21 February 2020|website=Automotive News Europe |access-date=22 February 2020|quote="Separately, Chinese policy makers have been discussing extending subsidies for electric-vehicle purchases beyond this year to revive sales, people familiar with the matter have said."}}</ref> while also discussing reducing requirements for [[zero-emission vehicle]] shares of production.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berman |first1=Bradley |title=China set to backslide on electric car quotas while extending subsidies |url=https://electrek.co/2020/04/01/china-set-to-backslide-on-electric-car-quotas-while-extending-subsidies/ |website=[[Electrek]] |date=1 April 2020}}</ref> |
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On 26 December 155 domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms were reported from Xi'an, contributing the largest part to the countrywide highest daily count since the outbreak in Wuhan, of 158 cases.<ref>{{Cite news|title=China's local COVID case count driven to 21-month high by Xian outbreak|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-local-covid-case-count-driven-21-month-high-by-xian-outbreak-2021-12-26|first1=Roxanne|last1=Liu|first2=Stella|last2=Qiu|first3=Ryan|last3=Woo|work=Reuters|date=27 December 2021|access-date=3 January 2022|archive-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103233534/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-local-covid-case-count-driven-21-month-high-by-xian-outbreak-2021-12-26/|url-status=live}}</ref> The city was placed into strict lockdown until 24 January 2022. |
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By 13 March, most business outside of Hubei was active again.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Post |first1=The Jakarta |title=China's coronavirus epicenter of Wuhan sees single-digit new cases for second day |url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/03/13/chinas-coronavirus-epicenter-of-wuhan-sees-single-digit-new-cases-for-second-day.html |website=The Jakarta Post |agency=Reuters |location=Beijing |date=13 March 2020 |quote=Outside Hubei, about 60% of small- and medium-sized firms and 95% of large ones have gone back to work, vice industry minister Xin Guobin said on Friday.}}</ref> The Caixin PMI increased to 50 at the end of March.<ref>{{cite web |title=Caixin China manufacturing PMI rebounds in March |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/caixin-china-manufacturing-pmi-rebounds-in-march-2020-03-31 |website=MarketWatch |date=31 March 2020}}</ref> |
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The city of [[Ruili]] bordering Myanmar was reported to have endured four lockdowns with 200 days in total in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ruili, China's gateway to Myanmar, hit by dual hardships of coronavirus and conflict across border |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3153911/ruili-chinas-gateway-myanmar-hit-dual-hardships-coronavirus-and |work=SCMP |date=28 October 2021 |access-date=6 January 2022 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105200740/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3153911/ruili-chinas-gateway-myanmar-hit-dual-hardships-coronavirus-and |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In Q1 2020, China GDP dropped by 6.8 percent, the first contraction since 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/chinas-q1-economy-shrinks-68-first-contraction-in-decades |title=China's Q1 economy shrinks 6.8%, first contraction in decades |accessdate=18 April 2020}}</ref> |
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== 2022: Outbreaks and end of lockdowns == |
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In May 2020, [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Chinese Premier]] [[Li Keqiang]] announced that, for the first time in history, the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|central government]] wouldn't set an economic growth target for 2020, with the economy having contracted by 6.8% compared to 2019 and China facing an "unpredictable" time. However, the government also stated an intention to create 9 million new urban jobs until the end of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=South China Morning Post - China GDP: Beijing abandons 2020 economic growth target, Premier Li Keqiang confirms at NPC|url=https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3085553/china-gdp-beijing-abandons-economic-growth-target-2020-work|last=|first=|date=|website=South China Morning Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522031912/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3085552/two-sessions-2020-live-national-peoples-congress-gets-under-way|archive-date=22 May 2020|access-date=}}</ref> |
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On 4 January 2022, 1.1 million people in [[Yuzhou, Henan|Yuzhou]], [[Henan]] received [[stay-at-home order|stay at home]] order after three asymptomatic COVID-19 cases were reported.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-59871325|title=Yuzhou: Second Chinese city forced into Covid lockdown|work=BBC News|agency=[[BBC News]]|date=4 January 2022|access-date=6 January 2022|archive-date=4 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104210707/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-59871325|url-status=live}}</ref> In the evening of the same day, Zhengzhou told its residents in risky areas that they could not leave the city without approval from health control authorities. The Xi'an outbreak appeared to ease, with 35 local symptomatic cases reported that day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/chinas-henan-hit-by-covid-curbs-after-sporadic-cases-2022-01-05/|title=China's Henan hit by COVID curbs after sporadic cases|first1=Ryan|last1=Woo|first2=Roxanne|last2=Liu|first3=Gabriel|last3=Crossley|first4=Ella|last4=Cao|work=[[Reuters]]|date=5 January 2022|access-date=7 January 2022|archive-date=6 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106232229/https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/chinas-henan-hit-by-covid-curbs-after-sporadic-cases-2022-01-05/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 11 January, the city of [[Zhengzhou]] has upgraded measures and closed down non-essential services during a citywide mass testing campaign<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/20220111/0eb2a8a95e8b41649b94809a7fd0fe8a/c.html|title=China's Zhengzhou upgrades measures to curb COVID-19 spread|agency=Xinhua News|date=11 January 2022|access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111062218/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/20220111/0eb2a8a95e8b41649b94809a7fd0fe8a/c.html|url-status=live}}</ref> while [[Anyang]] has been placed under lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-china-64ca91f0f2315eabea84bb4a9d0801eb |title=China locks down 3rd city, raising affected to 20 million |website=[[Associated Press]] |agency=AP News |date=11 January 2022 |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111050512/https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-china-64ca91f0f2315eabea84bb4a9d0801eb |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Unemployment === |
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{{See also| Coronavirus recession}} |
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In January and February 2020, during the height of the epidemic in Wuhan, about 5 million people in China lost their jobs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Roughly 5 million people in China lost their jobs in the first 2 months of 2020 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/16/china-economy-millions-lose-their-jobs-as-unemployment-spikes.html |publisher=CNBC |date=16 March 2020}}</ref> Many of China's nearly 300 million [[Migration in China|rural migrant workers]] have been stranded at home in inland provinces or trapped in Hubei province.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus Lockdowns Torment an Army of Poor Migrant Workers in China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/23/business/economy/coronavirus-china-migrant-workers.html |work=The New York Times |date=23 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Hubei’s migrant workers ‘living in fear’ as debts mount under lockdown |url=https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3075732/coronavirus-hubeis-migrant-workers-living-fear-debts-mount |work=South China Morning Post |date=18 March 2020}}</ref> |
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On 24 January, lockdown restrictions were lifted in Xi'an while 2 million residents of [[Fengtai district]] of Beijing underwent mass testing.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-coronavirus-pandemic-sports-travel-health-63e4ebc0a67c939bf020c93cd715297a |title=China tests 2M in Beijing, lifts COVID lockdown in Xi'an |work=AP News |date=24 January 2022 |access-date=1 February 2022 |archive-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201201917/https://apnews.com/article/winter-olympics-coronavirus-pandemic-sports-travel-health-63e4ebc0a67c939bf020c93cd715297a |url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 January, the border city of [[Suifenhe]] was placed into lockdown.<ref name="RFA">{{cite news |title=China's smaller cities also under lockdown as COVID-19 prevention drive hits Beijing |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/beijing-covid-04262022101547.html |work=Radio Free Asia |date=26 April 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505164307/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/beijing-covid-04262022101547.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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By the end of March, as many as 80 million workers may have been unemployed, according to an estimate by economist Zhang Bin of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; this estimate included migrant workers and people in rural areas, whom the official statistics from Beijing do not take into account.<ref>{{Cite web|title=80 million Chinese may already be out of work. 9 million more will soon be competing for jobs, too|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/08/economy/china-unemployment-intl-hnk/index.html|last=He|first=Laura|last2=Gan|first2=Nectar|date=8 May 2020|website=CNN|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=9 May 2020}}</ref> |
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On 7 February, the city of [[Baise]] in Guangxi province has been placed under lockdown after 37 symptomatic cases were reported on the day before.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus/covid-19-china-locks-down-baise-city-on-vietnam-border-as-cases-rise |title=Covid-19: China locks down Baise city on Vietnam border as cases rise |work=Khaleej News |date=7 February 2022 |access-date=7 February 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207032901/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus/covid-19-china-locks-down-baise-city-on-vietnam-border-as-cases-rise |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Face mask shortage and production === |
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[[File:Citizens of Wuhan lining up outside of a drug store to buy masks during the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.jpg|thumb|People in Wuhan lining up in front of a drug store to buy [[surgical masks]].]] |
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[[File:Surgical mask and 84 disinfectant liquid purchase limit notice at a CSF Market (20200202155633).jpg|thumb|A notice at a supermarket in Beijing, which says each person can only buy a pack of surgical masks and a bottle of 84 disinfectant liquid a day.]] |
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On 11 March, the city of [[Changchun]] of [[Jilin Province]] was placed into lockdown after the highest single day spike in cases since the Wuhan outbreak was reported.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/china-imposes-lockdown-in-industrial-centre-of-changchun-amid-new-covid-19-outbreak-9-million-residents-to-stay-indoors-article-90150089 |title=China imposes lockdown in industrial centre amid new COVID-19 outbreak; 9 million residents to stay indoors |website=Times Now |date=11 March 2022 |access-date=14 March 2022 |archive-date=14 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314145039/https://www.timesnownews.com/world/china-imposes-lockdown-in-industrial-centre-of-changchun-amid-new-covid-19-outbreak-9-million-residents-to-stay-indoors-article-90150089 |url-status=live }}</ref> Food shortages related to shutdown measures were reported.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/capital-chinas-jilin-province-apologises-food-shortages-due-covid-curbs-2022-03-29 |title=Capital of China's Jilin province apologises for food shortages due to COVID curbs |website=Reuters |date=20 March 2022 |access-date=3 April 2022 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403192245/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/capital-chinas-jilin-province-apologises-food-shortages-due-covid-curbs-2022-03-29/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Sporadic outbreaks have been reported in [[Laixi]] and [[Huangdao District|Huangdao]] of Shandong province.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202203/08/WS6226ac77a310cdd39bc8b11c.html | title=Lessons put online amid virus surge | access-date=11 April 2022 | archive-date=11 April 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411172452/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202203/08/WS6226ac77a310cdd39bc8b11c.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In China, face masks have been used widely by the general public during the pandemic, and have been required in many locations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Graham-Harrison |first1=Emma |last2=Kuo |first2=Lily |title=China's coronavirus lockdown strategy: brutal but effective |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/19/chinas-coronavirus-lockdown-strategy-brutal-but-effective |accessdate=15 April 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=19 March 2020}}</ref> As the epidemic accelerated, the mainland market saw a shortage of face masks due to the increased need from the public.<ref>{{cite news|author=谢斌 张纯|url=http://www.sohu.com/a/368299105_161795|script-title=zh:一罩难求:南都民调实测走访发现,线上线下口罩基本卖脱销|date=21 January 2020|accessdate=21 January 2020|agency=南方都市报}}</ref> It was reported that Shanghai customers had to queue for nearly an hour to buy a pack of face masks which was sold out in another half an hour.<ref>{{cite news|author1=徐榆涵|url=https://money.udn.com/money/story/5648/4304194|script-title=zh:全球各地瘋搶口罩 專家:不必買N95|date=23 January 2020|accessdate=25 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125103023/https://money.udn.com/money/story/5648/4304194|archive-date=25 January 2020|publisher=聯合報|url-status=live}}</ref> Some stores are hoarding, driving the prices up and other acts so the market regulator said that it will crack down on such acts.<ref>{{cite news|author=刘灏|url=http://economy.southcn.com/e/2020-01/21/content_190111854.htm|script-title=zh:广东市场监管部门:将坚决打击囤积居奇、哄抬价格等行为|date=21 January 2020|accessdate=21 January 2020|script-work=zh:南方网}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://scjgj.beijing.gov.cn/zwxx/ttgg/202001/t20200122_1620613.html|script-title=zh:市场价格行为提醒书|date=n.d.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080911/http://scjgj.beijing.gov.cn/zwxx/ttgg/202001/t20200122_1620613.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=|url-status=live}}</ref> The shortage will not be relieved until late February when most workers return from the New Year vacation according to Lei Limin, an expert in the industry.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2020/01-31/9074410.shtml|script-title=zh:专家:口罩短缺2月底或缓解|last=Liu|first=Yuying|date=31 January 2020|script-work=zh:中新网|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202154104/http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2020/01-31/9074410.shtml|archive-date=2 February 2020|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref>{{update inline|date=March 2020}} |
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On 14 March, the city of [[Shenzhen]] was placed on lockdown, with factories halting production after new virus cases doubled nationwide to almost 3,400.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://7news.com.au/news/public-health/shenzhen-shutdown-in-china-covid-surge-c-6043362|title=Shenzhen shutdown in China COVID surge|website=7NEWS|date=14 March 2022|access-date=14 March 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20220313223005/https://7news.com.au/news/public-health/shenzhen-shutdown-in-china-covid-surge-c-6043362|archive-date=13 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/3/188081/China-places-17-million-residents-of-Shenzhen-under-Covid-lockdown|title=China places 17 million residents of Shenzhen under Covid lockdown|website=The Standard|date=13 March 2022|access-date=14 March 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313222818/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/3/188081/China-places-17-million-residents-of-Shenzhen-under-Covid-lockdown|archive-date=13 March 2022}}</ref> The neighboring city of [[Hong Kong]] was also battling a severe outbreak since January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/hong-kongs-zero-covid-success-now-worsens-strains-omicron-spike-2022-02-19|title=Analysis: Hong Kong's 'zero-COVID' success now worsens strains of Omicron spike|first=Farah|last=Master|work=[[Reuters]]|date=21 February 2022|access-date=30 March 2022|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316075625/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/hong-kongs-zero-covid-success-now-worsens-strains-omicron-spike-2022-02-19/|url-status=live}}</ref> Schools and public transport were closed in Shanghai and people were forbidden to enter or exit [[Jilin]] as the entire province is closed to curb the virus spread.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/14/chinas-silicon-valley-shenzhen-orders-production-halts-control-covid.html|title=China Covid spike: Shenzhen shuts production, Shanghai closes schools|website=CNBC|date=14 March 2022|access-date=14 March 2022|archive-date=14 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314190918/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/14/chinas-silicon-valley-shenzhen-orders-production-halts-control-covid.html|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 22 January 2020, [[Taobao]], China's largest e-commerce platform owned by [[Alibaba Group]] said that all face masks on [[Taobao]] and [[Tmall]] would not be allowed to increase in price. The special subsidies would be provided to the retailers. Also, Alibaba Health's "urgent drug delivery" service would not be closed during the Spring Festival.<ref>{{cite news|author=陈泽云|url=http://news.ycwb.com/2020-01/22/content_30486944.htm|script-title=zh:口罩买不到怎么办?这些药店平台春节期间持续供应|date=22 January 2020|accessdate=22 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122102833/http://news.ycwb.com/2020-01/22/content_30486944.htm|archive-date=22 January 2020|script-work=zh:金羊网|url-status=live}}</ref> [[JD.com|JD]], another leading Chinese e-commerce platform said, "We are actively working to ensure supply and price stability from sources, storage and distribution, platform control and so on" and "while fully ensuring price stability for JD's own commodities, JD.com also exercised strict control over the commodities on JD's platform. Third-party vendors selling face masks are prohibited from raising prices. Once it is confirmed that the prices of third-party vendors have increased abnormally, JD will immediately remove the offending commodities from shelves and deal with the offending vendors accordingly."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/finance/2020/01/22/677805.html|script-title=zh:京东:禁止第三方商家口罩涨价|date=22 January 2020|work=[[The Beijing News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127082917/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/finance/2020/01/22/677805.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|access-date=22 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The other major e-commerce platforms including Sunning.com and [[Pinduoduo]] also promised to keep the prices of health products stable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/finance/2020/01/22/677744.html|script-title=zh:拼多多:对口罩等产品进行监测,恶意涨价者将下架|date=22 January 2020|work=[[The Beijing News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122023043/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/finance/2020/01/22/677744.html|archive-date=22 January 2020|access-date=22 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/finance/2020/01/22/677740.html|script-title=zh:苏宁易购:口罩等健康类商品禁涨价,并开展百亿补贴|date=22 January 2020|work=[[The Beijing News]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122023040/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/finance/2020/01/22/677740.html|archive-date=22 January 2020|access-date=22 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 15 March, the whole area of [[Langfang]] city, Hebei and the factory center of [[Dongguan]] in Guangdong were put into lockdown.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://equalocean.com/briefing/20220315230128724|title=The whole area of Langfang City, Hebei Province strictly implements sealing and control management|website=EqualOcean|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=15 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315005631/https://equalocean.com/briefing/20220315230128724|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/15/china-covid-spike-worsens-dongguan-factory-center-locks-down.html|title=China's Covid spike worsens: Dongguan factory center locks down, new cases top 3,500 nationwide|first=Evelyn|last=Cheng|date=15 March 2022|website=CNBC|access-date=17 March 2022|archive-date=17 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317161250/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/15/china-covid-spike-worsens-dongguan-factory-center-locks-down.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The earlier shutdown of Shenzhen has forced manufacturers such as Toyota, Volkswagen and Apple's supplier [[Foxconn]] to suspend operations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/foxconn-suspends-shenzhen-operations-adjusts-production-line-minimise-impact-2022-03-14/|title=China's COVID curbs hit Toyota, Volkswagen and Apple supplier Foxconn|first1=Sarah|last1=Wu|first2=Norihiko|last2=Shirouzu|newspaper=Reuters|date=14 March 2022|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=25 April 2022|archive-date=25 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425000521/https://www.reuters.com/technology/foxconn-suspends-shenzhen-operations-adjusts-production-line-minimise-impact-2022-03-14/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Shenzhen lockdowns ended on 23 March. |
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Figures from China Customs show that some 2.46 billion pieces of epidemic prevention and control materials had been imported between 24 January and 29 February, including 2.02 billion masks and 25.38 million items of protective clothing valued at 8.2 billion yuan ($1 billion). Press reported that the [[China Poly Group]], together with other Chinese companies and state-owned enterprises, had an important role in scouring markets abroad to procure essential medical supplies and equipment for China.<ref name=smh20200402>{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/billions-of-face-masks-sent-to-china-during-australian-bushfire-crisis-20200402-p54gjh.html|title=Billions of face masks sent to China during bushfire crisis|first=Kate McClymont, Royce|last=Millar|date=2 April 2020|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> [[Risland]] (formerly Country Garden) sourced 82 tonnes of supplies, which were subsequently airlifted to Wuhan.<ref name=20200326smh>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/second-developer-flies-82-tonnes-of-medical-supplies-to-china-20200326-p54e8n.html |title=Second developer flew 82 tonnes of medical supplies to China |author=McClymont, Kate|date=27 March 2020|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=27 March 2020}}</ref> |
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On 20 March, China reported its first COVID-19 deaths since January 2021 and the first double daily toll since May 2020, with both fatalities coming from Jilin.<ref>{{Cite web |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=2022-03-20 |title=China reports first two COVID-19 deaths in more than a year |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1570909/china-reports-first-two-covid-19-deaths-in-more-than-a-year |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320203315/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1570909/china-reports-first-two-covid-19-deaths-in-more-than-a-year |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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By March, China has been producing 100 million masks per day to meet the demand of medical staff and general public.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why healthy Chinese wearing face masks outdoors? |url=http://en.nhc.gov.cn/2020-03/23/c_78151.htm |work=NHC.gov.cn |publisher=[[Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention]] |date=23 March 2020 |archiveurl=http://archive.is/MVQgU |archivedate=10 April 2020 }}</ref> |
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On 23 March, lockdowns were implemented in the cities of [[Tangshan]] and [[Shenyang]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/22/china-locks-down-city-of-9-million-and-reports-4000-cases-as-omicron-tests-zero-covid-strategy|title=China locks down city of 9 million and reports 4,000 cases as Omicron tests zero-Covid strategy|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=22 March 2022|website=the Guardian|access-date=23 March 2022|archive-date=23 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323175156/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/22/china-locks-down-city-of-9-million-and-reports-4000-cases-as-omicron-tests-zero-covid-strategy|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinese-steelmaking-hub-tangshan-enters-lockdown-covid-cases-rise-2022-03-23/|title=Chinese steelmaking hub Tangshan enters lockdown as COVID cases rise|newspaper=Reuters|date=23 March 2022|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=25 April 2022|archive-date=25 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425000521/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinese-steelmaking-hub-tangshan-enters-lockdown-covid-cases-rise-2022-03-23/|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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=== Lockdown and curfew === |
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[[File:Exit-Entry Permit for Residents During the Outbreak of 2019-nCoV.png|thumb|Government-issued permit for [[Jintan]] residents. Jintan announced that each family should only have one member to be outdoor for shopping life necessities for every 2 days.]] |
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On 28 March, the Shanghai city government announced the largest city-wide lockdown in China since the outbreak began in which [[COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai|Shanghai]] will be locked down in two stages. The city of Shanghai became [[2022 Shanghai COVID-19 outbreak|the country's COVID-19 epicenter]] after a surge in cases.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-27 |title=Shanghai Covid: China announces largest city-wide lockdown |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-60893070 |access-date=2023-01-20 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220327184354/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-60893070 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shanghai's lockdowns has hit operations at the [[Port of Shanghai|city's ports]], causing disruptions on the logistical chain to the manufacturing hubs nearby.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3172932/shanghai-port-operations-hit-citys-covid-19-outbreak |title=Shanghai Port operations hit by city's Covid-19 outbreak |website=SCMP |date=3 April 2022 |access-date=3 April 2022 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403193148/https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3172932/shanghai-port-operations-hit-citys-covid-19-outbreak |url-status=live }}</ref> There were reports of [[panic buying]] to stock up supplies in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3172277/coronavirus-china-expats-shanghai-stunned-lockdown-sends |title=Coronavirus China: expats in Shanghai 'stunned' as lockdown sends 'floods' of people scrambling for supplies |last=Castagnone |first=Mia |website=SCMP |date=30 March 2022 |access-date=3 April 2022 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403193145/https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3172277/coronavirus-china-expats-shanghai-stunned-lockdown-sends |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Ever since Hubei's lockdown, areas bordering Hubei including Yueyang in Hunan and Xinyang in Henan set up checkpoints on roads connecting to Hubei to monitor cars and people coming from Hubei.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hunan.voc.com.cn/article/202001/202001261137266107.html |script-title=zh:劝返实录:汨罗大荆收费站劝返一辆湖北籍小车|date=26 January 2020|work=hunan.voc.com.cn|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200126043041/https://hunan.voc.com.cn/article/202001/202001261137266107.html |archive-date=26 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-25/doc-iihnzhha4652111.shtml |script-title=zh:记者探访信阳市鄂豫交界卡点:7小时劝返133人|date=25 January 2020|publisher=Sina Corp |access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200126043022/https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-25/doc-iihnzhha4652111.shtml |archive-date=26 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Between 24–25 January, the local governments of Shanghai, Jiangsu, [[Hainan]] and other areas announced to quarantine passengers from "key areas" of Hubei for 14 days.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5633604 |script-title=zh:海南:对来自湖北的过海登岛旅客进行集中医学观察14天|author=吴怡|date=25 January 2020 |work=澎湃新闻|accessdate=|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200125220936/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5633604 |archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5633528 |script-title=zh:对重点地区来沪人员,上海三方面措施落实社区防控 |author=陈思思|date=25 January 2020|work=澎湃新闻|accessdate=|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200127035711/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5633528 |archive-date=27 January 2020|language=zh |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Chongqing]] also announced mandatory screening of every person who arrived from Wuhan since 1 January, and set up 3 treatment centers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://cq.gov.cn/zwxx/jrcq/202001/t20200125_4785638.html |script-title=zh:重庆将开展网格化筛查应对疫情|date=25 January 2020 |work=重庆日报|accessdate=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125145232/http://www.cq.gov.cn/zwxx/jrcq/202001/t20200125_4785638.html |archive-date=25 January 2020|language=zh|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 30 March, the city of [[Xuzhou]] in Jiangsu has imposed a three-days lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shanghai-expands-lockdown-more-areas-new-local-cases-hit-5982-2022-03-30 |title=Shanghai expands COVID lockdown as new daily cases surge by a third |website=Reuters |date=30 March 2022 |access-date=30 March 2022 |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330220328/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shanghai-expands-lockdown-more-areas-new-local-cases-hit-5982-2022-03-30/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Since 1 February, a curfew law that resembles that of [[Huanggang]], Hubei, was put in place by the city of [[Wenzhou]] in Zhejiang, which is the second largest center after Hubei. Each local family can appoint one family member who may leave their house to purchase essential goods every two days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chinapress.com.my/20200202/%e2%97%a4%e6%ad%a6%e6%b1%89%e8%82%ba%e7%82%8e%e2%97%a2-%e6%b5%99%e6%b1%9f%e6%b8%a9%e5%b7%9e%e5%b0%81%e5%9f%8e-%e6%af%8f%e6%88%b72%e5%a4%a9%e5%8f%af%e6%9c%891%e4%ba%ba%e5%87%ba%e9%97%a8/ |script-title=zh:◤武汉肺炎◢ 浙江温州封城 每户2天可有1人出门{{!}}中國報|website=中國報 China Press|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> Since 4 February Zhejiang's capital, Hangzhou, announced the closure of all of its villages, [[Residential communities of China|residential communities]] and [[work unit]]s to guests. Those who enter and exit these places must show valid identification papers. Non-residents and cars will be checked strictly.{{needs update|date=March 2020}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cna.com.tw/news/firstnews/202002040020.aspx |language=zh-tw |script-title=zh:武漢肺炎防疫 杭州全市實行封閉式管理 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204020348/https://www.cna.com.tw/news/firstnews/202002040020.aspx |archivedate=4 February 2020 |agency=[[Central News Agency (Republic of China)|Central News Agency]] |date=2 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://ori.hangzhou.com.cn/ornews/content/2020-02/04/content_7669850.htm |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:杭州市人民政府关于实施"防控疫情,人人有责" 十项措施的通告 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204020348/https://ori.hangzhou.com.cn/ornews/content/2020-02/04/content_7669850.htm |archivedate=4 February 2020 |script-work=zh:杭州网 |date=2 February 2020}}</ref> On the same day, [[Yueqing]], [[Ningbo]], [[Zhengzhou]], [[Linyi]], [[Harbin]], [[Nanjing]], [[Xuzhou]] and [[Fuzhou]] began to take the same approach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/3057828 |script-title=zh:武漢肺炎》六朝古都也淪陷! 南京宣布封城 |work=[[Liberty Times]] |accessdate=4 February 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200205200838/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/3057828 |archive-date=5 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Zhumadian]], Henan, announced that each family were only allowed to have one member leave the house to purchase essential goods every 5 days.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5792873 |script-title=zh:深夜突发!南京、宁波、福州、哈尔滨…所有小区封闭管理!最狠这座城:每户5天只能1人外出采购1次 |access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205130652/https://m.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5792873 |archive-date=5 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 3 April, China reported 13,146 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which was the highest single-day total of new cases since the height of the pandemic in [[Wuhan]] in February 2020.<ref name="France24 China reports">{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220403-china-reports-13-000-covid-cases-most-since-end-of-wuhan-s-first-wave|website=France 24|title=China reports 13,000 Covid cases, most since end of Wuhan's first wave|date=4 March 2022|access-date=5 April 2022|archive-date=3 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403042619/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220403-china-reports-13-000-covid-cases-most-since-end-of-wuhan-s-first-wave|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Workers having their temperatures taken as they enter an industrial park (cropped).jpg|thumb|Workers having their temperatures taken as they enter an [[industrial park]] in [[Shenzhen]] in March 2020]] |
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Factories were closed or reduced production for a few weeks. When they opened again, measures were implemented to reduce risk.<ref name=containvirus2>{{cite web |title=Quarantine, red-tape and face masks: inside China's coronavirus-hit wind industry |url=https://www.rechargenews.com/wind/quarantine-red-tape-and-face-masks-inside-chinas-coronavirus-hit-wind-industry/2-1-758846 |website=Recharge {{!}} Latest renewable energy news |date=19 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=containvirus3>{{cite web |last1=Alvarez |first1=Simon |title=Tesla China shares Giga Shanghai safety measures against COVID-19 virus |url=https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-china-giga-shanghai-covid-19-fremont-factory-elon-musk/ |website=TESLARATI |date=17 March 2020}}</ref> During the pandemic, [[Uyghurs|Uyghur]] workers were sent to resume work.<ref name="ramzy">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/30/world/asia/china-coronavirus-xinjiang.html|title=Xinjiang Returns to Work, but Coronavirus Worries Linger in China|date=30 March 2020|accessdate=3 April 2020|website=[[The New York Times]]|author=Austin Ramzy|quote=No reports have emerged of conditions in the facilities since the outbreak began. But former detainees have previously described poor food and sanitation and little help for those who fell ill.{...}"According to my personal experience in the concentration camp, they never helped anyone or provided any medical support for any kind of disease or health condition," said Ms. Sauytbay, who fled to Kazakhstan two years ago, in a phone interview this month. "If the coronavirus spread inside the camps, they would not help, they would not provide any medical support."{...}Now the region is being jolted back to work. Labor transfer programs, in which large numbers of Uighurs and other predominately Muslim minorities are sent to work in other parts of Xinjiang and the rest of China, have resumed in recent weeks.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/work-02272020160853.html|title=Xinjiang Authorities Sending Uyghurs to Work in China's Factories, Despite Coronavirus Risks|date=27 February 2020|accessdate=2 February 2020|website=[[Radio Free Asia]]|author1=Mamatjan Juma |author2=Alim Seytoff |author3=Joshua Lipes|translator=Mamatjan Juma, Alim Seytoff|quote=Recent reports by the official Xinjiang Daily and Chinanews.com said that from Feb. 22–23, “400 youths were transferred to the provinces of Hunan, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi.” Of those, 114 from Awat (in Chinese, Awati) county, in the XUAR’s Aksu (Akesu) prefecture, were sent to Jiangxi’s Jiujiang city on Feb. 23, 100 from Aksu city were sent to Jiujiang on Feb. 22, and 171 from Hotan (Hetian) prefecture were sent to Changsha city in Hunan province, the reports said, without providing a date for the last transfer.}}</ref> |
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On 4 April, officials in [[Suzhou]] announced a new mutation of the Omicron variant was detected in [[Changshu]]. The city of [[Baicheng]] in Inner Mongolia was put into lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2022/04/04/2003775974 |title=China posts most cases since end of first Wuhan wave |website=TaipeiTimes |date=4 April 2022 |access-date=3 April 2022 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403193635/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2022/04/04/2003775974 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Many local governments implemented restrictions to control the outbreak, including keeping schools closed, cutting off villages, and restricting travel.{{Citation needed|date=March 2020}} A smartphone-based health-tracking system was introduced in much of the country.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ankel |first1=Sophia |title=As China lifts its coronavirus lockdowns, authorities are using a color-coded health system to dictate where citizens can go. Here's how it works. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-china-health-software-color-coded-how-it-works-2020-4 |accessdate=15 April 2020 |work=Business Insider}}</ref> |
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=== March–May 2022 Shanghai outbreak === |
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On 2 April 2020, the government ordered a Hubei-like lockdown in [[Jia County, Henan]], after a woman tested positive for the coronavirus. It is suspected that she may have been infected when she visited a hospital where three doctors tested positive for the virus, despite showing no symptoms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-02/chinese-county-back-under-lockdown-after-infection-re-emerges |title=Chinese County Back Under Lockdown After Coronavirus Cases Re-Emerge |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |accessdate=3 April 2020}}</ref> In early May, restrictions were tightened in [[Harbin]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Harbin city shuts eateries, coronavirus curbs ease elsewhere in China |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-idUSKBN22E07B |accessdate=3 May 2020 |work=Reuters |date=2 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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{{Further|COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai March 2022}} |
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By 9 April, it is estimated that 23 Chinese cities, home to an estimated 193 million people and contribute 22% of China's GDP, have been implementing either full or partial lockdowns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shanghai widens COVID testing as other Chinese cities impose curbs |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shanghai-widens-covid-testing-other-chinese-cities-impose-curbs-2022-04-08 |website=Reuters |date=9 April 2022 |access-date=9 April 2022 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409170242/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shanghai-widens-covid-testing-other-chinese-cities-impose-curbs-2022-04-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In Shanghai, residents have reported food shortages due to lockdown measures<ref>{{cite web |title=Many Shanghai residents say Covid lockdown measures have caused food shortages. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/08/world/asia/food-shortages-shanghai-covid.html |website=NYT |date=8 April 2022 |access-date=9 April 2022 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409202252/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/08/world/asia/food-shortages-shanghai-covid.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The city's health system has shown signs of strain as patients were turned away from hospitals as wards were closed and medical staff have been deployed to quarantine hospitals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Medical emergencies mount as Shanghai's lockdown tightens |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/01/china-shanghai-medical-emergencies-coronavirus-lockdown |website=WP |date=1 April 2022 |access-date=9 April 2022 |archive-date=2 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402175322/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/04/01/china-shanghai-medical-emergencies-coronavirus-lockdown/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shanghai tells city hospitals to reopen emergency wards after Covid-19 lockdowns see patients turned away |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3172873/shanghai-tells-city-hospitals-reopen-emergency-wards-after |website=SCMP |date=2 April 2022 |access-date=9 April 2022 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409202250/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3172873/shanghai-tells-city-hospitals-reopen-emergency-wards-after |url-status=live }}</ref> A series of deaths were reported at the Shanghai Donghai Elderly Care hospital, which their relatives blame on lack of care due to hospital staff being taken away for quarantine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shanghai hospital pays the price for China's COVID response |url=https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-beijing-china-media-21525cacbd3a5d97f299363d63558ed2 |website=AP News |date=10 April 2022 |access-date=9 April 2022 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409202250/https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-beijing-china-media-21525cacbd3a5d97f299363d63558ed2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Videos have emerged on social media showing Shanghai residents engaging in protests and clashes with police over quarantine policies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shanghai residents forced from homes clash with police over Covid policy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/15/shanghai-residents-forced-from-homes-clash-with-police-over-covid-policy |website=Guardian |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416220416/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/15/shanghai-residents-forced-from-homes-clash-with-police-over-covid-policy |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shanghai residents and police clash after homes seized for Covid quarantine |url=https://www.ft.com/content/6813e7d6-5ac5-4a06-bd13-4592dc8e936e |website=FT.com |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416220332/https://www.ft.com/content/6813e7d6-5ac5-4a06-bd13-4592dc8e936e |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Increasing of rolling lockdown measures === |
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On 11 April, authorities in [[Guangzhou]] closed the city to most arrivals and only allowed citizens with a "definite need" to leave.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guangzhou closes to most arrivals as China's outbreak grows |url=https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-guangzhou-beijing-e4c1df45c9906cd6818ddeee4d855b3e |website=AP News |date=11 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416145226/https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-guangzhou-beijing-e4c1df45c9906cd6818ddeee4d855b3e |url-status=live }}</ref> Lockdown measures continue to spread to other cities in China as restrictions on movement were reported in Suzhou, Zhengzhou, [[Taiyuan]] and [[Ningde]].<ref>{{cite web |title=As COVID-19 Infections Rise, Lockdowns Are Spreading in China Along With Public Irritation |url=https://time.com/6167374/covid-china-lockdowns |website=Time.com |date=15 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416214952/https://time.com/6167374/covid-china-lockdowns/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=More Chinese cities tighten controls as Shanghai COVID cases rise |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shanghai-reports-more-symptomatic-covid-cases-more-lockdowns-imposed-2022-04-16 |website=Reuters |date=16 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416214952/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shanghai-reports-more-symptomatic-covid-cases-more-lockdowns-imposed-2022-04-16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The slowdown in manufacturing, construction, transportation and overall economic activity created a temporary reduction by "about a quarter" in China's [[Greenhouse gas emissions by China|greenhouse gas emissions]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-coronavirus-has-temporarily-reduced-chinas-co2-emissions-by-a-quarter|title=Analysis: Coronavirus has temporarily reduced China’s CO2 emissions by a quarter|last=Myllyvirta|first=Lauri|date=19 February 2020|website=Carbon Brief|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> |
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On 16 April, a temporary partial lockdown was again imposed in Xi'an after dozens of infections were reported.<ref>{{cite web |title=China's Xi'an enacts COVID curbs on movement, business |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/China-s-Xi-an-enacts-COVID-curbs-on-movement-business |website=Nikkei |date=16 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-date=17 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417030425/https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/China-s-Xi-an-enacts-COVID-curbs-on-movement-business |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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===Recovery and further outbreaks=== |
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On 10 April, [[Tianshannet]] reported that there had been no newly confirmed cases of coronavirus in [[Xinjiang]] for the preceding 53 days and that there were no coronavirus patients in Xinjiang.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.ts.cn/system/2020/04/11/036204206.shtml|script-title=zh:4月10日新疆(含兵团)无新增新冠肺炎确诊病例|language=zh-hans|date=11 April 2020|accessdate=11 April 2020|website=Tianshannet|editor={{lang|zh-hans|王东升}}}}</ref> In mid July, some air traffic and public transportation in [[Ürümqi]] was canceled in the wake of the discovery of new cases in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_9eJvV2aik|title=Gravitas: Why China is not virus free: Xinjiang emerges as the new hotspot}}</ref> |
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On 19 April, Tangshan re-enforced partial lockdowns in some of its districts.<ref>{{cite web |title=China's Top Steeltown Returns to Partial Lockdown, Mass Testing |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-19/china-s-top-steeltown-returns-to-partial-lockdown-mass-testing |website=Bloomberg |date=19 April 2022 |access-date=20 April 2022 |archive-date=20 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420201027/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-19/china-s-top-steeltown-returns-to-partial-lockdown-mass-testing |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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As factories and other businesses reopened, extensive measures were put in place to avoid infection, including temperature checks, handwashing, disinfection, mask wearing, a mobile phone health app, avoiding public transportation, staggered lunches, physical distancing, contact tracing, and opening windows for ventilation. Rules vary by location, with different local governments enforcing different measures.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stevenson |first1=Alexandra |last2=Li |first2=Cao |title=China’s Coronavirus Back-to-Work Lessons: Masks and Vigilance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/12/business/coronavirus-china-work-safety.html |accessdate=15 May 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=12 May 2020}}</ref> |
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On 26 April, [[Baotou]] in Inner Mongolia announced it will lock down for a week<ref>{{cite web |title=China Locks Down Northern Hub for Coal and Rare Earths Output |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-26/china-locks-down-northern-hub-for-coal-and-rare-earths-output |website=Bloomberg |date=26 April 2022 |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426154821/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-26/china-locks-down-northern-hub-for-coal-and-rare-earths-output |url-status=live }}</ref> while Beijing begins mass testing of nearly all of its 21 million residents.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beijing begins mass Covid testing of nearly all 21 million residents |url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20220426-beijing-begins-mass-covid-testing-of-nearly-all-21-million-residents |website=France24 |date=26 April 2022 |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426154822/https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20220426-beijing-begins-mass-covid-testing-of-nearly-all-21-million-residents |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 April, [[Hangzhou]] started mass testing while the wholesale hub of [[Yiwu]] and the port city of [[Qinhuangdao]] were put into lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |title=China Locks Down Wholesale Hub For Christmas Trees, Trump Merch |url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/china-locks-down-christmas-town-yiwu-in-blow-to-supply-chains |website=Bloomberg Quint |date=27 April 2022 |access-date=27 April 2022 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308040448/https://www.ndtvprofit.com/onweb/china-locks-down-christmas-town-yiwu-in-blow-to-supply-chains |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=China Locks Down Part of Its Northern Hub for Coal Shipping |website=[[Bloomberg News]] |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-28/china-locks-down-part-of-its-northern-hub-for-coal-shipping |date=28 April 2022 |access-date=29 April 2022 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429203641/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-04-28/china-locks-down-part-of-its-northern-hub-for-coal-shipping |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In June 2020, an outbreak with 45 people testing positive at [[Xinfadi Market]] in [[Beijing]] caused some alarm,<ref>{{cite news |title=Beijing district in 'wartime emergency' after virus cluster at major food market |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-beijing-idUSKBN23K03V |accessdate=18 June 2020 |work=Reuters |date=13 June 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="gt17zhang">{{cite news |title=Beijing ramps up testing in wake of recent COVID-19 outbreak |url=https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1191918.shtml |publisher=Global Times |date=17 June 2020}}</ref><ref name="gt17ccdc">{{cite news |title=Beijing’s latest outbreak may have occurred a month earlier: head of Chinese CDC |url=https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1191926.shtml |publisher=Global Times |date=17 June 2020|last=Cao |first=Siqi}}</ref> and [[Zhang Qiang (official)|Zhang Qiang]] said that the authorities in Beijing, population 20 million, are able to conduct on a daily basis nucleic tests for 400,000 people.<ref name="gt17zhang"/> Authorities closed the market and nearby schools; eleven neighborhoods in the [[Fengtai District]] started requiring temperature checks and were closed to visitors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/06/13/876544822/beijing-in-wartime-emergency-mode-amid-fresh-cluster-of-coronavirus-cases|title=Beijing In 'Wartime Emergency Mode' Amid Fresh Cluster Of Coronavirus Cases|website=NPR.org}}</ref> By this time, public health technology included special [[leaf blower]] backpacks designed to vent hot air onto outdoor surfaces.<ref name="dt19j">{{cite news |title=China releases genome of virus that caused Beijing outbreak, saying it could be linked to Europe |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/06/19/china-releases-genome-virus-caused-beijing-outbreak-saying-could/ |agency=Reuters |publisher=Telegraph Media Group Limited |date=19 June 2020 |location=see photo by Carlos Garcia Rawlins, Reuters}}</ref> By the evening of 23 June, Chinese Vice Premier [[Sun Chunlan]] declared that the situation "has been basically brought under control" even as "China's traffic authorities vowed to strictly guard traffic out of Beijing: those with abnormal [[health QR codes]] or without recently-taken negative nucleic acid test proof will not be allowed to take public transportation or drive out of the capital" and started a new regulation to that effect, while 13 new cases were detected on that morning.<ref name="gt23j">{{cite news |title=Real-time update on coronavirus outbreak |url=https://www.globaltimes.cn//content/1177737.shtml |publisher=Global Times |date=June 2020}}</ref> |
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On 30 April, China recorded 47 deaths from Covid within 24 hours, bringing the total toll above 5,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=China reports 1,410 new local Covid-19 cases, 47 deaths in last 24 hours |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/china-reports-1-410-new-local-covid-19-cases-47-deaths-in-last-24-hours-122043000134_1.html |newspaper=Business Standard India |date=30 April 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505164316/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/china-reports-1-410-new-local-covid-19-cases-47-deaths-in-last-24-hours-122043000134_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A Caixin media report cited that [[Handan]], [[Lu'an]], [[Quanzhou]], [[Suqian]], [[Wuhu]], [[Xining]], Xuzhou along with many cities in Jilin, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu and [[COVID-19 pandemic in Shaanxi|Shaanxi]] was locked down in April, with more than 30 million people affected.<ref name="RFA"/><ref>{{cite news |title=财新网统计 中国至少22地方"封城" |url=https://news.seehua.com/?p=824706 |newspaper=马来西亚诗华日报新闻网 |date=18 April 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-date=5 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005210002/https://news.seehua.com/?p=824706 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== Response by the Central Government == |
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{{POV section|talk=POV Issues|date=July 2020}} |
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The province of Jilin began to gradually lift COVID-19 control measures from the end of April. It reported a GDP shrinkage of 7.9% during the first quarter of 2022.<ref>{{cite news |title=Roiled by COVID-19, China's rust-belt province Jilin suffers rare GDP slump |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/roiled-covid-19-chinas-rust-belt-province-jilin-suffers-rare-gdp-slump-2653331 |work=CNA |date=28 April 2022 |access-date=25 May 2022 |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525160654/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/roiled-covid-19-chinas-rust-belt-province-jilin-suffers-rare-gdp-slump-2653331 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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===Safeguarding 2020 Chunyun=== |
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{{See also|Chunyun}} |
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{{annual_human_migration_world_map.svg}} |
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[[Chunyun]], known to host the world's largest human migration, is a 40-day period when people return home to spend the [[Chinese New Year]] with their families.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tbsnews.net/international/south-asia-china/chunyun-china-worlds-biggest-human-migration-35445|title=Chunyun in China: World's biggest human migration|date=10 January 2020|website=Business Standard|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> In 2020, it started on 10 January and was to end on 18 February. Before the coronavirus outbreak, the government estimated 3 billion trips to be made during the period.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2020-01/10/c_1125444131.htm|script-title=zh:30亿人次出行!2020年春运大幕开启|date=10 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203183701/http://www.xinhuanet.com/fortune/2020-01/10/c_1125444131.htm|archive-date=3 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 3 May, the city of Zhengzhou imposed new movement restrictions, which halts all activities and only allows each household to one person with a negative test result to go out once a day to purchase basic supplies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Central Chinese city of Zhengzhou imposes new COVID movement curbs for May 4–10 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/central-chinese-city-zhengzhou-imposes-new-covid-movement-curbs-may-4-10-2022-05-03 |website=Reuters |date=3 May 2022 |access-date=5 May 2022 |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505112414/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/central-chinese-city-zhengzhou-imposes-new-covid-movement-curbs-may-4-10-2022-05-03/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 9 January, Wan Xiangdong, the Chief Pilot of the [[Civil Aviation Administration of China|Civil Aviation Administration]], said that the agency would keep a close watch on the outbreak and strengthen ties with the health authorities. Li Wenxin, the Deputy general manager of China Railway said that the railway authorities were paying attention to the situation and making sure to prevent the spread of the epidemic through the railway stations and trains and safeguard the health and safety of passengers. Wang Yang, the Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Transport said that the ministry would carry disinfection monitoring and protection measures out in areas with heavy passenger traffic including transport hubs, passenger stations, and cargo terminal factory stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yicai.com/news/100462321.html|script-title=zh:春运来临如何防控武汉肺炎传播?民航铁路部门回应|work=第一财经|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121013707/https://www.yicai.com/news/100462321.html|archivedate=21 January 2020|accessdate=20 January 2020}}</ref> |
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On 13 May, Beijing authorities announced that parts of [[Chaoyang District, Beijing|Chaoyang]], [[Fangshan District|Fangshan]] and [[Shunyi]] districts would be subject to tighter curbs.<ref>{{cite news |title=In Beijing, Covid transport curbs are making it hard to get to hospital |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3177547/beijing-covid-transport-curbs-are-making-it-hard-get-hospital |website=SCMP |date=13 May 2022 |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-date=21 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521012323/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3177547/beijing-covid-transport-curbs-are-making-it-hard-get-hospital |url-status=live }}</ref> On 22 May, lockdowns have been imposed on those three districts along with [[Haidian District|Haidian]] and [[Fengtai District|Fengtai]].<ref>{{cite news |title=China imposes lockdown in parts of Beijing as COVID-19 outbreak continues |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/china-imposes-lockdown-in-parts-of-beijing-as-covid-19-outbreak-continues20220522111549 |website=Ani News |date=13 May 2022 |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522055621/https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/china-imposes-lockdown-in-parts-of-beijing-as-covid-19-outbreak-continues20220522111549/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 22 January, as the coronavirus outbreak escalated, Li Bin, the deputy president of NHC warned that Chunyun might speed the transmission of the new virus up. Li repeated the government's previous advice to the people, that is, stay away from Wuhan. [[George F. Gao]], the Director of China CDC also admitted to the conference that the virus can transmit between humans and there were also cases of community-acquired infections. The Chinese health officials also promised to take strict measures to stop the virus from spreading and release information as soon as possible.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20200122/china-coronavirus-travel/|script-title=zh:中国官方警告春运或加速新型冠状病毒扩散风险|date=22 January 2020|website=纽约时报中文网|language=zh-cmn-hans|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204105716/https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20200122/china-coronavirus-travel/|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 24 May, the city of [[Tianjin]] [[COVID-19 pandemic in Tianjin|locked down its central district]], causing delays and blank sailings at its ports.<ref>{{cite web |title=Covid slows China port volume growth, as Tianjin enters new lockdown |url=https://theloadstar.com/covid-slows-china-port-volume-growth-as-tianjin-goes-into-new-lockdown |website=The Loadstar |date=24 May 2022 |access-date=25 May 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524103446/https://theloadstar.com/covid-slows-china-port-volume-growth-as-tianjin-goes-into-new-lockdown/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Epidemic control efforts === |
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[[File:Check for 2019-nCoV in Beijing railway station metro station.jpg|thumb|Body temperature [[Screening (medicine)|screening]] at the entrance of [[Beijing Subway]]]] |
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[[File:Street photo in Guangzhou city (49477439332).jpg|thumb|People in [[Guangzhou]] wearing facemasks]] |
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The NHC with the approval of the State Council announced 2019-nCoV-associated pneumonia as Category B Infectious Diseases with control measures of Class A infectious diseases as stipulated in ''The Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases''.<ref name=":03">{{cite web|url=http://www.nhc.gov.cn/jkj/s7916/202001/44a3b8245e8049d2837a4f27529cd386.shtml |script-title=zh:中华人民共和国国家卫生健康委员会公告|author=疾病预防控制局|date=20 January 2020|url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200120213543/http://www.nhc.gov.cn/jkj/s7916/202001/44a3b8245e8049d2837a4f27529cd386.shtml |archive-date=20 January 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> From 20 January, the NHC will publish daily data on confirmed and suspected cases in all provinces of the country (Including during the Spring Festival) until no longer necessary.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20200122-1023205 |script-title=zh:武汉肺炎确诊病例升至440例 中国国家卫健委: 坚持日发布制度|author=杨丹旭 |access-date=22 January 2020|publisher=联合早报}}</ref> On 20 January, NHC set up a working group up to deal with pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus infection.<ref name="200120NewAdd" /> On 28 January, NHC sent seven supervision teams to seven provinces and cities in Beijing, Hebei, Shanghai, Henan, Hunan, Guangdong, and Sichuan to supervise the epidemic control measures in the areas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1505202-20200128.htm |script-title=zh:國家衛健委7個督導組分別前往京滬粵等7省市|access-date=28 January 2020|url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200128104702/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1505202-20200128.htm |archive-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> China normally makes 10 million [[respirator|face masks]]<!-- or [[dust mask]], not [[surgical mask]]--> per day, about half of the world production. During the crisis, 2,500 factories were converted <!-- BYD, CIAG, Foxconn etc. --> to produce 116 million daily<!-- still too few -->.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Xie |first1=John |title=World Depends on China for Face Masks But Can Country Deliver? |url=https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/world-depends-china-face-masks-can-country-deliver |publisher=Voice of America |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20200321094219/https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/world-depends-china-face-masks-can-country-deliver |archivedate=21 March 2020 |date=19 March 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Delivery drones]], [[Artificial intelligence industry in China|artificial intelligence]], and [[facial recognition systems]] has also been used to help fight the epidemic.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jakhar|first=Pratik|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51717164|title=Tech joins fight against coronavirus|date=3 March 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=7 April 2020|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thenextweb.com/neural/2020/03/21/why-ai-might-be-the-most-effective-weapon-we-have-to-fight-covid-19/|title=Why AI might be the most effective weapon we have to fight COVID-19|last=Dickson|first=Ben|date=21 March 2020|website=Neural {{!}} The Next Web|language=en-us|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref> |
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On 31 May, Shanghai began to start lifting its strict lockdown measures, allowing people to return to work and malls and shops to re-open in "low-risk" areas.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shanghai says all residents in 'low-risk' areas can return to work on June 1 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shanghai-says-all-residents-low-risk-areas-can-return-work-june-1-2022-05-31 |website=SMCP |date=31 May 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=31 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531061016/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/shanghai-says-all-residents-low-risk-areas-can-return-work-june-1-2022-05-31/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In some neighborhoods and districts, residents were ordered to stay home until mid-June after completion of rounds of rigorous testing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-shanghai-covid-lockdown-beijing-shuts-districts-rcna32696 |title=Parts of Shanghai return to Covid lockdown as Beijing district shuts entertainment venues |website=NBC News |date=9 June 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711175302/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-shanghai-covid-lockdown-beijing-shuts-districts-rcna32696 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In February 2020, Major General [[Chen Wei (medical scientist)|Chen Wei]], virologist and medical doctor of the Chinese army, and her team were sent to the ''Wuhan Institute of Virology'' in order to develop a vaccine against COVID-19.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://taz.de/!5666284/|title=Impfstoff gegen Corona: Chinas Wunderwaffe|first=Fabian|last=Kretschmer|date=4 March 2020|via=taz.de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/china-appoints-terminator-of-ebola-in-wuhan-major-general-chen-wei-chinas-foremost-bio-warfare-expert/554930|title=China appoints 'Terminator of Ebola' in Wuhan -- Major General Chen Wei, China's foremost bio-warfare expert|website=www.timesnownews.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/asia/20200217-chinese-army-takes-over-fight-against-virus-while-beijing-postpones-parliament-session|title=Chinese army takes over drive to find coronavirus cure|date=17 February 2020|website=RFI}}</ref> |
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On 6 June, Beijing authorities further relaxed curbs by allowing indoor dining while the city of [[Erenhot]] and the [[Sonid Right Banner]] of Xilin Gol, Inner Mongolia have imposed lockdowns.<ref>{{cite web |title=Covid outbreak shuts down Chinese city as Beijing and Shanghai return to new normal |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3180610/covid-outbreak-shuts-down-chinese-city-beijing-and-shanghai |website=SCMP |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=6 June 2022 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606154714/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3180610/covid-outbreak-shuts-down-chinese-city-beijing-and-shanghai |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=内蒙古苏尼特右旗发现1例初筛阳性人员 全旗进入静默状态 |url=https://www.163.com/news/article/H91ECH8M00019SNS.html |website=163.com |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=15 June 2022 |archive-date=15 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615025630/https://www.163.com/news/article/H91ECH8M00019SNS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In late March, the government severely restricted international travel, limiting the number of flights to the country and denying entry to foreigners with previously issued visas and residence permits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caac.gov.cn/en/XWZX/202003/t20200326_201748.html|title=Notice on Further Reducing International passenger Flights during the Epidemic Prevention and Control Period|publisher=[[Civil Aviation Administration of China]]|date=26 March 2020|accessdate=27 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbxw/t1761867.shtml|title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, National Immigration Administration Announcement on the Temporary Suspension of Entry by Foreign Nationals Holding Valid Chinese Visas or Residence Permits|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China|date=26 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bradsher |first1=Keith |title=To Slow Virus, China Bars Entry by Almost All Foreigners |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/world/asia/china-virus-travel-ban.html |accessdate=27 March 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=26 March 2020}}</ref><ref name="China to divert">{{cite news |title=China to divert Beijing-bound international flights to other airports |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-china-airlines/china-to-divert-beijing-bound-international-flights-to-other-airports-idUSB9N28003R |accessdate=27 March 2020 |agency=Reuters |date=22 March 2020 }}</ref> The government also took steps to discourage Chinese people from returning from overseas.<ref name="China to divert"/> The end of March saw a new Hubei-style lockdown implemented in [[Jia County, Henan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Chinese county goes into coronavirus lockdown amid fear of second wave |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/04/01/chinese-county-coronavirus-lockdown-second-wave-159615 |accessdate=2 April 2020 |work=Politico }}</ref> The lockdown was in response to a confirmed case of coronavirus by a woman who received treatment at a hospital where three doctors have now tested positive for the coronavirus, despite showing no symptoms.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-02/chinese-county-back-under-lockdown-after-infection-re-emerges |title=Chinese County Back Under Lockdown After Coronavirus Cases Re-Emerge |work=[[Bloomberg News]] |accessdate=3 April 2020}}</ref> |
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On 13 June, an outbreak linked to a nightclub forced Beijing authorities to shut down the Workers' Stadium and Sanlitun leisure and nightlife districts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/06/13/1104534655/a-covid-19-cluster-at-a-beijing-nightclub-sets-off-a-new-clampdown |title=A COVID-19 cluster at a Beijing nightclub sets off a new clampdown |website=NPR |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711175302/https://www.npr.org/2022/06/13/1104534655/a-covid-19-cluster-at-a-beijing-nightclub-sets-off-a-new-clampdown |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the flare up, Beijing declared an "initial victory" over COVID-19 on 16 June and allowed schools to resume in-class teaching on 27 June.<ref>{{cite web |title=Beijing Reopens Schools for More Students as Covid Cases Ease |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-25/beijing-reopens-schools-for-more-students-as-covid-cases-ease |website=Bloomber |date=25 June 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308030546/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-25/beijing-reopens-schools-for-more-students-as-covid-cases-ease |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In June 2020, following an outbreak in Beijing tied to [[Xinfadi Wholesale Market]], the Chinese government suspended meat imports from specific facilities in Germany and the United States that had also seen outbreaks.<ref>{{cite news |title=China suspends imports of poultry from Arizona Tyson plant over coronavirus concerns |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/06/21/china-suspends-imports-poultry-tyson-plant-covid-19.html |accessdate=22 June 2020 |work=CNBC |date=21 June 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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On 29 June, the county of [[Si County|Sixian]] of Anhui was put into lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news.cn/local/2022-07/05/c_1128806522.htm |title=新华全媒+|安徽泗县、灵璧抗疫一线探访 |website=news.cn |date=5 July 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=6 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706161612/http://www.news.cn/local/2022-07/05/c_1128806522.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 1, Anhui put a second county, [[Lingbi]], under lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-02/china-s-anhui-locks-down-second-county-amid-covid-flareup |title=China's Anhui Locks Down Second County Amid Covid Flareup |website=Bloomberg News |date=2 July 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=25 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925025452/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-02/china-s-anhui-locks-down-second-county-amid-covid-flareup |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Financial supports and tax reduction === |
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On 1 February, the [[People's Bank of China]] and other five departments jointly issued the notice on further strengthening financial support for the prevention and control of the epidemic of pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus infection, stating that relevant financial services will be further strengthened during the period affected by the epidemic. For those who are temporarily affected by the epidemic and facing difficulties, the document requires financial institutions to tilt their credit policies appropriately, flexibly adjust their loan repayment arrangements and reasonably postpone the repayment period. Those overdue due to inconvenient repayment during the epidemic period shall not be included in the record of credit investigation and breach of trust.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://finance.eastmoney.com/a/202002011368917296.html|script-title=zh:人民银行副行长潘功胜就《关于进一步强化金融支持防控新型冠状病毒感染肺炎疫情的通知》接受媒体采访|date=1 February 2020|website=央行网站|language=zh-cn|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201081619/http://finance.eastmoney.com/a/202002011368917296.html|archive-date=1 February 2020|accessdate=1 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 6 July, Shanghai reported the most virus infections since late May, with sporadic cases also propped up in Xuzhou and Wuxi.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shanghai Cases Double in a Day, Fueling Lockdown Fears |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-07/shanghai-cases-jump-to-highest-since-may-fueling-lockdown-fears |website=Bloomberg News |date=7 July 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707105741/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-07/shanghai-cases-jump-to-highest-since-may-fueling-lockdown-fears |url-status=live }}</ref> On 9 July, the city of [[Haikou]] on Hainan Island imposed seven-day restrictions that shut down businesses and public venues.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shanghai Names More High-Risk Areas, Hainan Capital Adds Curbs |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-09/shanghai-virus-cases-rise-as-city-names-more-high-risk-areas |website=Bloomberg News |date=9 July 2022 |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308030510/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-09/shanghai-virus-cases-rise-as-city-names-more-high-risk-areas |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 30 January, the [[Ministry of Finance of the People's Republic of China|Ministry of Finance]] and NHC issued a notice on the financial guarantee policy for the prevention and control of the new type of pneumonia. The Central Government shall grant a subsidy of 300 yuan per person per day to those who are in direct contact with the cases to be investigated or confirmed who are involved in the diagnosis, treatment, nursing, hospital infection control, case specimen collection, and pathogen detection. For other medical personnel and epidemic prevention workers who take part in epidemic prevention and control, the Central Financial Department shall subsidize them at a rate of 200 yuan per person per day.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yicai.com/news/100483824.html|script-title=zh:两部委:疫情防控医护人员每天补助300元或200元|access-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130103105/https://www.yicai.com/news/100483824.html|archive-date=30 January 2020}}</ref> |
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On 10 July, [[Qinyang]] in Henan province almost completely locked down its residents while Xi'an and Lanzhou moved to tighter curbs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Macau closes casinos for first time in two years over COVID |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/11/macau-closes-casinos-for-first-time-in-two-years-over-covid |website=Al Jazeera |date=11 July 2022 |access-date=12 July 2022 |archive-date=12 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712171320/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/11/macau-closes-casinos-for-first-time-in-two-years-over-covid |url-status=live }}</ref> On 12 July, [[Wugang, Henan|Wugang]], [[Zhumadian]] and [[Pingdingshan]] in Henan implemented a three days implementation of strict closed control.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220712-china-locks-down-city-of-300-000-over-single-covid-case |title=China locks down city of 300,000 over single Covid case |website=France24 |date=12 July 2022 |access-date=14 July 2022 |archive-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714184006/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220712-china-locks-down-city-of-300-000-over-single-covid-case |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The Ministry of Finance, the General Administration of Customs and the General Administration of Taxation issued a joint announcement that from 1 January to 31 March 2020, more preferential import tax policies will be implemented for imported materials used for epidemic prevention and control.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-02/01/c_1125520240.htm|script-title=zh:三部门:用于疫情防控的进口物资可享税收优惠|access-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202125824/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-02/01/c_1125520240.htm|archive-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 13 July, [[Huaiyuan County|Huaiyuan]] of Anhui and Lanzhou of Gansu were reported to have shifted into full lockdown. On 14 July, China reported an increase in cases tally as a new cluster emerged around [[Beihai]], Guangxi.<ref>{{cite web |title=China Sees Most Covid Cases Since May as Lockdowns Spread |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-15/china-sees-most-covid-cases-since-may-as-lockdowns-spread |website=Bloomberg |date=15 July 2022 |access-date=16 July 2022 |archive-date=12 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812032052/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-15/china-sees-most-covid-cases-since-may-as-lockdowns-spread |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 July, lockdown was imposed in Beihai and the tourist island of [[Weizhou Island|Weizhou]], trapping more than 2,000 holidaymakers.<ref>{{cite web |title=China reports 699 new virus cases as outbreaks spread beyond major cities |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2022/07/20/2003782075 |website=Taipei Times |date=20 July 2022 |access-date=28 July 2022 |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728094447/https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2022/07/20/2003782075 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Dandong]]'s mayor has apologised for an over 50-day lockdown that the North Korea-bordering city had to endure.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-15/china-city-mayor-apologises-over-covid-lockdown-response-dandong/101153832 | title=Mayor of Chinese city apologises over 50-day lockdown in rare criticism of CCP's contentious zero-COVID policy | newspaper=ABC News | date=15 June 2022 | access-date=3 November 2022 | archive-date=3 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103194128/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-15/china-city-mayor-apologises-over-covid-lockdown-response-dandong/101153832 | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Communist Party Politburo's leadership === |
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[[File:Xi jinping and Li keqiang.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Xi Jinping]] (left) and [[Li Keqiang]] ]] |
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{{See also|Politics of China|Xi-Li Administration}} |
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On 27 July, authorities in Wuhan shut down [[Jiangxia District]] of almost a million people after detecting four asymptomatic cases.<ref>{{cite web |title=China's Wuhan shuts down district of 1 million people over 4 asymptomatic Covid cases |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/27/china/china-covid-wuhan-shutdown-district-intl-hnk/index.html |website=CNN |date=27 July 2022 |access-date=28 July 2022 |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728095002/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/27/china/china-covid-wuhan-shutdown-district-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Meetings on coronavirus outbreak ==== |
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On 20 January, the [[Communist Party of China|Communist Party]] [[General Secretary of the Communist Party of China|general secretary]] [[Xi Jinping]] ordered that great attention should be paid to prevention and control of the epidemic. The Party also vowed to "guide" people's opinions with intensive publicity strategies and interpretations of current policies to ensure social stability. Premier [[Li Keqiang]] urged relevant ministries and localities to take a highly responsible attitude towards the People's health and resolutely prevent the spread of the epidemic.<ref name="习李指示2">{{cite web|url=http://m.news.cctv.com/2020/01/20/ARTIWyQJt3xQRBnRJ3M89SpW200120.shtml|script-title=zh:习近平对新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎疫情作出重要指示|work=央视网|accessdate=20 January 2020}}</ref><ref name="200120NewAdd">{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2020-01/20/content_5471057.htm|script-title=zh:习近平对新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎疫情作出重要指示|website=中国政府网|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120120708/http://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2020-01/20/content_5471057.htm|archivedate=20 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Premier Li Keqiang also called a meeting of the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council]]'s Executive Meeting and deployed the work of epidemic prevention and control.<ref name="李克强部署">{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1503821-20200120.htm|script-title=zh:李克強召開國務院會議 要求有力有效遏制新型肺炎疫情|publisher=RTHK|accessdate=20 January 2020}}</ref> |
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Throughout July, Shenzhen's biggest manufacturers including [[Foxconn]], [[Huawei]] and [[BYD Company|BYD]] were forced to operate within a "closed loop" restricted system as the manufacturing hub was battling its latest Covid outbreak.<ref>{{cite web |title=China Seals Off IPhone Maker, CNOOC in Shenzhen to Battle Covid |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-25/china-seals-off-iphone-maker-cnooc-in-shenzhen-to-battle-covid |website=Bloomberg News |date=25 July 2022 |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-date=25 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725111626/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-25/china-seals-off-iphone-maker-cnooc-in-shenzhen-to-battle-covid |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 21 January, Premier Li urged protection and encouraged the health care workers. The [[National Healthcare Security Administration]] decided to adopt a special reimbursement policy for confirmed patients and temporarily bring relevant drugs and medical services into the reimbursement scope of medical insurance.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5588699|script-title=zh:国家医保局:对确诊为新型肺炎患者采取特殊报销政策|access-date=21 January 2020|publisher=澎湃新聞|agency=国家医保局微信公号}}</ref> On 22 January, Vice Premier [[Sun Chunlan]] went to Wuhan to inspect the prevention and control of the epidemic.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/leaders/2020-01/22/c_1125495519.htm|script-title=zh:孙春兰在武汉考察新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎疫情防控工作时强调 压实责任 严格落实 坚决遏制疫情扩散蔓延|date=22 January 2020|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127080859/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/leaders/2020-01/22/c_1125495519.htm|archive-date=27 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 3 August, the export hub of [[Yiwu]] in Zhejiang suspended public gatherings and locked down some areas to cope with COVID-19 flare ups.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eastern Chinese export hub Yiwu imposes COVID restrictions |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/eastern-chinese-export-hub-yiwu-imposes-covid-restrictions-locks-down-some-areas-2022-08-03 |website=Reuters |date=3 August 2022 |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809165208/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/eastern-chinese-export-hub-yiwu-imposes-covid-restrictions-locks-down-some-areas-2022-08-03/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 26 January, the first meeting of the Central Leading Group for the Response to the Epidemic of Pneumonia Caused by 2019-nCoV infection prioritized the provision of urgently needed medical and health forces, protective clothing and face masks for prevention and control in Hubei Province and Wuhan and attached importance to the transport of daily necessities for residents and relief supplies to Hubei. It urged the local governments to enhance epidemic control including cancelling meetings and events, strictly quarantining confirmed and suspected infection cases, extending the Chinese New Year holiday and supporting online office and teaching. The Central Government promised to crack down on hoarding and profiteering in materials for disease prevention and control. Public Finance at all levels should fully guarantee such funds as prevention and control of epidemic situations and treatment of the patients.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/26/c_1125504004.htm|script-title=zh:李克强主持召开中央应对新型冠状病毒感染肺炎疫情工作领导小组会议|date=26 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126181054/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/26/c_1125504004.htm|archive-date=26 January 2020|accessdate=26 January 2020}}</ref> |
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On 6 August, authorities in the resort city of [[Sanya]] of Hainan announced movement restrictions after hundreds of cases were reported, leaving around 80,000 tourists stranded. Danzhou, Qionghai and other cities on the island also enforced lockdown measures.<ref>{{cite web |title=Covid lockdown strands 80,000 tourists in 'China's Hawaii' |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/06/china/sanya-covid-19-outbreak-stranded-tourists-intl-hnk/index.html |website=Reuters |date=8 August 2022 |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809214726/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/08/06/china/sanya-covid-19-outbreak-stranded-tourists-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Xi Jinping's absence ==== |
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On 27 January, Chinese Premier [[Li Keqiang]], entrusted by Party general secretary Xi Jinping according to Xinhua<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/27/c_1125505876.htm|script-title=zh:受习近平总书记委托,李克强总理来到武汉考察指导疫情防控工作|date=27 January 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128212719/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/27/c_1125505876.htm|archive-date=28 January 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> arrived in Wuhan to inspect and guide the epidemic prevention and control work.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.cn/premier/2020-01/27/content_5472414.htm|script-title=zh:李克强来到武汉|date=27 January 2020|website=中国政府网|language=zh-cn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127043043/http://www.gov.cn/premier/2020-01/27/content_5472414.htm|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hk01.com/即時中國/426876/武漢肺炎-國務院總理李克強到達武漢-考察指導疫情防控工作|script-title=zh:【武漢肺炎】國務院總理李克強到達武漢 考察指導疫情防控工作|date=27 January 2020|work=[[HK01]]|language=zh-hk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127043114/https://www.hk01.com/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82%E4%B8%AD%E5%9C%8B/426876/%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E-%E5%9C%8B%E5%8B%99%E9%99%A2%E7%B8%BD%E7%90%86%E6%9D%8E%E5%85%8B%E5%BC%B7%E5%88%B0%E9%81%94%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2-%E8%80%83%E5%AF%9F%E6%8C%87%E5%B0%8E%E7%96%AB%E6%83%85%E9%98%B2%E6%8E%A7%E5%B7%A5%E4%BD%9C|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=27 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', the appointment of Li who is considered a technocrat surprised some observers, given that he had been sidelined in recent years as Xi concentrated power and cultivated a populist ideological image. Some suggest that Xi was "more at risk to the political fallout of the coronavirus" while Li could be a convenient "political scapegoat".<ref name="washingtonpost.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/in-coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-leaders-scramble-to-avert-a-chernobyl-moment/2020/01/29/bc4eb52a-4250-11ea-99c7-1dfd4241a2fe_story.html|title=In coronavirus outbreak, China's leaders scramble to avert a Chernobyl moment|website=The Washington Post|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204085411/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/in-coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-leaders-scramble-to-avert-a-chernobyl-moment/2020/01/29/bc4eb52a-4250-11ea-99c7-1dfd4241a2fe_story.html|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Li's visit to Wuhan earned high popularity on Chinese social media.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-xi-gives-his-no-2-a-rare-chance-to-shine-in-coronavirus-fight-with-risks-for-both-11580138767|title=China's Xi Gives His No. 2 a Rare Chance to Shine in Coronavirus Fight, With Risks for Both|last=Page|first=Jeremy|date=27 January 2020|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=4 February 2020|issn=0099-9660|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130154514/https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-xi-gives-his-no-2-a-rare-chance-to-shine-in-coronavirus-fight-with-risks-for-both-11580138767|archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Xi Jinping claimed that he "personally commanded" the fight against the coronavirus outbreak when meeting with WHO director general in Beijing on 28 January, but according to a report by ''[[The Guardian]]'', he has not made any public presence since then as the social media posts mocking Xi's absence were promptly deleted by the censors.<ref name="theguardianxi">{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/04/blame-xi-jinping-absence-coronavirus-frontline-china-crisis|title=Taking credit, avoiding blame? Xi Jinping's absence from coronavirus frontline|last=Kuo|first=Lily|date=4 February 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=5 February 2020|issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204231032/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/04/blame-xi-jinping-absence-coronavirus-frontline-china-crisis|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> |
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On 8 August, [[Lhasa]], the regional capital of [[Tibet Autonomous Region|Tibet]] recorded one symptomatic patient and seventeen asymptomatic cases while [[Shigatse]], Tibet's second biggest city imposed three days of curbs. The region reported only one infection in 2020, and had remained clear of cases since then.<ref>{{cite web |title=China's Tibet region faces rare COVID flareup, fresh curbs imposed |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/lhasa-city-detects-18-individuals-tested-positive-covid-19-preliminary-screening-2022-08-08 |website=Reuters |date=8 August 2022 |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809194857/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/lhasa-city-detects-18-individuals-tested-positive-covid-19-preliminary-screening-2022-08-08/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 10 August, Ürümqi in Xinjiang started a five-day lockdown of its key districts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Several cities in China add COVID curbs as millions still under lockdown |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/several-cities-china-adds-covid-curbs-millions-still-under-lockdown-2022-08-11 |website=Reuters |date=11 August 2022 |access-date=11 August 2022 |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811213316/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/several-cities-china-adds-covid-curbs-millions-still-under-lockdown-2022-08-11/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Other cities in Xinjiang including [[Yining]], [[Korla]], [[Aksu, Xinjiang|Aksu]] and [[Turpan]] were also hit by circuit breaking mechanism. |
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Xi's first public appearance during the outbreak was at a [[residential community]] in [[Chaoyang District, Beijing|Chaoyang]], Beijing on 10 February.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1799914/xi-jinping-appears-in-public-after-long-absence-during-coronavirus/|title=Xi Jinping emerges to meet the people for the first time in China's coronavirus outbreak|last=Steger|first=Isabella|website=Quartz|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> [[Xinhua News Agency|Xinhua]] posted photos of Xi wearing a mask and said that the aim of Xi's visit was "to learn about the situation of epidemic prevision and control at the grassroots level."<ref name=":5">{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/tosv2.html?vid=&uuid=fa028850-4cab-11ea-a6c8-6719705a63e8&url=L25ld3MvYXJ0aWNsZXMvMjAyMC0wMi0xMC9jaGluYS1zLXhpLWFwcGVhcnMtaW4tcHVibGljLWFmdGVyLWRvY3Rvci1zLWRlYXRoLXNwYXJrcy1vdXRyYWdl|title=China's Xi Seen in Public After Doctor's Death Sparks Anger|date=10 February 2020|website=Bloomberg|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> It was his first time to interact with the people since the outbreak after he paid a short visit to [[Yunnan]] during 19–21 January as a tradition that China's leaders observed to visit the smaller towns and villages before the Spring Festival. He was said to chair a meeting on 3 February by the state media, but no pictures or videos were released.<ref name=":5" /> Xi also met Cambodian Prime Minister [[Hun Sen]], the first foreign leader to visit China since the coronavirus outbreak on 5 February.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/A-friend-in-need-is-a-friend-indeed-Xi-tells-visiting-Hun-Sen|title='A friend in need is a friend indeed,' Xi tells visiting Hun Sen|website=Nikkei Asian Review|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 21 August, [[Taigu District|Taigu]] and [[Pingyao]] of Shanxi and [[Nanchong]] of Sichuan went into lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |title=China Covid Cases Jump By 2,200 on Tourist-Spot Flare Ups |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-21/china-adds-almost-2-200-new-covid-cases-tourist-spots-worst-hit |website=Bloomberg |date=21 August 2022 |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-date=21 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821050435/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-21/china-adds-almost-2-200-new-covid-cases-tourist-spots-worst-hit |url-status=live }}</ref> On 28 August, Hebei authorities issued a stay-at-home order for residents of [[Xianghe]], [[Zhuozhou]] and all urban districts of [[Shijiazhuang]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Chinese Province Bordering Beijing Expands Covid Lockdown |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-28/chinese-province-bordering-beijing-expands-covid-lockdown |website=Bloomberg |date=28 August 2022 |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308030813/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-28/chinese-province-bordering-beijing-expands-covid-lockdown |url-status=live }}</ref> On 31 August, [[Daqing]] in Heilongjiang was put into lockdown.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202209/01/WS63107098a310fd2b29e7578e.html |title=Heilongjiang wrestles with COVID outbreak |website=China Daily |date=1 September 2022 |access-date=6 September 2022 |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127165151/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202209/01/WS63107098a310fd2b29e7578e.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 10 March, [[Communist Party of China|Chinese Communist Party]] [[General Secretary of the Communist Party of China|general secretary]] [[Xi Jinping]] visited [[Wuhan]], over one month after Premier Li Keqiang's visit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china/xi-visits-wuhan-signaling-tide-turning-in-chinas-coronavirus-battle-idUSKBN20X01F|title=Xi visits Wuhan, signaling tide turning in China's coronavirus battle|author=Yew Lun Tian, Se Young Lee|date=10 March 2020|agency=Reuters|access-date=10 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/leaders/2020-03/11/c_1125693204.htm |script-title=zh:习近平总书记武汉之行传递战"疫"新信号|author=赵承|editor=顾天成|date=11 March 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|access-date=11 March 2020|language=zh-cn}}</ref> |
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On 1 September, [[Chengdu]] announced a lockdown of its 21.2 million residents, the most populous city to be locked down since Shanghai in earlier 2022. Other major cities including Shenzhen and Dalian also stepped up COVID restrictions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chengdu locks down 21.2 million as Chinese cities battle COVID |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-chengdu-conduct-mass-covid-testing-lockdowns-cases-climb-2022-09-01 |website=Reuters |date=1 September 2022 |access-date=6 September 2022 |archive-date=5 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905055426/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-chengdu-conduct-mass-covid-testing-lockdowns-cases-climb-2022-09-01/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 September, [[Guiyang]] sealed off six of its districts to contain Covid outbreak.<ref>{{cite web |title=China's Lockdown Hits City of 6 Million; Chengdu Still Shut |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-05/china-s-guiyang-locks-down-some-areas-to-contain-covid-outbreak |website=Bloomberg |date=5 September 2022 |access-date=6 September 2022 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205223710/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-09-05/china-s-guiyang-locks-down-some-areas-to-contain-covid-outbreak |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 September, lockdowns were mostly lifted in Chengdu, save for six districts.<ref>{{cite news |title=China's Chengdu exits full citywide COVID lockdown on Thursday |newspaper=Reuters |date=15 September 2022 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-chengdu-lift-citywide-covid-lockdown-thursday-2022-09-14 |access-date=16 September 2022 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922061115/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-chengdu-lift-citywide-covid-lockdown-thursday-2022-09-14/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Administrative supervision === |
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Since the outbreak of the epidemic, a number of government officials have been publicly held accountable for their dereliction of duty in the epidemic prevention in 6 provinces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/29/681201.html|script-title=zh:从副厅到村官,六省市多名干部防疫失职被问责|author=沙雪良|date=29 January 2020|website=新京报|accessdate=2 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 18 September, a bus carrying 47 people from Guiyang being taken to quarantine in [[Libo County]] [[2022 Guizhou bus crash|crashed]] in [[Sandu Shui Autonomous County|Sandu County]] of [[Guizhou]] province, killing 27 on board. The accident set off a storm of anger online over the harshness of strict COVID policies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-covid-quarantine-bus-crash-deaths-outcry-zero-covid-policy |title=China quarantine bus crashes, killing dozens and prompting fresh outcry over draconian "zero COVID" policy |newspaper=CBS |date=20 September 2022 |access-date=6 February 2023 |archive-date=20 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220040453/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-covid-quarantine-bus-crash-deaths-outcry-zero-covid-policy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 29 January, Director of Huanggang MHC Tang Zhihong failed to tell the capacity of the local hospitals including how many patients that they could handle, how many could be hospitalized and how many patients could be tested each day when asked about these questions despite being an administrator of the local hospitals.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mil.news.sina.com.cn/2020-01-31/doc-iimxyqvy9329136.shtml|script-title=zh:唐主任被问责,为谁敲响警钟?|date=31 January 2020|website=参考消息|via=新浪军事|accessdate=2 February 2020}}</ref> A day later, the Party Committee of Huanggang proposed a removal of Tang from the post. On 1 February, according to the Mayor of Huanggang named Qui Lixin, the city authority disciplined 337 of its officials and removed 6 cadres who "caused disadvantages to the epidemic prevention".<ref name="上观337人">{{cite web|url=https://www.jfdaily.com/news/detail?id=205716|script-title=zh:黄冈问责党员干部337人,3名正县级免职,黄冈市长"感到内疚和自责"|date=2 February 2020|website=上观新闻|accessdate=2 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-02-02/doc-iimxxste8194624.shtml|script-title=zh:每日防控综述{{!}}黄冈问责防控疫情不力党员干部337人|date=2 February 2020|website=中央纪委国家监委网站|via=新浪|accessdate=2 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 5 October, [[Xishuangbanna]] of Yunnan province went into full lockdown, leaving travellers stranded at its airport. On the same day, residents were banned from leaving Xinjiang over an outbreak, weeks after the region had been relaxing restrictions following a stringent lockdown.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/10/05/angry-tourists-confront-armed-guards-chinese-airport-placed | title=Angry tourists confront armed guards as Chinese airport placed in Covid lockdown | newspaper=The Telegraph | date=5 October 2022 | last1=Pan | first1=Jenny | last2=Bowman | first2=Verity | access-date=12 October 2022 | archive-date=12 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012084945/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/10/05/angry-tourists-confront-armed-guards-chinese-airport-placed/ | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 2 February, Zhang Cong, [[Party Committee Secretary|Party Secretary]] of [[Xuanhua District|Xuanhua]], Hebei was admonished. Zhang Guoqing, Deputy Party Secretary of Xuanhua and Guo Xiaoyi, the political commissar of the local police were given disciplinary actions by the Party.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hebcdi.gov.cn/2020-02/01/content_7679206.htm|script-title=zh:省纪委监委通报一起疫情防控排查工作不力问题|date=1 February 2020|website=河北省纪委监委网站|accessdate=2 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="duo2">{{cite news|url=https://www.dwnews.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/60166675/%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E7%96%AB%E6%83%85%E5%A4%9A%E5%9C%B0%E5%AE%98%E5%91%98%E9%81%AD%E5%A4%84%E7%90%86%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E5%B8%82%E9%95%BF%E9%99%B7%E5%90%8D%E8%A1%A8%E7%96%91%E4%BA%91%E5%9B%BE|script-title=zh:【武汉疫情】多地官员遭处理 武汉市长陷名表疑云[图]【武汉疫情】多地官员遭处理 武汉市长陷名表疑云[图]}}</ref> On the same day, February, Xiangshui, Jiangsu reported three cases of misconduct. The cases were associated with illegal disclosure of [[personal data]] and dereliction of duty. Party secretary, Zhang Changyue and deputy director Gu Bing of the Zhangji Health Center and the director of the Xiangshui CDC were removed or disciplined.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5736199|script-title=zh:江苏响水多人因疫情防控不力被问责,含当地疾控中心主任|author=袁杰|date=2 February 2020|website=澎湃新闻|accessdate=2 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 17 October, Zhengzhou locked down its district [[Zhongyuan District|Zhongyuan]] to tame a virus flareup.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-17/china-locks-down-area-of-nearly-1-million-near-iphone-factory | title=China Locks Down Almost 1 Million People Near iPhone Factory | newspaper=Bloomberg.com | date=17 October 2022 | access-date=18 October 2022 | archive-date=18 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018162956/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-10-17/china-locks-down-area-of-nearly-1-million-near-iphone-factory | url-status=live }}</ref> On 18 October, a 14-year-old girl died after falling ill in a quaratine center in [[Ruzhou]] after being denied prompt medical care, according to her family's account. The case has sparked anger online, forcing censors to remove hashtags for "Ruzhou Girl" online.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-teen-girl-death-covid-quarantine-ruzhou-internet-videos-censored |title=Angry tourists confront armed guards as Chinese airport placed in Covid lockdown |newspaper=CBS |date=21 October 2022 |access-date=6 February 2023 |archive-date=7 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207051144/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/china-teen-girl-death-covid-quarantine-ruzhou-internet-videos-censored/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Tang Hu, the director of the Health Bureau of the Nanhu New District in Yueyang, Hunan Province was suspended. Cai Junfeng, the deputy director of the Lengshuijiang Municipal Committee and Yang Wen, the deputy director of the municipal government office are suspended. He Yong, the deputy secretary of the Gutang Party Committee and township chief was suspended.<ref name="duo2"/> |
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On 26 October, hundreds of migrant workers in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa took to the streets to protest harsh lockdown measures, which had been lasting for 74 days.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/10/29/hundreds-in-tibetan-capital-stage-rare-protest-against-covid-lockdowns | title=Hundreds in Tibetan capital stage rare protest against Covid lockdowns | date=29 October 2022 }}</ref> |
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On 4 February, Zhang Qin, the vice president of the Hubei Red Cross, was removed from his post while Gao Qin and Chen Bo of the Hubei Red Cross were given a warning.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-02/04/c_1125530316.htm |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:湖北省红十字会专职副会长失职失责被免职 |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=4 February 2020}}</ref> The deputy director of the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Statistics, Xia Guohua was also removed from his post. The Secretary and Director of the Leading Party Group of the Wuhan Municipal Development and Reform Commission, the Secretary and Director of the Leading Party Group of the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Statistics, Meng Wukang and the deputy director of the General Office of the Wuhan Municipal Government, Huang Zhitong are admonished.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yicai.com/news/100489088.html|script-title=zh:违规发放口罩,武汉市三名职能部门领导被问责|date=4 February 2020|script-work=zh:湖北日报|accessdate=4 February 2020}}</ref> |
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[[File:2020年4月4日中国全国性哀悼活动 上海 (6).jpg|thumb|right|Leaders of the [[Shanghai Municipal Government]] mourning in front of the government building]] |
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In late October, dozens of cities across China have again ramped up their lockdowns, including districts of Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Datong and Xining, affecting more than 200 million people.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3197416/cities-across-china-double-down-covid-19-controls | title=Cities across China double down on Covid-19 controls | date=27 October 2022 | access-date=1 November 2022 | archive-date=1 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101071351/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3197416/cities-across-china-double-down-covid-19-controls | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63410341 | title=China Covid: Millions back in lockdown as Beijing doubles down on zero-Covid | work=BBC News | date=28 October 2022 | access-date=1 November 2022 | archive-date=1 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101090724/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63410341 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/10/31/china-locks-down-millions-as-cases-rise-ahead-of-winter | title=China locks down millions as COVID cases rise before winter | access-date=1 November 2022 | archive-date=1 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101071351/https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/10/31/china-locks-down-millions-as-cases-rise-ahead-of-winter | url-status=live }}</ref> In Heilongjiang province, [[Suihua]] and [[Mudanjiang]] were also experiencing outbreaks.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/china-covid-curbs-hit-iphone-output-shut-shanghai-disney |title=China COVID curbs hit iPhone output, shut Shanghai Disney | Nasdaq |access-date=4 November 2022 |archive-date=4 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221104202842/https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/china-covid-curbs-hit-iphone-output-shut-shanghai-disney |url-status=live }}</ref> In Zhengzhou, workers at the [[Foxconn]] factory have turned to social media for help and to voice their anger about inadequate food and lack of medical care amid strict control measures implemented on the campus. The complex employs more than 200,000 workers, thousands of them chose to escape the campus en masse, trekking across fields to return to their home.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3197502/fear-and-anger-inside-worlds-largest-iphone-factory-foxconn-workers-vent-about-covid-19-restrictions | title=Anger inside the world's largest iPhone factory as Covid-19 spreads | date=27 October 2022 | access-date=1 November 2022 | archive-date=1 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101071335/https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3197502/fear-and-anger-inside-worlds-largest-iphone-factory-foxconn-workers-vent-about-covid-19-restrictions | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/30/china-braces-for-wave-of-workers-fleeing-iphone-factory-in-covid-hit-zhengzhou | title=China braces for wave of workers fleeing iPhone factory in Covid-hit Zhengzhou | website=[[TheGuardian.com]] | date=30 October 2022 | access-date=1 November 2022 | archive-date=1 November 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101071335/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/30/china-braces-for-wave-of-workers-fleeing-iphone-factory-in-covid-hit-zhengzhou | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 15 February, ''[[Qiushi]]'' magazine documented a 7 January order by Xi Jinping, regarding the COVID-19 outbreak at a [[Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China|Politburo Standing Committee]] meeting.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/15/world/asia/coronavirus-china-live-updates.html|title=U.S. Says It Will Evacuate Americans From Cruise Ship|date=6 March 2020|work=The New York Times}}</ref> However, a record of that same meeting released beforehand shows that there was zero mention of the epidemic throughout.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/endohomare/20200216-00163380/|website=Yahoo! Japan News|date=16 February 2020|title=習近平「1月7日に感染対策指示」は虚偽か|access-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200216131334/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/endohomare/20200216-00163380/|archive-date=16 February 2020|url-status=live|quote=According to the issue of Chinese Communist Party Central Magazine "[[Qiushi]]" printed on February 15, Xi Jinping wrote, in the February 3rd meeting, he claimed he had already warned about the novel coronavirus pneumonia on the January 7th meeting. However, there are no records of such in neither the February 3 meeting minute nor the January 7 meeting minute. Which indicate this is a retrospectively made excuse and Xi Jinping have made a lie.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/17/asia/china-coronavirus-xi-jinping-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Did Xi Jinping know about the coronavirus outbreak earlier than first suggested?|date=17 February 2020|publisher=CNN|first=James|last=Griffiths|access-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219052546/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/17/asia/china-coronavirus-xi-jinping-intl-hnk/index.html|archive-date=19 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 2 November, the death of a 3-year-old boy to a gas leak in [[Lanzhou]], reportedly after delay in receiving treatment due to movement restriction has triggered a wave of public anger. Videos on social media show residents taking to the streets demanding answer from authorities and buses containing SWAT teams arriving at the scene.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/03/china/china-covid-lanzhou-child-death-outrage-intl-hnk/index.html | title=Death of boy in lockdown fuels backlash against China's zero-Covid policy | date=3 November 2022 | access-date=3 November 2022 | archive-date=6 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206022319/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/03/china/china-covid-lanzhou-child-death-outrage-intl-hnk/index.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Local authorities issued apologised the next day.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-authorities-apologise-boy-dies-covid-19-lockdown-lanzhou-3041036 |title=China authorities apologise after boy dies in COVID-19 lockdown - CNA |access-date=4 November 2022 |archive-date=3 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221103110322/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-authorities-apologise-boy-dies-covid-19-lockdown-lanzhou-3041036 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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=== National mourning === |
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On 3 April, the Chinese government declared 4 April, the [[Qingming Festival]] of 2020, a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic. At 10 a.m., people were asked to observe three minutes of silence while sirens and vehicle horns blasted out. Chinese flags were flown at [[half-mast]] across the country and at embassies overseas. All public entertainment were halted for the day.<ref>{{cite news|title=Coronavirus: China to stage day of mourning on Saturday for thousands killed by Covid-19|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3078271/coronavirus-china-stage-day-mourning-saturday-thousands-killed|work=South China Morning Post |date=3 April 2020|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> |
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{{clear}} |
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On 9 November, movement restriction measures were placed in the urban districts of [[Chongqing]]. It was reported that the city has been struggling to contain spread of virus.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chongqing struggles to contain spread of virus |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202211/14/WS63721039a3104917543299ec.html |website=China Daily |date=14 November 2022 |access-date=15 November 2022 |archive-date=14 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114111041/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202211/14/WS63721039a3104917543299ec.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Planning of other government activities === |
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China still plans to undertake its census in November 2020, but preparations have been affected due to COVID-19 and are being reviewed.<ref>{{Cite book|last=|first=|url=https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/resource-pdf/Census_COVID19_digital.pdf|title=Technical Brief on the Implications of COVID-19 on Census|publisher=UNFPA|year=2020|isbn=|location=|pages=}}</ref> |
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=== Protests and end of zero-COVID measures === |
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== International and regional relations == |
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{{Main article|2022 COVID-19 protests in China}} |
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In [[Guangzhou]], a surge in cases has spurred blanket lockdowns in the city. On 5 November, [[Haizhu District]] was locked down and transport systems were suspended. On 9 November, the city reported more than 3,000 cases and locked down its central district of Liwan.<ref>{{cite web |title=China's manufacturing hub Guangzhou locks down millions as Covid outbreak widens |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/09/china/china-covid-guangzhou-lockdown-intl-hnk/index.html |website=CNN |date=9 November 2022 |access-date=15 November 2022 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115172027/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/09/china/china-covid-guangzhou-lockdown-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 14 November, it has been reported that residents in several districts have taken to the streets to protest against restriction policies. Videos posted online showed crowds crashing through lockdown barriers and marching down streets.<ref>{{cite web |title=China's COVID frustrations spark unrest in Guangzhou as cases rise |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-reports-17909-new-covid-cases-nov-14-vs-16203-day-earlier-2022-11-15 |website=Reuters |date=15 November 2022 |access-date=15 November 2022 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115175906/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-reports-17909-new-covid-cases-nov-14-vs-16203-day-earlier-2022-11-15/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=15 November 2022 |title=Chaotic scenes in southern Chinese city as Covid curbs fuel unrest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/15/covid-curbs-fuel-unrest-in-southern-chinese-city-video-shows |website=Guardian |access-date=15 November 2022 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115172736/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/15/covid-curbs-fuel-unrest-in-southern-chinese-city-video-shows |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 21 November, Beijing authorities shut most non-essential business and issued stay home order in the city's largest district of [[Chaoyang District, Beijing|Chaoyang]].<ref>{{cite web |title=China lockdowns reach record level as coronavirus cases soar |url=https://www.ft.com/content/f724e3ad-8cae-4f00-8ad2-aa8a5c035fe9 |website=Financial Times |date=22 November 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124103006/https://www.ft.com/content/f724e3ad-8cae-4f00-8ad2-aa8a5c035fe9 |url-status=live }}</ref> The city reported three COVID-related deaths on the weekends before, the first deaths in mainland China since the Shanghai outbreak in May.<ref>{{cite web |title=China reports first Covid deaths since May lockdown in Shanghai |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/21/mainland-china-reports-first-covid-related-deaths-since-shanghai-lockdown.html |website=CNBC.com |date=20 November 2022 |access-date=24 November 2022 |archive-date=24 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124103539/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/21/mainland-china-reports-first-covid-related-deaths-since-shanghai-lockdown.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Information sharing === |
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On 23 November, China reported 31,444 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily figure since the virus was first detected in 2019 and surpassing figures during the Shanghai outbreak between March and May. The government responded by tightening restrictions in cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Government of [[Changchun]] urged the public to halt non-essential movement and avoid going outside.<ref>{{cite web |title=China imposes new lockdowns as local Covid cases hit record high |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/24/china-imposes-new-lockdowns-as-local-covid-cases-hit-record-high |website=Guardian |date=24 November 2022 |access-date=2 December 2022 |archive-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202193032/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/24/china-imposes-new-lockdowns-as-local-covid-cases-hit-record-high |url-status=live }}</ref> In Zhengzhou, protests erupted at the Foxconn iPhone manufacturing factory campus over poor pay and restriction conditions, after authorities attempted to lock down the facility following an outbreak.<ref>{{cite web |title=Workers at the world's largest iPhone factory in China clash with police, videos show |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/23/tech/china-covid-foxconn-zhengzhou-confrontation-intl-hnk/index.html |website=CNN |date=23 November 2022 |access-date=2 December 2022 |archive-date=2 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202184312/https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/23/tech/china-covid-foxconn-zhengzhou-confrontation-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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China's scientists have been praised for rapidly sharing information on the virus to the international community,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publichealth.yale.edu/news-article/22389/|title=Rapid Data Sharing and Genomics Vital to China Virus Response|website=Yale School of Public Health|language=en|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/01/scientists-urge-china-quickly-share-data-virus-linked-pneumonia-outbreak|title=Scientists urge China to quickly share data on virus linked to pneumonia outbreak|last=Normile|first=Dennis|last2=Cohen|first2=Jon|date=9 January 2020|magazine=Science |language=en|access-date=6 April 2020|last3=Kupferschmidt |first3=Kai}}</ref> and leading some of the world's research on the disease.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Apuzzo|first=Matt|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/world/europe/coronavirus-science-research-cooperation.html|title=Covid-19 Changed How the World Does Science, Together|date=1 April 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=6 April 2020|last2=Kirkpatrick|first2=David D.|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[File:Top 20 flight routes from Wuhan with data on IDVI for each country.jpeg|thumb|Wuhan is a transport hub connected to many international cities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51202254|title=Wuhan: The London-sized city where the virus began|date=23 January 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202202441/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51202254|archive-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The figure shows top 20 flight international routes from Wuhan.]] Foreign Ministry spokesman [[Geng Shuang]] said on 21 January that the Chinese authorities would share information of the epidemic "with the WHO, relevant nations and China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions in a timely manner including the genome sequence of the new coronavirus."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1734624.shtml|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on January 21, 2020|date=21 January 2020|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of People's Republic of China|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130082642/https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1734624.shtml|archive-date=30 January 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> During the sidelines of the [[World Economic Forum]], Germany's health minister [[Jens Spahn]] praised China for its improved transparency since 2003.<ref name=":25">{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-24/china-doing-good-job-in-combating-virus-german-minister-says|title=China Praised By Germany For Transparency in Combating Virus|last=Delfs|first=Arne|last2=Lacqua|first2=Francine|date=n.d.|publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202183925/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-01-24/china-doing-good-job-in-combating-virus-german-minister-says|archive-date=2 February 2020|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> US officials and WHO also praised China for sharing data about the epidemic and keeping transparent. The US experts had been invited by China's NHC.<ref name=":02">{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/29/officials-praise-china-transparency-virus-108926|title=U.S. officials praise Chinese transparency on virus – up to a point|last=Karlin-Smith|first=Sarah|website=Politico|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131011000/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/01/29/officials-praise-china-transparency-virus-108926|archive-date=31 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 January, WHO director-general, [[Tedros Adhanom]] and WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, [[Takeshi Kasai]] arrived in Beijing to discuss the new coronavirus outbreak with the Chinese authorities and health experts.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.un.org/zh/story/2020/01/1049922|title=世界卫生组织总干事抵达北京 与中国方面讨论新型冠状病毒疫情|access-date=28 January 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128122610/https://news.un.org/zh/story/2020/01/1049922|archive-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> China agreed on 28 January that WHO would send international experts to China.<ref name=":27">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51279726|title=Hong Kong to slash border travel as virus spreads|date=28 January 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204052237/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51279726|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 24 November, [[2022 Ürümqi fire|a building fire]] in under-lockdown [[Ürümqi]] killed ten people and wounded nine.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kang |first=Dake |date=26 November 2022 |title=10 killed in apartment fire in northwest China's Xinjiang |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/10-killed-in-apartment-fire-in-northwest-chinas-xinjiang/2022/11/24/d0bc6334-6c61-11ed-8619-0b92f0565592_story.html |access-date=26 November 2022 |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125021849/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/10-killed-in-apartment-fire-in-northwest-chinas-xinjiang/2022/11/24/d0bc6334-6c61-11ed-8619-0b92f0565592_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This sparked [[2022 COVID-19 protests in China|widespread protests]] against lockdowns and COVID-19 policies across major Chinese cities, prompting the Chinese government to signal plans to ease restrictions. On 30 November, vice premier [[Sun Chunlan]] announced that pandemic controls are entering a "new stage and mission", adding that the Omicron variant is less virulent and that rectification of control methods are underway. Sun said local governments should "respond to and resolve the reasonable demands of the masses".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Chang |first1=Wayne |last2=Xu |first2=Xiaofei |title=China entering 'new stage and mission' for Covid-19 controls, says official, following protests |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/30/china/china-zero-covid-new-stage-guangzhou-intl/index.html |website=[[CNN]] |language=en |date=30 November 2022 |access-date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=19 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519214226/https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/30/china/china-zero-covid-new-stage-guangzhou-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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John Mackenzie, a member of the World Health Organization's emergency committee criticized China for being too slow to share all of the infected cases, especially during major political meetings in Wuhan after Tedros Adhanom praised China for helping "prevent the spread of coronavirus to the other countries."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/8ede7e92-4749-11ea-aeb3-955839e06441|title=WHO expert says China too slow to report coronavirus cases|last=Riordan|first=Primrose|last2=Wong|first2=Sue-Lin|date=5 February 2020|website=Financial Times|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> US President [[Donald Trump]] said that China was "was very secretive and that's unfortunate" regarding the information on the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news|author=Press Trust of India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/little-upset-with-china-over-coronavirus-info-sharing-trump-120032300931_1.html |title='Little upset with China' over coronavirus info sharing: Trump | Business Standard News |publisher=Business-standard.com |date= |accessdate=11 April 2020}}</ref> Yanzhong Huang, a health expert at [[Seton Hall University]], said that China could have been more forceful and "when there was a cover-up and there was inaction".<ref>{{cite news|author=Javier C. Hernández |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/08/world/asia/trump-who-coronavirus-china.html |title=Trump Slammed the W.H.O. Over Coronavirus. He’s Not Alone. - The New York Times |publisher=Nytimes.com |date=4 April 2020 |accessdate=11 April 2020}}</ref> |
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On 7 December, the [[National Health Commission]] announced a nationwide loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, in which PCR testing would be reduced and lockdowns would also be limited.<ref>{{cite news |title=China announces nationwide loosening of COVID-19 restrictions |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-covid-19-rules-eased-nationwide-home-quarantine-pcr-testing-3127846 |website=CNA |language=en |date=7 November 2022 |access-date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208002220/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-covid-19-rules-eased-nationwide-home-quarantine-pcr-testing-3127846 |url-status=live }}</ref> Among the changes, the health pass application will no longer be required for entry to most public spaces and patients with mild symptoms may quarantine at home rather than in the facilities.<ref>{{cite news |title=China is dismantling its zero-covid machine |url=https://www.economist.com/china/2022/12/06/china-is-dismantling-its-zero-covid-machine |website=Economist |language=en |date=6 November 2022 |access-date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208002220/https://www.economist.com/china/2022/12/06/china-is-dismantling-its-zero-covid-machine |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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A number of other countries' governments have called for an international examination of the virus's origin and spread.<ref name="CNBC 18 May 2020"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Australia welcomes growing support for COVID-19 inquiry at WHO meeting |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKBN22U0OH |accessdate=18 May 2020 |work=Reuters |date=18 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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On 8 January 2023, the Chinese government removed some immigration restrictions and started issuing more passports to Chinese citizens and more visas to foreign nationals after almost three years of significant restrictions due to anti-pandemic control measures.<ref>{{cite news |title=China has reopened its borders to tourists after three years of COVID-19 closure |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/01/08/1147734190/china-has-reopened-its-borders-to-tourists-after-three-years-of-covid-closure |publisher=NPR |date=8 January 2023 |access-date=10 January 2023 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110170652/https://www.npr.org/2023/01/08/1147734190/china-has-reopened-its-borders-to-tourists-after-three-years-of-covid-closure |url-status=live }}</ref> The Hong Kong government also announced it would start to reopen its border with mainland China, allowing people to travel without quarantine.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hong Kong to start reopening border with China on Sunday |url=https://apnews.com/article/health-hong-kong-china-business-92256ba215e8163100ea8e7c892684cf |publisher=AP News |date=5 January 2023 |access-date=8 January 2023 |archive-date=8 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108164422/https://apnews.com/article/health-hong-kong-china-business-92256ba215e8163100ea8e7c892684cf |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Evacuations === |
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{{Main|Evacuations related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic}} |
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Multiple countries evacuated or are trying to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan including South Korea, Japan, the US, the UK, Kazakhstan, Germany, Spain, Canada, Russia, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, France, Switzerland and Thailand.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-evacuation-factbox-idUSKBN1ZU0TW|title=Factbox: Countries evacuating nationals from China virus areas|date=31 January 2020|agency=Reuters|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160929/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-evacuation-factbox-idUSKBN1ZU0TW|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Korean media [[Channel A (TV channel)|Channel A]] said that China asked the evacuation flights to arrive in the evening and leave Wuhan in the next morning so the evacuation would not be seen by the public.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ettoday.net/news/20200203/1636838.htm|title=擔心各國撤僑「掃顏面」 韓媒:大陸要求半夜才能撤 {{!}} ETtoday新聞雲|date=3 February 2020|website=ETtoday|language=zh-Hant|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160925/https://www.ettoday.net/news/20200203/1636838.htm|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> According to BBC, any Chinese national, even with a UK citizenship is not allowed to be evacuated by the UK.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51304204|title=British evacuation flight out of Wuhan delayed|date=30 January 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130104111/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-51304204|archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 15 March 2023, China opens its borders to foreign tourists after more than three years of restrictions by allowing all categories of visas to be issued.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-resume-issuing-all-types-visas-foreigners-bloomberg-news-2023-03-13 | title=China to fully reopen borders to foreigners but near-term hurdles remain | newspaper=Reuters | date=14 March 2023 | last1=Cash | first1=Joe | last2=Yu | first2=Sophie | last3=Cash | first3=Joe | access-date=14 March 2023 | archive-date=14 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314181025/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-resume-issuing-all-types-visas-foreigners-bloomberg-news-2023-03-13/ | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Taiwan ==== |
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{{See also|Cross-Strait relations}} |
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After initially refusing to allow Taiwanese citizens to evacuate due to the [[One-China policy]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/one-china-dispute-means-one-big-headache-for-taiwan-in-coronavirus-crisis/2020/02/04/eda3b898-462c-11ea-91ab-ce439aa5c7c1_story.html|title='One China' dispute means one big headache for Taiwan in coronavirus crisis|date=4 February 2020|work=The Washington Post|access-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160929/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/one-china-dispute-means-one-big-headache-for-taiwan-in-coronavirus-crisis/2020/02/04/eda3b898-462c-11ea-91ab-ce439aa5c7c1_story.html|archive-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> the Chinese government eventually allowed Taiwan to evacuate its nationals from Wuhan with the assistance of the local [[Taiwan Affairs Office]].<ref name=":28">{{cite web|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3869780|title=China finally to allow evacuation of 200 Taiwanese from Wuhan tonight|last=Everington|first=Keoni|date=n.d.|website=Taiwan News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160926/https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3869780|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> There were around 500 Taiwanese trapped in Wuhan. The first flight to help them leave left Wuhan on 3 February.<ref name=":29">{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/coronavirus-taiwan-evacuates-first-group-from-wuhan-announces-limit-on-mask-purchases|title=Coronavirus: Taiwan evacuates first group from Wuhan, announces limit on mask purchases|date=4 February 2020|website=The Straits Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160925/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/coronavirus-taiwan-evacuates-first-group-from-wuhan-announces-limit-on-mask-purchases|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> All of them would be quarantined for two weeks after they enter Taiwan.<ref name=":28" /> |
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== December 2022–January 2023 surge == |
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The evacuation halted after the first flight was found to carry an infected case. The Taiwanese government said that the person was not in the evacuation list and the most vulnerable were not included in the first flight. It also said that it was not prepared to take these people with a high risk of viral infections home.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://focustaiwan.tw/cross-strait/202002050027|title=Taiwan's latest Wuhan virus patient was not listed for evacuation from China|date=5 February 2020|website=Focus Taiwan|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> [[Tsai Ing-wen]] criticized China's attempt to rule Taiwan out in WHO and said, "The information obtained by the WHO was obviously inaccurate ... and could cause the WHO to make mistakes in dealing with the global epidemic."<ref>{{cite news |title=Taiwan Hits Out at China's Management of Evacuation Flight, Quarantine |url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/taiwan-virus-02072020180732.html |accessdate=21 March 2020 |work=Radio Free Asia }}</ref> Premier [[Su Tseng-chang]] called for a government-to-government negotiation for the following arrangement of chapter flights<ref>{{cite web|url=https://udn.com/news/story/120940/4327490 |script-title=zh:第二批滯留武漢台商返台生變 兩岸再互嗆|date=6 February 2020|website=Union Daily News|language=zh-Hant-TW|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> despite the fact that the cross-strait communication mechanism between governments had been suspended since 2016 when Tsai was elected president.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/china-taiwan-relations|title=China-Taiwan Relations|website=Council on Foreign Relations|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> |
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Following the rapid scaling down of stringent zero-COVID restrictions, Beijing reported a surge in COVID-19 infections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kang |first=Dake |date=2022-12-24 |title=Packed ICUs, crowded crematoriums: COVID roils Chinese towns |url=https://apnews.com/article/health-china-beijing-covid-d0718b53ded7fb1a70c2db8e564ed072 |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en |archive-date=24 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224181923/https://apnews.com/article/health-china-beijing-covid-d0718b53ded7fb1a70c2db8e564ed072 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Feng |first=Emily |date=23 December 2022 |title=Fears of a 'dark COVID winter' in rural China grow as the holiday rush begins |language=en |work=[[NPR]] |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/12/23/1145252501/fears-of-a-dark-covid-winter-in-rural-china-grow-as-the-holiday-rush-begins |access-date=2022-12-25 |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225034700/https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2022/12/23/1145252501/fears-of-a-dark-covid-winter-in-rural-china-grow-as-the-holiday-rush-begins |url-status=live }}</ref> The Chinese central government's reported death statistics only include cases in which COVID-19 directly caused respiratory failure, which led to skepticism by health experts of the government's total death count.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bradsher |first1=Keith |last2=Chien |first2=Amy Chang |last3=Dong |first3=Joy |date=2022-12-23 |title=As Cases Explode, China's Low Covid Death Toll Convinces No One |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/23/world/asia/china-covid-death-toll.html |access-date=2022-12-23 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223102800/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/23/world/asia/china-covid-death-toll.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=20 December 2022 |title=China's low covid death count is being criticized as implausible |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/20/china-covid-coronavirus-low-numbers/ |access-date=23 December 2022 |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223173533/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/12/20/china-covid-coronavirus-low-numbers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Restaurants and food delivery services were reported to have closed due to too many workers being infected and pharmacies have been emptied of medicine and disinfectant solution.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 December 2022 |title=As Covid Spreads Fast, Beijing Isn't in Lockdown. But It Feels Like It |language=en |website=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/world/asia/china-covid-zero-beijing.html |access-date=15 December 2022 |archive-date=15 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215200528/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/13/world/asia/china-covid-zero-beijing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On December 10, reports of Covid surges in smaller towns across China have attracted nationwide attention. In [[Dazhou]] and [[Baoding]], locals said that clinics are seeing an overflow in patients.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.whatsonweibo.com/big-covid-outbreaks-in-small-chinese-towns-baoding-and-dazhou-share-struggles-on-social-media | title=Big Covid Outbreaks in Small Chinese Towns: Baoding and Dazhou Share Struggles on Social Media | date=10 December 2022 | access-date=8 January 2023 | archive-date=8 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108163937/https://www.whatsonweibo.com/big-covid-outbreaks-in-small-chinese-towns-baoding-and-dazhou-share-struggles-on-social-media | url-status=live }}</ref> The Central Economic Work Conference, a key economic policy meeting, was subsequently postponed due to the spike in infections.<ref>{{cite news |title=China Postpones Key Economic Policy Meeting Due to Covid Spike |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-13/china-postpones-key-economic-policy-meeting-due-to-covid-spike |website=Bloomberg |language=en |date=13 December 2022 |access-date=15 December 2022 |archive-date=13 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213103454/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-13/china-postpones-key-economic-policy-meeting-due-to-covid-spike |url-status=live }}</ref> On 15 December, the National Health Commission has stopped reporting asymptomatic cases as it was "impossible to accurately grasp" the actual number of asymptomatic infections.<ref>{{cite news |title='Beijing's really confused now': China stops reporting most COVID cases |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/beijing-s-really-confused-now-china-stops-reporting-most-covid-cases-20221215-p5c6sv.html |website=Sydney Morning Herald |date=15 December 2022 |access-date=15 December 2022 |archive-date=15 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215200528/https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/beijing-s-really-confused-now-china-stops-reporting-most-covid-cases-20221215-p5c6sv.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|State Council]]'s [[Taiwan Affairs Office]] urged the Taiwanese government to stop impeding the evacuation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/07/c_138761786.htm|title=mainland urges Taiwan authority to stop impeding Taiwan compatriots returning from Hubei|date=7 February 2020|agency=Xinhua News Agency|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> The office said that before the flight, all of the passengers signed a personal declaration claiming that they have no contact with any confirmed or suspected cases and promising to comply with quarantine measures after returning to the island. All of the passengers are checked for their temperature three times before the flight and showed no abnormality. The office said critically that the Taiwanese government first expressed appreciation before the flight, but changed its attitude after the flight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202002/07/WS5e3c43f2a310128217275963.html|title=Taiwan bars return of residents from mainland, says Beijing – Chinadaily.com.cn|date=7 February 2020|website=China Daily|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> Wuhan's Taiwan Affairs Office asked Taiwan for more details about the infected case as the basic descriptions of the patient including age and gender were not given as previously 17 cases in Taiwan. The office also said that the patient's close relatives were not at all informed of the viral infection.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-02/08/c_1125547215.htm|script-title=zh:武汉台办:台卫生机构应对台胞确诊病例相关情况作出说明|date=n.d.|agency=Xinhua News Agency|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 20 December, the Chinese State Council narrowed its definition of what would be counted as a COVID-19 death, specifying that only deaths caused by pneumonia and respiratory failure would count toward the total number of fatalities resulting from SARS-CoV-2. This decision came as long lines of hearses appeared outside of crematoriums throughout China and medical students at universities nationwide protested for better pay and increased protections at overcrowded hospitals.<ref name="Surge Definitions">{{cite news |last1=Yu |first1=Verna |title=China changes definition of Covid deaths as cases surge |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/21/china-covid-infection-surge-puts-end-of-global-emergency-in-doubt-who |access-date=22 December 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=20 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221222175121/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/21/china-covid-infection-surge-puts-end-of-global-emergency-in-doubt-who |archive-date=22 December 2022}}</ref><ref name="Med Student Protests">{{cite news |last1=Zhang |first1=Phoebe |title=Coronavirus in China: medical students demand better pay, protection on Covid front line |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3203548/coronavirus-china-medical-students-demand-better-pay-protection-covid-front-line |access-date=22 December 2022 |publisher=South China Morning Post |date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220095726/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3203548/coronavirus-china-medical-students-demand-better-pay-protection-covid-front-line |archive-date=20 December 2022}}</ref> |
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=== Immigration control === |
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{{further|Travel restrictions related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic}} |
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[[File:PRC Exit-Entry Health Declaration Form - February 2020.jpg|thumb|upright|Since 25 January 2020, all passengers entering or exiting mainland China in Beijing, Shanghai and [[Guangdong]] must write a health declaration where the individual must answer whether they have been to Hubei Province. This declaration form can also be filled by using [[WeChat]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-01-30/doc-iimxxste7740072.shtml|title=出入境健康申报指引|date=30 January 2020|work=中央广播电视总台国际在线|accessdate=31 January 2020}}</ref>]]The State Administration of Immigration promised that the border inspection agencies at all ports of entry and exit in China would continue to provide necessary facilities and services for Chinese citizens returning home.<ref name=":30" /> On 25 January, the [[General Administration of Customs]] reactivated the health declaration system where people entering or exiting mainland China are asked to write a health declaration. Border control staff shall also cooperate in health and quarantine work such as body temperature monitoring, medical inspection, and medical check-up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/2480148/2852137/index.html|title=海关总署公告2020年第16号(关于重新启动出入境人员填写健康申明卡制度的公告)|date=25 January 2020|work=海关总署|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126235436/http://www.customs.gov.cn/customs/302249/2480148/2852137/index.html|archive-date=26 January 2020|accessdate=27 January 2020}}</ref> On 31 January, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it was arranging charter flights to take the Chinese citizens from Hubei and Wuhan back to Wuhan 124, given the practical difficulties that they faced overseas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1505835-20200131.htm |script-title=zh:外交部:決定派包機接海外湖北公民回國|publisher=RTHK|access-date=31 January 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131052311/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1505835-20200131.htm|archive-date=31 January 2020|language=zh-hk}}</ref> |
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On 22 December, a report by UK research firm [[Airfinity]] modelling based on regional Chinese data estimated that more than 5,000 people are probably dying each day from COVID-19 in China, with cases rising fastest in Beijing and Guangdong province.<ref>{{cite news |title=China COVID deaths probably running above 5,000 per day - UK research firm Airfinity |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-covid-deaths-probably-running-above-5000-per-day-uk-research-firm-2022-12-22 |website=Reuters |date=22 December 2022 |access-date=23 December 2022 |archive-date=6 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106142746/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-covid-deaths-probably-running-above-5000-per-day-uk-research-firm-2022-12-22/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Internal minutes from a meeting of China's National Health Commission held on 21 December revealed that as many as 248 million people in China might have contracted COVID-19 over the first 20 days of December and nearly 37 million people may have been infected on a single day.<ref>{{cite news |title=China Estimates Covid Surge Is Infecting 37 Million People a Day |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-23/china-estimates-covid-surge-is-infecting-37-million-people-a-day |website=Bloomberg |date=23 December 2022 |access-date=23 December 2022 |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111070341/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-23/china-estimates-covid-surge-is-infecting-37-million-people-a-day |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Hubei suspended the processing of applications from mainland Chinese residents for entry and exit of mainland China. For those with a valid visa to enter Hong Kong and Macao, but fail to enter the areas due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Chinese Immigration Administration will issue a new visa for free on request of the visa holder after the outbreak is lifted. Some of [[Automated border control system|automated border clearance systems]] will be shut down according to the needs of the epidemic prevention. After Wuhan declared lockdown on 23 January, the [[Wuhan Tianhe International Airport|Tianhe Airport]] and [[Hankou]] River ports have been without passengers for several days.<ref name=":30">{{cite web|url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/27/WS5e2e7d0de4b0e6e58393caf2.html |script-title=zh:国家移民管理局:武汉已4天无人员出境|date=27 January 2020|website=北京日报客户端|language=zh-cn|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127153902/http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/27/WS5e2e7d0de4b0e6e58393caf2.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|accessdate=27 January 2020}}</ref> |
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On 23 December, [[Qingdao]]'s municipal health chief Bo Tao has been quoted in a news report that the city was seeing "between 490,000 and 530,000" new infections each day. On the same day, [[Dongguan]]'s health commission declared on its Weixin account that the city had 250,000 to 300,000 people being infected every day.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=24 December 2022 |title=Chinese Cities Reveal Covid Cases Surpassing National Tally |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/6243521/china-covid-cases-surpass-official-tally |access-date=25 December 2022 |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225023358/https://time.com/6243521/china-covid-cases-surpass-official-tally/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Officials in [[Yulin, Shaanxi|Yulin]], a city of 3.6 million people in Shaanxi province, logged 157,000 new infections with models estimating more than a third of the city's population had already been infected.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/25/world/asia/covid-spreading-china.html | title=Covid is Spreading Rapidly in China, New Signs Suggest | work=The New York Times | date=25 December 2022 | last1=Che | first1=Chang | access-date=25 December 2022 | archive-date=25 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225160127/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/25/world/asia/covid-spreading-china.html | url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Since 25 January,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dwnews.com/台湾/60166195/防武汉肺炎台湾扩大管制大陆人士赴台 |script-title=zh:防武汉肺炎 台湾扩大管制大陆人士赴台|date=26 January 2020|work=[[Duowei News]]|language=zh-CN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160927/https://www.dwnews.com/%E5%8F%B0%E6%B9%BE/60166195/%E9%98%B2%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E5%8F%B0%E6%B9%BE%E6%89%A9%E5%A4%A7%E7%AE%A1%E5%88%B6%E5%A4%A7%E9%99%86%E4%BA%BA%E5%A3%AB%E8%B5%B4%E5%8F%B0|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> Taiwan's government banned anyone from mainland China entering the country with<ref name=":29" /> the ban extended to mainland Chinese overseas.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldjournal.com/6755178/article-%e5%8f%b0%e7%81%a3%e5%9a%b4%e9%98%b2%e7%96%ab%e6%83%85-%e6%b5%b7%e5%a4%96%e5%a4%a7%e9%99%b8%e7%b1%8d%e4%ba%ba%e5%a3%ab%e4%b9%9f%e7%a6%81%e6%ad%a2%e5%85%a5%e5%a2%83/ |script-title=zh:台灣嚴防疫情 海外大陸籍人士也禁止入境|date=28 January 2020|work=[[World Journal]]|language=zh-TW|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160945/https://www.worldjournal.com/6755178/article-%e5%8f%b0%e7%81%a3%e5%9a%b4%e9%98%b2%e7%96%ab%e6%83%85-%e6%b5%b7%e5%a4%96%e5%a4%a7%e9%99%b8%e7%b1%8d%e4%ba%ba%e5%a3%ab%e4%b9%9f%e7%a6%81%e6%ad%a2%e5%85%a5%e5%a2%83/|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the global health officials advised not to apply travel restrictions on China, the US and Australia restricted all Chinese citizens from China from entering their borders.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/02/us/coronavirus-us-travel-restrictions/index.html|title=US travel restrictions go into effect to combat coronavirus spread|first=Dakin|last=Andone|publisher=CNN|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205105554/https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/02/us/coronavirus-us-travel-restrictions/index.html|archive-date=5 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Travel restrictions were announced by Russia, Japan, Pakistan and Italy and other countries despite China's criticism of border control.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51338899|title=Countries close borders as coronavirus spreads|date=1 February 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204045928/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-51338899|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/world/asia/china-coronavirus-us-australia.html|title=China Increasingly Walled Off as Countries Seek to Stem Coronavirus|last=Stevenson|first=Alexandra|date=1 February 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=4 February 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204225148/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/world/asia/china-coronavirus-us-australia.html|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 25 December, the National Health Commission announced that it would no longer report daily COVID-19 figures.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Griffiths |first=Robbie |date=2022-12-25 |title=China has stopped publishing daily COVID data amid reports of a huge spike in cases |language=en |work=[[NPR]] |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/12/25/1145472905/china-stops-publishing-daily-covid-data |access-date=2022-12-25 |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225182916/https://www.npr.org/2022/12/25/1145472905/china-stops-publishing-daily-covid-data |url-status=live }}</ref> Zhejiang provincial government said it is battling around a million new infections a day and expected the number to be doubling in days ahead.<ref>{{Cite news |title=China's Zhejiang has 1 mln daily COVID cases, expected to double |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-national-health-commission-stop-publishing-daily-covid-figures-2022-12-25 |date=25 December 2022 |access-date=25 December 2022 |archive-date=25 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225022142/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-national-health-commission-stop-publishing-daily-covid-figures-2022-12-25/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Since 28 January, the Hong Kong government began to cut traffic down connecting mainland China.<ref name=":27" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/28/hong-kong-close-borders-mainland-china-global-alarm-spreads/|title=Hong Kong to close borders with mainland China as global alarm spreads over coronavirus|last=Newey|first=Sarah|date=28 January 2020|work=The Telegraph|access-date=4 February 2020|last2=Smith|first2=Nicola|issn=0307-1235|last3=Yan|first3=Sophia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130071507/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/01/28/hong-kong-close-borders-mainland-china-global-alarm-spreads/|archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On the same day, China's [[National Immigration Administration]] announced that with immediate effect, the application of mainland residents' visa to Hong Kong and Macau would be suspended.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741542/c1214127/content.html |script-title=zh:国家移民管理局暂停办理内地居民往来港澳地区旅游签注|date=28 January 2020|website=国家移民管理局|language=zh-cn|accessdate=28 January 2020}}</ref> On 3 February, Hong Kong closed most of its border to mainland China.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/03/coronavirus-latest-updates-china-hubei-wuhan-cases.html|title=Hong Kong closes most border crossings with mainland China, coronavirus death toll at 362|last=Wang|first=Sam Meredith, Weizhen Tan, Evelyn Cheng, Christine|date=2 February 2020|publisher=CNBC|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204222217/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/03/coronavirus-latest-updates-china-hubei-wuhan-cases.html|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/0d0ebf76-4668-11ea-aee2-9ddbdc86190d|title=Hong Kong closes most crossings to China as coronavirus spreads|date=3 February 2020|website=Financial Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160927/https://www.ft.com/content/0d0ebf76-4668-11ea-aee2-9ddbdc86190d|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> However, Hong Kong nurses still held a strike, demanding a complete closure.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51349154|title=Hong Kong hospital strike over virus border fears|date=3 February 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=4 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204063143/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51349154|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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A ''New York Times'' report on 27 December shown patients in gurneys crammed into corridors in Tianjin's Medical University General Hospital. The report also highlighted a shortage of medicines and a staffing crisis in hospitals in several major cities.<ref>{{cite news |title='Tragic Battle': On the Front Lines of China's Covid Crisis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/27/world/asia/china-covid-hospital-crisis.html |work=[[New York Times]] |date=27 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114230656/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/27/world/asia/china-covid-hospital-crisis.html|archive-date=14 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> As China reopened in December 2022, an analysis of obituaries by the ''Times'' also found that retired Chinese scientists and scholars had begun to pass away at higher rates than would normally be expected, adding to speculation that deaths had been undercounted.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Robles |first1=Pablo |last2=Wang |first2=Vivian |last3=Dong |first3=Joy |title=In China's Covid Fog, Deaths of Scholars Offer a Clue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/05/world/asia/china-obits-covid.html |access-date=5 February 2023 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=5 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205101609/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/02/05/world/asia/china-obits-covid.html |archive-date=5 February 2023}}</ref> |
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=== International aid === |
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On 30 December, the World Health Organization asked the [[National Health Commission]] and the [[National Disease Control and Prevention Administration]] to share more data about its surge of cases, as some countries began to require negative COVID-19 tests for Chinese travelers amid fears of new variants of concern. The WHO also invited Chinese health authorities to share "detailed data on viral sequencing" ahead of a 3 January advisory meeting.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Zhenzhen |title=WHO urges China to share more information on surging Covid-19 infections |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3205172/who-urges-china-share-more-information-surging-covid-19-infections |access-date=31 December 2022 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=31 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231080132/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3205172/who-urges-china-share-more-information-surging-covid-19-infections |archive-date=31 December 2022}}</ref> |
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China received funds and equipment in donations from a number of other countries to help fight the pandemic.<ref name="africanews.com"/><ref name="Xinhuanet.com"/><ref name="Bloomberg"/><ref>{{cite news |title=21 countries donate medical supplies to China: spokesperson |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-02/06/c_138758854.htm |accessdate=3 May 2020 |work=www.xinhuanet.com |date=6 February 2020}}</ref> The [[United Front Work Department]] (UFWD) also coordinated diplomatic channels, state-owned businesses and Chinese diaspora community associations in urging overseas Chinese to buy masks and send them to China. [[Jorge Guajardo]], Mexico's former ambassador to China, suggested that "China was evidently hiding the extent of a pandemic...while covertly securing PPE at low prices", according to ''[[Global News]]''. Guajardo called it a "surreptitious" operation that left "the world naked with no supply of PPE."<ref name="globalnews6858818">{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/6858818/coronavirus-china-united-front-canada-protective-equipment-shortage/ |title=United Front groups in Canada helped Beijing stockpile coronavirus safety supplies - National |publisher=Globalnews.ca |date=30 April 2020 |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> |
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On 3 January 2023, the ''[[People's Daily]]'' reported that up to 70% of Shanghai's population has been infected. In Ruijin Hospital, the volume of patients in the emergency unit has doubled to 1,600 people per day, 80% of them being Covid-related.<ref>{{cite news |title=Covid-19 in China: up to 70 per cent of Shanghai's population has now been infected, says leading city doctor |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3205455/covid-19-china-70-cent-shanghais-population-has-now-been-infected-says-leading-city-doctor |publisher=South China Morning Post |date=3 January 2022 |access-date=10 January 2023 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110172553/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3205455/covid-19-china-70-cent-shanghais-population-has-now-been-infected-says-leading-city-doctor |url-status=live }}</ref> Reports emerged of hospitals in the city being overcrowded and funeral homes inundated with mourners.<ref>{{cite news |title=This Is What Shanghai's Covid Outbreak Looks Like |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/world/asia/china-covid-shanghai-photos.html |work=[[New York Times]] |date=10 January 2022 |access-date=10 January 2023 |archive-date=10 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110172553/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/world/asia/china-covid-shanghai-photos.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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China has also sent tests, equipment, and experts to other countries to help fight the pandemic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/magazine/china-s-fight-against-the-coronavirus-opens-up-diplomatic-opportunities-34532|title=China’s fight against the coronavirus opens up diplomatic opportunities|last=|first=|date=|website=TRT World|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="China Turns Focus Outward">{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven Lee |last2=Rubin |first2=Alissa J. |title=Its Coronavirus Cases Dwindling, China Turns Focus Outward |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/asia/coronavirus-china-aid.html |accessdate=31 March 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=18 March 2020}}</ref> [[European Commissioner for Crisis Management]] [[Janez Lenarčič]] expressed gratitude and praised collaboration between the EU and China.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Chinese aid to the EU delivered to Italy |url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_600 |accessdate=3 May 2020 |work=European Commission |language=en}}</ref> Chinese aid has also been well received in parts of Latin America and Africa.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-latam-china-featur-idUSKBN21D346 |title=With U.S. hit by virus, China courts Latin America with medical diplomacy |date=26 March 2020 |work=Reuters|access-date=4 April 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/calls-global-cooperation-us-china-fight-leading-coronavirus/story?id=69898820 |title=Despite calls for global cooperation, US and China fight over leading coronavirus response |website=ABC News |access-date=4 April 2020}}</ref> Chinese-Americans also marshalled networks in China to obtain medical supplies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gorce |first1=Tammy La |title=Chinese-Americans, Facing Abuse, Unite to Aid Hospitals in Coronavirus Battle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/nyregion/coronavirus-chinese-americans-supplies.html |accessdate=3 May 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=5 April 2020}}</ref> |
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In a 4 January media briefing, Director [[Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus|Tedros Ghebreyesus]] of the World Health Organization stated that Chinese hospitalization and mortality data lacked transparency and timeliness, while reiterating the importance of viral sequencing during the outbreak and continued vaccination efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-01-04 |title=China data 'under-represents' true impact of Covid outbreak – WHO |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/05/china-data-under-represents-true-impact-of-covid-outbreak-who |access-date=2023-01-05 |website=[[The Guardian]] |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105021722/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/05/china-data-under-represents-true-impact-of-covid-outbreak-who |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing – 4 January 2023 |url=https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing---4-january-2023 |access-date=6 January 2023 |publisher=World Health Organization |date=4 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104150753/https://www.who.int/director-general/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing---4-january-2023/ |archive-date=4 January 2023}}</ref> |
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On 13 March, China sent medical supplies, including masks and respirators to Italy, together with a team of Chinese medical staff.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pelosi |first1=Gerardo |title=Coronavirus, attese per oggi un milione di mascherine |url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/coronavirus-attese-oggi-milione-mascherine-ADTgUWC?refresh_ce=1 |accessdate=14 March 2020 |work=[[Il Sole 24 Ore]] |date=11 March 2020 |language=it |quote=Only China has responded bilaterally. This is not a good sign of EU solidarity}}</ref><ref name=aljazeera-china-italy>{{cite news |title=China sends essential coronavirus supplies to Italy |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/china-sends-essential-coronavirus-supplies-italy-200313195241031.html |accessdate=14 March 2020 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |date=14 March 2020 }}</ref> While the head of the Italian Red Cross, Francesco Rocca said these medical supplies were donated by the Chinese Red Cross,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Balmer |first1=Crispian |title=China sends medical supplies, experts to help Italy battle coronavirus |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-italy-respirators/china-sends-medical-supplies-experts-to-help-italy-battle-coronavirus-idUSKBN2101IM |accessdate=24 March 2020 |agency=Reuters |date=13 March 2020 }}</ref> there were other sources that said that these were paid products and services.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Giulia Pompili |title=But what help from China against the virus, it's all stuff we purchase |url=https://www.ilfoglio.it/cronache/2020/03/12/news/ma-quali-aiuti-della-cina-contro-il-virus-e-tutta-roba-che-compriamo-306324/ |accessdate=16 March 2020 |work=[[Il Foglio]] |date=12 March 2020 |language=it |quote=confermano al Foglio fonti della Farnesina e la Protezione civile, non c’è nessuna donazione, niente di gratis}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven |last2=Rubin |first2=Alissa |title=Its Coronavirus Cases Dwindling, China Turns Focus Outward |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/asia/coronavirus-china-aid.html |accessdate=12 April 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=18 March 2020}}</ref> Chinese billionaire and [[Alibaba Group|Alibaba]] co-founder [[Jack Ma]] also donated 500,000 masks and other medical supplies, which landed at Liege Airport in Belgium on 13 March and then sent to Italy.<ref name=aljazeera-china-italy /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Blenkinsop |first1=Philip |title=Jack Ma donates two million masks for coronavirus crisis in Europe |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-jack-ma-idUSKBN2110KA |accessdate=24 March 2020 |agency=Reuters |date=14 March 2020 }}</ref> Italian Prime Minister Conte thanked China for its support and assistance.<ref>{{cite news |title=President Xi Jinping Talked with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte over the Phone |url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/t1756887.shtml |work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China |date=16 March 2020}}</ref> On 6 April 2020, [[The Spectator|''The Spectator USA'']], citing an unnamed senior Trump administration official, said that China forced Italy to buy back [[Personal Protective Equipment]] which it had donated to China before.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://spectator.us/italy-china-ppe-sold-coronavirus/|title=Italy gave China PPE to help with coronavirus — then China made them buy it back |last=Athey |first=Amber |publisher=[[The Spectator]] USA|date=4 April 2020|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref> Similarly, former Mexican ambassador Jorge Guajardo said that masks sent to China in January and February were being sold back to Mexico at 20 to 30 times the price.<ref name="globalnews6858818"/> |
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As of 6 January 2023, the infection rate of [[Henan]] province had reached 89 percent, according to Kan Quancheng, director of the province's health commission. This percentage of infections meant that roughly 88.5 million people had contracted COVID-19 within just one month of the country's reopening, though Kan noted that visits to fever clinics in the province had peaked on 19 December.<ref>{{cite news |title=90% of people in China province infected with Covid, says local health official |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/09/life-is-moving-forward-china-enters-new-phase-in-covid-fight-as-borders-open |access-date=9 January 2023 |work=The Guardian |date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109052326/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/09/life-is-moving-forward-china-enters-new-phase-in-covid-fight-as-borders-open |archive-date=9 January 2023}}</ref> |
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A U.S. congressional report released in April concluded that "the Chinese government may selectively release some medical supplies for overseas delivery, with designated countries selected, according to political calculations."<ref name="globalnews6858818"/> |
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On 11 January, infections had reached 64 percent of China's population, or 900 million people, according to a Peking University study which further specified that the largely rural provinces of Gansu, Yunnan, and Qinghai had infection rates of 90%, 84%, and 80%, respectively. Earlier in January, the Chinese CDC began to focus efforts on protecting less-developed regions of the country ahead of [[Chunyun]], the world's largest annual migration, with roughly two billion trips expected around [[Chinese New Year]], many taking place to and from the Chinese countryside.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yong |first1=Nicholas |title=Covid cases in China touch 900 million - study |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-64258799 |access-date=13 January 2023 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=13 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113053211/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-64258799 |archive-date=13 January 2023}}</ref> Travellers were urged not to visit their elderly relatives to prevent them becoming infected.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davidson |first1=Helen |last2=McKie |first2=Robin |title=Nearly 60,000 people have died of Covid in China in past five weeks |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/14/nearly-60000-people-have-died-of-covid-in-china-in-past-five-weeks |access-date=15 January 2023 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=14 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114232833/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/14/nearly-60000-people-have-died-of-covid-in-china-in-past-five-weeks |archive-date=14 January 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The German tabloid ''[[Bild]]'' published an editorial critical of the Chinese government titled "What China owes us", which drew a rebuttal from the Chinese embassy in Berlin.<ref name="thefederalist.com">{{Cite web|url=https://thefederalist.com/2020/04/21/the-wuhan-virus-is-finally-awakening-europe-to-chinas-imperialism/|title=The Wuhan Virus Is Finally Awakening Europe To China's Imperialism|first=Foreign|last=Policy|date=21 April 2020|website=The Federalist}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Weinthal |first=Benjamin |url=https://www.jpost.com/international/germanys-largest-paper-to-chinas-president-youre-endangering-the-world-625074 |title=Germany’s largest paper to China's president: You're endangering the world - The Jerusalem Post |publisher=Jpost.com |date=20 April 2020 |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> |
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On 14 January, the Chinese National Health Commission reported 59,938 COVID-related deaths from 8 December 2022 to 12 January 2023, following complaints that it was withholding data. The figure includes 5,503 people who died of respiratory failure caused by COVID and 54,435 fatalities linked to other underlying illnesses. Up until this data disclosure, the official death toll in China had previously only totaled 5,241 people for the entirety of the pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |title=China Reports Nearly 60,000 Covid-Linked Deaths Since Lifting Restrictions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/14/world/asia/china-60000-covid-deaths.html |date=14 January 2023 |work=[[New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115010056/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/14/world/asia/china-60000-covid-deaths.html |archive-date=15 January 2023|url-status=live }}</ref> [[Reuters]] reported that doctors were discouraged by hospital authorities from citing COVID-19 on death certificates.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Pollard |first1=Martin Quin |last2=Tham |first2=Engen |date=2023-01-17 |title=In China, doctors say they are discouraged from citing COVID on death certificates |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-doctors-say-they-are-discouraged-citing-covid-death-certificates-2023-01-17/ |access-date=2023-01-20 |archive-date=20 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120173041/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-doctors-say-they-are-discouraged-citing-covid-death-certificates-2023-01-17/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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On 18 May 2020, the Chinese government pledged US$2 billion to help other countries with fighting COVID-19 and other development.<ref name="CNBC 18 May 2020">{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Evelyn |title=China's Xi pledges $2 billion to help fight coronavirus |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/18/chinas-xi-pledges-2-billion-to-help-fight-coronavirus-at-who-meeting.html |accessdate=18 May 2020 |work=CNBC |date=18 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> |
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On 21 January, the [[Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention|Chinese CDC]] estimates that as many as 80% of people have been infected, hence the possibility of a rebound in cases in the next two or three months is low.<ref name="CCDC estimate"/> On 22 January, it reported nearly 13,000 COVID-related deaths in hospitals between 13 and 19 January.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chinese pray for health in Lunar New Year as COVID death toll rises |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-reports-almost-13000-new-covid-related-deaths-jan-13-19-2023-01-22/ |work=Reuters |date=22 January 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023 |archive-date=28 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528102319/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-reports-almost-13000-new-covid-related-deaths-jan-13-19-2023-01-22/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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===Problems with equipment=== |
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On 25 January, the Chinese CDC released data showing the infection wave had been past its peak, with severe cases and deaths in hospitals down almost 90 per cent since infection peak . During the peak, there were 128,000 critically ill COVID patients in Chinese hospitals on 5 January and the number of deaths in hospitals reached their highest point of 4,273 cases on 4 January.<ref>{{cite news |title=China claims Covid wave has peaked with severe cases, deaths falling fast |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/27/china-claims-covid-wave-has-peaked-with-severe-cases-deaths-falling-fast |work=The Guardian |date=27 January 2023 |access-date=31 January 2023 |archive-date=31 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131210759/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/27/china-claims-covid-wave-has-peaked-with-severe-cases-deaths-falling-fast |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Officials in Spain, [[Turkey]], and the [[Netherlands]] have rejected Chinese-made equipment for being defective.<ref name="countries">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52092395|title=Coronavirus: Countries reject Chinese-made equipment|publisher=BBC|date=30 March 2020}}</ref> The Dutch [[Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport|Ministry of Health]] announced it had recalled 600,000 face masks which were made in China.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/coroanvirus-holland-recalls-over-half-a-million-masks-imported-from-china-2020-3|title=The Netherlands has recalled 600,000 coronavirus face masks it imported from China after discovering they were faulty|first=Adam Payne, Sinéad Baker, Ruqayyah|last=Moynihan|website=Business Insider}}</ref><ref name="countries"/> The Spanish government said they bought thousands of test kits to combat the virus, but later revealed that almost 60,000 did not produce accurate results. The Chinese embassy in Spain said that the company that made the kits was unlicensed, and that these kits were separate from the ones donated by the Chinese government.<ref name="countries"/> The government of the United Kingdom paid two companies in China at least $20 million for test kits later found to be faulty.<ref name="thefederalist.com"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kirkpatrick |first1=David D. |last2=Bradley |first2=Jane |title=U.K. Paid $20 Million for New Coronavirus Tests. They Didn’t Work. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/16/world/europe/coronavirus-antibody-test-uk.html |accessdate=1 May 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=16 April 2020}}</ref> |
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On 30 March, Chinese authorities announced a plan of random spot checks to be conducted at health facilities throughout the country in order to determine the future accuracy of local COVID data reporting amid global calls for more transparency during the winter surge.<ref name="Spot checks">{{cite news |title=China plans random, spot checks at hospitals to track COVID |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-plans-random-spot-checks-hospitals-track-covid-2023-03-30/ |access-date=31 March 2023 |publisher=Reuters |date=30 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330062745/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-plans-random-spot-checks-hospitals-track-covid-2023-03-30/ |archive-date=30 March 2023}}</ref> |
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== Discrimination == |
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{{Main|Xenophobia and racism related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic}} |
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Zhejiang provincial data, reported on in July 2023, showed a 70% increase in cremations during the first three months of 2023, an increase of 99,000 cremations compared to the first quarter of 2022. This data was subsequently taken down from public sources.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chinese province saw cremations jump during COVID surge |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-province-saw-cremations-jump-during-covid-surge-2023-07-18/ |access-date=18 July 2023 |publisher=Reuters |date=18 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718155542/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinese-province-saw-cremations-jump-during-covid-surge-2023-07-18/ |archive-date=18 July 2023 |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Hubei residents === |
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Although there has been support from Chinese online towards those in virus-stricken areas,<ref name="bbcdomestic">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51276496|title=Coronavirus: Tales of solidarity from China's virus-hit Wuhan|date=28 January 2020|website=BBC|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> instances of regional discrimination have also arisen.<ref name="fox61" /> According to ''[[World Journal]]'', there have been instances of Wuhan natives in other provinces being turned away from hotels, having their ID numbers, home addresses and telephone numbers deliberately leaked online or dealing with harassing phone calls from strangers. Some places also reportedly had signs saying "people from Wuhan and cars from Hubei are not welcomed here."<ref name=":42" /> Numerous hotels, and guest houses refused entry to residents of Wuhan or kicked out residents of Hubei.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Nectar |last=Gan|title=Wuhan people outcasts in their own country amid coronavirus outbreak|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/01/asia/coronavirus-wuhan-discrimination-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=2020-06-29|website=CNN}}</ref> Multiple hotels purportedly refused a Wuhan tour guide to check in after she returned to Hangzhou from Singapore with one of them calling the police to give her a health check and asking the police to quarantine her. Amidst these incidents, various cities and prefectures outside of Hubei adopted resettlement measures for Hubei people in their region such as designated hotel accommodation for visitors from the province.<ref name=":43" /> In [[Zhengding County|Zhengding]], [[Jingxing County|Jingxing]] and [[Luquan District|Luquan]] of [[Shijiazhuang]] City, the local governments rewarded anyone who reported those who had been to Wuhan, but not recorded in official documents at least 1,000 yuan [[Renminbi|RMB]]. In [[Meizhou]], residents reporting people entering from Hunan were awarded with 30 face masks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldjournal.com/6768878/article-%e9%bc%93%e5%8b%b5%e8%88%89%e5%a0%b1%e6%b9%96%e5%8c%97%e4%ba%ba-%e5%bb%a3%e6%9d%b1%e9%80%99%e5%80%8b%e9%8e%ae%e6%87%b8%e8%b3%9e30%e5%80%8b%e5%8f%a3%e7%bd%a9/ |script-title=zh:鼓勵舉報湖北人 廣東這個鎮懸賞30個口罩|date=5 February 2020|work=[[World Journal]]|language=zh-TW|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 14 April, Chinese official data indicated that COVID-19 positivity rate went up slightly in early April, but specialists noted that it's "unlikely" China will see another wave of large-scale infections. Authorities have dropped mandatory mask requirements when using public transport, signaling the end of the pandemic according to CCDC epidemiologist Wu Zunyou.<ref>{{cite news |title='Era has passed' as Beijing subway drops mandatory COVID mask rule |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/era-has-passed-beijing-subway-drops-mandatory-covid-mask-rule-2023-04-16 |publisher=Reuters |date=16 April 2023 |access-date=20 April 2023 |archive-date=20 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420180821/https://www.reuters.com/world/china/era-has-passed-beijing-subway-drops-mandatory-covid-mask-rule-2023-04-16/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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It was reported that on a scheduled 27 January [[China Southern Airlines]] flight from [[Nagoya]] to Shanghai, some [[Shanghainese people|Shanghainese]] travellers refused to board with 16 others from Wuhan. Two of the Wuhan travellers were unable to board due to a fever while the Shanghainese on the spot alleged that the others had taken medicine to bypass the temperature check.<ref name=":42">{{cite web|url=https://www.worldjournal.com/6756917/article-%e6%81%90%e6%85%8c%e6%93%b4%e6%95%a3%ef%bc%81%e6%a9%9f%e4%b8%8a%e6%9c%89%e6%ad%a6%e6%bc%a2%e4%ba%ba%e4%b8%8a%e6%b5%b7%e6%97%85%e5%ae%a2%e6%8b%92%e7%99%bb%e6%a9%9f/ |script-title=zh:恐慌擴散!機上有武漢人…上海旅客拒登機|date=29 January 2020|work=[[World Journal]]|language=zh-TW|access-date=6 February 2020}}</ref> One of the Wuhan tourists protested on Weibo, "are they really my countrymen?", to which a Shanghai tourist who was purportedly at the scene replied that they did it to protect Shanghai from the virus.<ref name=":43">{{cite web|url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e4%b8%ad%e5%9c%8b/article/20200129/s00013/1580236195061/%e7%96%ab%e6%83%85%e5%9a%b4%e5%b3%bb-%e5%a4%9a%e7%9c%81%e5%9c%8d%e5%a0%b5%e9%a9%85%e8%b6%95%e6%ad%a6%e6%bc%a2%e4%ba%ba-%e6%ad%a6%e6%bc%a2%e7%b6%b2%e6%b0%91%e6%8a%95%e8%a8%b4%e4%b8%8a%e6%b5%b7%e4%ba%ba%e6%8b%92%e5%90%8c%e6%a9%9f-%e5%a4%ae%e8%a6%96%e7%b1%b2%e5%8b%bf%e6%ad%a7%e8%a6%96|script-title=zh:疫情嚴峻 多省圍堵驅趕武漢人 武漢網民投訴上海人拒同機 央視籲勿歧視 – 20200129 – 中國|website=明報新聞網|language=zh-hant|access-date=6 February 2020}}</ref> Many netizens criticized the Wuhan tourists for travelling with a fever, although some also called for understanding and for Shanghainese not to regionally discriminate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldjournal.com/6754743/article-%E4%B8%8A%E6%B5%B7%E4%BA%BA%E6%8B%92%E8%88%87%E7%99%BC%E7%87%92%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2%E4%BA%BA%E5%90%8C%E6%A9%9F-%E6%97%85%E5%AE%A2%E6%80%92%EF%BC%9A%E4%B8%8D%E6%98%AF%E5%90%8C%E8%83%9E%E5%97%8E%EF%BC%9F/ |script-title=zh:上海人拒與發燒武漢人同機 旅客怒:不是同胞嗎?|date=27 January 2020|work=[[World Journal]]|language=zh-TW|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/3050804|script-title=zh:武漢肺炎》上海人拒同機 武漢人嗆「沒同胞愛」反遭中網友罵爆|date=28 January 2020|website=Liberty Times|language=zh-TW|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 22 May, leading Chinese pulmonologist Zhong Nanshan contradicted earlier predictions and noted that the first major wave of infections following the reopening surge was beginning to build, with 65 million cases per week expected by the end of June. Zhong noted that China would soon release specific vaccines tailored toward the XBB Omicron subvariants, which were likely driving the latest wave.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kuo |first1=Lily |title=China prepares for new wave of covid cases from XBB variants |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/24/china-new-covid-outbreak-xbb-strain/ |access-date=24 May 2023 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524232649/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/24/china-new-covid-outbreak-xbb-strain/ |archive-date=24 May 2023}}</ref> |
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=== Outside mainland China === |
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Mainland Chinese overseas have experienced discrimination and anti-Chinese sentiment during the coronavirus outbreak.<ref name=":44">{{Cite news|last=Rich|first=Motoko|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/30/world/asia/coronavirus-chinese-racism.html|title=As Coronavirus Spreads, So Does Anti-Chinese Sentiment|date=30 January 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=7 February 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In Hong Kong, a Japanese noodle restaurant claimed to refuse mainland Chinese customers and said on Facebook, "We want to live longer. We want to safeguard local customers. Please excuse us."<ref name=":04">{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory/fears-virus-trigger-anti-china-sentiment-worldwide-68702177|title=Fears of new virus trigger anti-China sentiment worldwide|website=ABC News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203061946/https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory/fears-virus-trigger-anti-china-sentiment-worldwide-68702177|archive-date=3 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> In Japan, a sweet shop in Hakone and a ramen restaurant in Sapporo posted "no Chinese" signs outside.<ref name=":45">{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/eeda65ea-4424-11ea-a43a-c4b328d9061c|title='Why don't you stay home?' — coronavirus sparks racism fears|last=Peel|first=Michael|last2=Mallet|first2=Victor|date=1 February 2020|website=Financial Times|access-date=6 February 2020}}</ref> Similar events were reported in South Korea.<ref name=":44" /> The French newspaper ''Courrier Picard'' published two articles titled "Yellow Alert" and "New [[Yellow Peril]]?" which may allude to historical racist tropes about the Chinese.<ref name=":45" /> |
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In November 2023, China's health authorities reported [[2023 Chinese pneumonia outbreak|an outbreak of respiratory illnesses]] in several parts of northern China. The increase in these diseases was attributed the circulation of known pathogens, including [[SARS-CoV-2]]. |
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Beyond only Chinese, Asians in general are affected by anti-Chinese sentiment. Disinformation about Asian food and Asian communities have circulated, and videos showing Asian people [[Bat as food|eating bats]] have gone viral along with dehumanizing comments and implications of the cause of the virus outbreak.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-02-03/fear-panic-around-the-coronavirus-fuels-racist-sentiment|title=Fear of coronavirus fuels racist sentiment targeting Asians|date=3 February 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref> |
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== Impact == |
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===Targeting of Africans=== |
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=== Education === |
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[[File:Together We Shall Beat COVID-19, Together We Shall Build a Brighter Future - A Letter to Everyone in Guangzhou.jpg|thumb|The City of Guangzhou issued an open letter after cases of discrimination of African nationals appeared, claiming zero tolerance on racism.]] |
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{{See also|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education}} |
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[[Guangzhou]] has a [[Africans in Guangzhou|sizeable community of black Africans]] including migrants, who were allegedly singled out by local authories during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Chinese state media, five Nigerian men who had tested positive for COVID-19 broke quarantine and infected others, which triggered suspicion and anti-foreigner sentiment. Africans were forced to undergo coronavirus testing and quarantine, regardless of their travel history, symptoms, or contact with known patients.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3079497/us-warns-african-americans-avoid-guangzhou-after-reports-black |title=US warns African-Americans to avoid Guangzhou after reports black people are being targeted in coronavirus clampdown | South China Morning Post |publisher=Scmp.com |date=11 April 2020 |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> Some restaurants – including a branch of McDonald's<ref>{{cite web|author=|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/nigeria-condemns-treatment-citizens-china-200414172052630.html |title='Unacceptable': Nigeria condemns treatment of citizens in China | News |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=14 April 2020 |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> – reportedly refused to service Africans, while landlords and hotels targeted Africans for eviction resulting in some becoming homeless.<ref name="cnn2">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/10/china/africans-guangzhou-china-coronavirus-hnk-intl/index.html|title=Africans in Guangzhou on edge as coronavirus fears spark anti-foreigner sentiment in China|author1=Jenni Marsh |author2=Shawn Deng |author3=Nectar Gan|website=CNN|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="scmp">{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3079497/us-warns-african-americans-avoid-guangzhou-after-reports-black|title=US warns African-Americans to avoid Guangzhou due to discrimination fears|date=11 April 2020|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Xinhua reported 111 Africans tested positive for the coronavirus in Guangzhou out of a total of 4,553 tested, also claiming that 19 of the cases were "imported" from unspecified countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/africa/1838031/china-downplays-african-evictions-on-coronavirus-blames-us-media/ |title=China downplays African evictions on coronavirus, blames US media â€" Quartz Africa |publisher=Qz.com |date= |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="theconversation.com">{{cite web|author=Hangwei Li |url=https://theconversation.com/mistreatment-of-africans-in-guangzhou-threatens-chinas-coronavirus-diplomacy-136348 |title=Mistreatment of Africans in Guangzhou threatens China's coronavirus diplomacy |publisher=Theconversation.com |date=17 April 2020 |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Marsh |first=Jenni |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/10/china/africans-guangzhou-china-coronavirus-hnk-intl/index.html |title=Africans in Guangzhou left homeless amid rising xenophobia as China fights a second wave of coronavirus |publisher=CNN |date=12 April 2020 |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> |
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On 27 January 2020, the Chinese Ministry of Education advised all higher education institutions to postpone the spring semester, with all local education departments to determine the starting time of the new semester for K-12 education and local colleges according to the decision of the local governments.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 January 2020 |script-title=zh:教育部发布2020年春季学期延期开学的通知 |language=zh |work=央视新闻客户端 |url=https://cbgc.scol.com.cn/news/222002 |url-status=dead |access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127153021/https://cbgc.scol.com.cn/news/222002 |archive-date=27 January 2020}}</ref> The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security also decided to put the new semester off for all vocational education facilities.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=zh:人社部:全国技工院校2020年春季学期延期开学 |url=http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2020-01-28/1403421.html |url-status=live |access-date=29 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129135724/http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2020-01-28/1403421.html |archive-date=29 January 2020}}</ref> |
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=== Religion === |
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It has been noted that public sensitivity in China to racism, particularly to Africans, has been low with little education against racism or use of political correctness, while government censors appear to tolerate racism online. In the preceding few years, many Chinese believed that foreigners have been given extra benefits, leading to concerns about unfairness and inequality.<ref name="theconversation.com"/> Many Chinese internet users soon posted racist comments, including calls for all Africans to be deported, while a cartoon depicting foreigners as different types of trash to be sorted through went viral on social media.<ref name="france24.com">{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200411-if-you-re-black-you-can-t-go-out-africans-in-china-face-racism-in-covid-19-crackdown |title='If you're black you can't go out': Africans in China face racism in Covid-19 crackdown |publisher=France24.com |date= |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> |
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{{Further|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion}} |
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The Chinese government, which upholds a policy of [[state atheism]], used the pandemic to continue its [[Antireligious campaigns in China|antireligious campaigns]], demolishing Xiangbaishu Church in [[Yixing]] and removing a Christian cross from the steeple of a church in [[Guiyang County]].<ref name="2020Parke2">{{cite web |last1=Parke |first1=Caleb |date=23 March 2020 |title=In coronavirus fight, China hasn't stopped persecuting Christians: watchdog |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/coronavirus-china-update-christian-persecution-vom |access-date=27 March 2020 |publisher=[[Fox News Channel]] |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327162510/https://www.foxnews.com/world/coronavirus-china-update-christian-persecution-vom |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Klett20202">{{cite web |last1=Klett |first1=Leah MarieAnn |date=21 March 2020 |title=China demolishes church, removes crosses as Christians worship at home |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-demolishes-church-removes-crosses-as-christians-worship-at-home.html |access-date=27 March 2020 |work=[[The Christian Post]] |archive-date=22 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322131223/https://www.christianpost.com/news/china-demolishes-church-removes-crosses-as-christians-worship-at-home.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Local media in African countries were the first to report on the issue, while Beijing initially attempted to deny such reports as "rumors" and "misunderstandings" spread by Western media. As further incidents of Africans being targeted were shared on social media, the [[Consulate General of the United States, Guangzhou|United States Consulate General in Guangzhou]] warned African Americans to avoid travel to Guangzhou. The governments of Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and the African Union placed diplomatic pressure on Beijing over the incidents, and group of African ambassadors in Beijing wrote a letter of complaint to the Chinese government about the "stigmatisation and discrimination" being faced by Africans.<ref name="theconversation.com"/> The [[Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria|Nigerian Speaker of the House]] [[Femi Gbajabiamila]] showed one of the social media videos to the Chinese ambassador while the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ghana)|Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs]] [[Shirley Ayorkor Botchway]] described the incidents as "inhumane treatment".<ref name="france24.com"/> |
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=== Public discourse === |
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In response to the diplomatic pressure and media coverage, the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China|Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] issued an official statement on 12 April 2020 that the Chinese government attached "great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals in China", has "zero tolerance for discrimination", and treats all foreigners equally.<ref name="Zhao">{{cite web|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1768779.shtml|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Remarks on Guangdong's Anti-epidemic Measures Concerning African Citizens in China|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China|last=|first=|date=12 April 2020|website=|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="NAJ">{{cite news |url=https://north-africa.com/2020/04/africa-reassesses-its-relations-with-china-as-covid-19-exposes-racial-tensions/ |title=Africa reassesses its relations with China as Covid-19 exposes racial tensions |publisher=[[North Africa Journal]] |date=20 April 2020 |accessdate=11 May 2020 |quote=On Sunday, as international pressure mounted, the foreign ministry in Beijing issued a statement saying the country attached “great importance to the life and health of foreign nationals” and rejected all “racist and discriminatory” remarks.}}</ref> In a regular press conference on the following day, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson [[Zhao Lijian]] added that a series of new measures were adopted in Guangzhou to address "the concerns of some African citizens" and avoid racist and discrimination problems, while blaming the United States for "making unwarranted allegations in an attempt to sow discords and stoke troubles".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1769241.shtml|title=Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on April 13, 2020|last=|first=|date=13 April 2020|website=|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="ABC-Zhao">{{cite news |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/foreigners-black-people-unwelcome-parts-china-amid-covid/story?id=70182204 |publisher=[[ABC News]] |title=How foreigners, especially black people, became unwelcome in parts of China amid COVID crisis |last1=Chambers |first1=Alice |last2=Davies |first2=Guy |date=29 April 2020 |accessdate=11 May 2020}}</ref> China's state media later described the incidents as "small rifts", while officials made PR visits to quarantined Africans with flowers and food accompanied by television cameras, and Chinese envoys have continued to reassure their African counterparts that they would correct the "misunderstandings" and establish "an effective communication mechanism with African Consulates-General in Guangzhou".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Davidson|first=Helen|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/13/chinese-official-claims-racial-targeting-reasonable-concerns|title=Chinese official: claims of racial targeting are 'reasonable concerns'|date=13 April 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=23 April 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/africa/1842768/racism-to-africans-in-guangzhou-hurts-china-coronavirus-diplomacy/|title=The mistreatment of Africans in Guangzhou is a big threat to China’s coronavirus diplomacy|last=Li|first=Hangwei|date=|website=Quartz|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=23 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/04/16/fact-check-guangzhou-china-mcdonalds-confirms-incident-targeting-blacks/5139470002/|title=Fact check: Black people being targeted in Guangzhou, China, over COVID-19 fears|last=Brown|first=Matthew|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US|access-date=23 April 2020}}</ref> |
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In 2020 and 2021, although successive and lengthy lockdowns occasionally caused distress in border towns, the majority of publicly expressed commentary appeared to be largely in favor of China's stringent COVID mitigation strategies as necessary for the protection of human life, even to the point where complaints from locked-down residents sometimes resulted in online vitriol from compatriots outside of these regions.<ref name="Border towns">{{cite news |last1=Feng |first1=Emily |title=One Chinese town has started a fiery online debate about China's zero-COVID policy |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/11/05/1052811962/one-chinese-town-has-started-a-fiery-online-debate-about-chinas-zero-covid-polic |access-date=11 January 2023 |publisher=NPR |date=5 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107005201/https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/11/05/1052811962/one-chinese-town-has-started-a-fiery-online-debate-about-chinas-zero-covid-polic |archive-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> |
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In 2022, however, with highly infectious Omicron strains impacting the feasibility of China's Zero-COVID policy, public discourse inside China became increasingly divided between citizens in favor of the stringent policies as a matter of both national pride and public health necessity, and people such as university students, migrant workers, and small business owners who felt that the restrictions on movement and livelihood were, in and of themselves, a cause of undue suffering. In turn, upon the abrupt abandonment of Zero-COVID, some proponents of the discarded policy went on to criticize the government's sudden U-turn and question the need for a single, unified voice on such matters.<ref name="Online anger">{{cite news |last1=Che |first1=Chang |last2=Fu |first2=Claire |last3=Chang Chien |first3=Amy |title=As China Reopens, Online Finger-Pointing Shows a Widening Gulf |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/world/asia/china-zero-covid-reopening.html |access-date=11 January 2023 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111104823/http://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/11/world/asia/china-zero-covid-reopening.html/ |archive-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> |
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== Controversies and criticism == |
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Other commentators reacted with anger toward participants in the recent protests, blaming them for widespread infection and death, although data pointed to Omicron having already overwhelmed the mechanisms of Zero-COVID at the time of the policy's discontinuation. Still others blamed the government for giving into popular demand and thus strengthening foreign and domestic criticism of Chinese policy.<ref name="Online anger" /> |
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=== Censorship and police responses === |
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{{See also|Censorship in China|Internet censorship in China}} |
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A pneumonia cluster of unknown cause was observed on 26 December and treated by the doctor Zhang Jixian in Hubei Provincial Hospital, who informed the Wuhan Jianghan CDC on 27 December.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ringing the alarm |url=https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1178756.shtml |accessdate=31 March 2020 |publisher=Global Times |date=6 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Doctor who treated first 7 coronavirus patients in Wuhan now a hero in China |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/doctor-who-treated-first-7-coronavirus-patients-in-wuhan-now-a-hero-in-china/ar-BBZzsEx |accessdate=31 March 2020 |publisher=Hindustan Times |date=2 February 2020}}</ref> The early response by city authorities was accused of prioritising a control of information on the outbreak. A group of eight medical personnel, including [[Li Wenliang]], an ophthalmologist from Wuhan Central Hospital, who in late December posted warnings on a new coronavirus strain akin to SARS, were warned by Wuhan police for "spreading rumours" for likening it to SARS.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.worldjournal.com/6771702/article-新冠肺炎第一個吹哨者-李文亮醫師過世/ |script-title=zh:新冠肺炎吹哨醫師 李文亮病逝 民眾激憤|date=7 February 2020|work=[[World Journal]] |language=zh-Hant|access-date=10 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51403795|title=Coronavirus kills Chinese whistleblower doctor|date=7 February 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=10 February 2020 |
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}}</ref> |
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Ultimately, lockdowns in China were highly effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and there was wide public consensus in China that the benefits outweighed the costs.<ref name=":Zhang">{{Cite book |last=Zhang |first=Angela Huyue |title=High Wire: How China Regulates Big Tech and Governs Its Economy |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |year=2024 |isbn=9780197682258}}</ref>{{Rp|page=67}} |
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By the time China had informed the [[World Health Organization]] of the new coronavirus on 31 December 2019, [[Nicholas Kristof]] commented that the government was still keeping "its own citizens in the dark" in an opinion published on ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>{{cite newspaper|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/29/opinion/coronavirus-china-government.html|title=Coronavirus Spreads, and the World Pays for China's Dictatorship|date=29 January 2020|first=Nicholas|last=Kristof|accessdate=17 March 2020|website=The New York Times}}</ref> While by a number of measures, China's initial handling of the crisis was an improvement in relation to the SARS response in 2003, local officials in Wuhan covered up and downplayed the initial discovery and severity of this outbreak. This has been attributed to the censorship institutional structure of the country's press and Internet, with Jude Blanchette of the [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] quoted stating "under Xi Jinping, the inclination to suppress has become endemic and, in this case, contributed to a prolonged period of inaction that allowed the virus to spread".<ref name="auto5">{{cite web |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/world/asia/2020/01/china-s-slow-response-coronavirus-has-shown-weakness-its-centralised-model |title=China's slow response to coronavirus has shown the weakness of its centralised model |website=New Statesman |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128134506/https://www.newstatesman.com/world/asia/2020/01/china-s-slow-response-coronavirus-has-shown-weakness-its-centralised-model |archive-date=28 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TrueCost">{{cite web|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/the-true-cost-of-chinas-coronavirus-cover-up-how-state-censorship-let-the-outbreak-spread|title=The true cost of China's coronavirus cover-up: How state censorship let the outbreak spread | National Post|date=7 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="FaceXi">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/23/asia/wuhan-china-coronavirus-sars-response-intl-hnk/index.html |title=Wuhan is the latest crisis to face China's Xi, and it's exposing major flaws in his model of control |last=Griffiths |first=James |publisher=CNN |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208194710/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/23/asia/wuhan-china-coronavirus-sars-response-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=8 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> William Summers, a [[Yale University]] professor of medicine, told ''[[Undark Magazine]]'' though that such silencing and downplaying tactics are "not unique to China", and "seems to be standard operating procedure" worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://undark.org/2020/03/23/covid-19-misinformation/|title=With Outbreaks Come Misinformation. Covid-19 Is No Exception.|date=23 March 2020|website=Undark Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=6 April 2020}}</ref> |
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== Government response == |
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On 20 January, Xi Jinping made his first public remark on the outbreak and spoke of "the need for the timely release of information".<ref name="xinhuanet138721535">{{Cite news |url=http://xinhuanet.com/english/2020-01/20/c_138721535.htm |title=Xi orders resolute efforts to curb virus spread |date=20 January 2020 |access-date=25 January 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124174142/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-01/20/c_138721535.htm |archive-date=24 January 2020 |agency=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref> [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Chinese premier]] [[Li Keqiang]] also urged efforts to prevent and control the epidemic.<ref name="Premier urged2">{{cite news |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202001/21/WS5e26556ca31012821727269c.html |title=Chinese premier stresses curbing viral pneumonia epidemic |date=21 January 2020 |website=[[China Daily]] |location=Beijing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122124640/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202001/21/WS5e26556ca31012821727269c.html |archive-date=22 January 2020 |access-date=22 January 2020 |agency=[[Xinhua News Agency]]}}</ref> One day later, the CPC [[Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission]], the most powerful political organ in China overseeing legal enforcement and the police, wrote "self-deception will only make the epidemic worse and turn a natural disaster that was controllable into a man-made disaster at great cost," and "only openness can minimise panic to the greatest extent." The commission then added, "anyone who deliberately delays and hides the reporting of cases out of self-interest will be nailed on a pillar of shame for eternity."<ref name="20200122washingtonpost">{{Cite news |last=Fifield |first=Anna |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinese-officials-urge-people-not-to-travel-in-and-out-of-city-at-center-of-virus-outbreak/2020/01/21/60680d3e-3c2d-11ea-afe2-090eb37b60b1_story.html |title=Chinese officials try to contain virus outbreak as first case confirmed in U.S. |date=22 January 2020 |work=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=25 January 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124175758/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinese-officials-urge-people-not-to-travel-in-and-out-of-city-at-center-of-virus-outbreak/2020/01/21/60680d3e-3c2d-11ea-afe2-090eb37b60b1_story.html |archive-date=24 January 2020 |last2=Sun |first2=Lina H. |last3=Bernstein |first3=Lenny}}</ref><ref name="scmp3046984">{{Cite news |last=Zheng |first=William |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3046984/china-warns-cadres-cover-spread-virus-and-be-nailed-pillar |title=China's credibility on the line as it tries to dispels fears it will cover up spread of Wuhan virus |date=21 January 2020 |work=South China Morning Post |access-date=25 January 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125014942/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3046984/china-warns-cadres-cover-spread-virus-and-be-nailed-pillar |archive-date=25 January 2020 |last2=Lau |first2=Mimi}}</ref> Also on the same day, Xi Jinping instructed authorities "to strengthen the guidance of public opinions", language which some view as a call for censorship after commentators on social media became increasingly pointedly critical and angry at the government due to the epidemic. Some view this as contradictory to the calls for "openness" that the central government had already declared.<ref name="WSJ">{{Cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-strains-to-stamp-out-coronavirus-criticisms-at-home-11580207403 |title=China Strains to Stamp Out Coronavirus Criticisms at Home |last=Wei |first=Lingling |date=28 January 2020 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=29 January 2020 |issn=0099-9660 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> |
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{{Main|Zero-COVID|Chinese government response to COVID-19}} |
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China is one of a small number of countries that have pursued an [[Zero-COVID|elimination strategy]], sustaining a low case numbers between the 2020 outbreak until early 2022. |
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China's response to the initial [[Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak|Wuhan COVID-19 outbreak]] has been both praised and criticised. Some have criticised the [[Censorship in China|censorship]] of information that might be unfavorable for local officials. Observers have attributed this to a culture of institutional censorship affecting the country's [[Mass media in China|press]] and [[Internet in China|Internet]]. The government censored [[whistleblower]]s, [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on journalism|journalists]], and [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social media|social media posts]] about the outbreak. During the beginning of the pandemic, the Chinese government made efforts to clamp down on discussion and hide reporting about it. Efforts to fund and control [[Investigations into the origin of COVID-19|research into the virus's origins]] and to [[COVID-19 misinformation by China|promote fringe theories]] about the virus have continued up to the present.<ref name="ChinaClampsDownAp">{{cite news|last1=Cheng|first1=Maria|last2=Kang|first2=Dake|last3=McNeil|first3=Sam|date=30 December 2020|title=China clamps down in hidden hunt for coronavirus origins|website=AP News|publisher=Associated Press|url=https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-coronavirus-pandemic-china-only-on-ap-bats-24fbadc58cee3a40bca2ddf7a14d2955|access-date=18 January 2022|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120162344/https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-coronavirus-pandemic-china-only-on-ap-bats-24fbadc58cee3a40bca2ddf7a14d2955|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2020, ''The Lancet Infectious Diseases'' reported: "While the world is struggling to control COVID-19, China has managed to control the pandemic rapidly and effectively."<ref name="Lancet-ID-Burki-2020">{{cite journal |journal=The Lancet Infectious Diseases |first=Talha |last=Burki |volume=20 |issue=11 |pages=1240–1241 |date=8 October 2020 |doi=10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30800-8 |title=China's successful control of COVID-19|pmid=33038941 |pmc=7544475 }}</ref> |
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As part of the central government's "bifurcated approach to diffuse discontent", while the propaganda machinery was going into "overdrive...to protect [Xi Jinping's] reputation", citizens were permitted to criticise local officials so long as they did not "question the basic legitimacy of the party".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/in-coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-leaders-scramble-to-avert-a-chernobyl-moment/2020/01/29/bc4eb52a-4250-11ea-99c7-1dfd4241a2fe_story.html |title=In coronavirus outbreak, China's leaders scramble to avert a Chernobyl moment |website=The Washington Post |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204085411/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/in-coronavirus-outbreak-chinas-leaders-scramble-to-avert-a-chernobyl-moment/2020/01/29/bc4eb52a-4250-11ea-99c7-1dfd4241a2fe_story.html |archive-date=4 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Cyberspace Administration of China|Cyberspace Administration]] (CAC) declared its intent to foster a "good online atmosphere," with CAC notices sent to video platforms encouraging them to "not to push any negative story, and not to conduct non-official livestreaming on the virus."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-censorship-idUSKBN2051BP|title=China's online censors tighten grip after brief coronavirus respite|date=11 February 2020|agency=Reuters|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> Censorship has been observed being applied on news articles and social media posts deemed to hold negative tones about the coronavirus and the governmental response, including posts mocking Xi Jinping for not visiting areas of the epidemic,<ref name="theguardianxi"/> an article that predicted negative effects of the epidemic on the economy, and calls to remove local government officials.<ref name="auto5" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/31/asia/wuhan-virus-china-censorship-intl-hnk/index.html|title=China is waking up to the dangers of knee-jerk censorship in a crisis|first=James|last=Griffiths|publisher=CNN|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202033436/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/31/asia/wuhan-virus-china-censorship-intl-hnk/index.html|archive-date=2 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/g5xykx/you-can-now-go-to-jail-in-china-for-criticizing-beijings-coronavirus-response|title=You Can Now Go to Jail in China for Criticizing Beijing's Coronavirus Response|last=Gilbert|first=David|date=30 January 2020|website=Vice|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131082945/https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/g5xykx/you-can-now-go-to-jail-in-china-for-criticizing-beijings-coronavirus-response|archive-date=31 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto3" /> Chinese citizens have reportedly used innovative methods to avoid censorship to express anger about how government officials have handled the initial outbreak response, such as using the word 'Trump' to refer to Xi Jinping, or 'Chernobyl' to refer to the outbreak as a whole.<ref name="auto10" /> Younger individuals have also been creating digital archives of media concerning the epidemic – which is prone to deletion by censors – and posting them on the exterior web.<ref name="Yuan"/> While censorship had been briefly relaxed giving a "window of about two weeks in which Chinese journalists were able to publish hard-hitting stories exposing the mishandling of the novel coronavirus by officials", since then private news outlets were reportedly required to use "planned and controlled publicity" with the authorities' consent.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-censorship/chinas-online-censors-tighten-grip-after-brief-coronavirus-respite-idUSKBN2051BP |title=China's online censors tighten grip after brief coronavirus respite |agency=Reuters |date=11 February 2020 |accessdate=22 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="auto10"/><ref name="auto3"/> |
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=== Immigration control === |
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On 30 January, [[Supreme People's Court|China's Supreme Court]], delivered a rare rebuke against the country's police forces, calling the "unreasonably harsh crackdown on online rumours" as undermining public trust. In what has been called a "highly unusual criticism" by observers, supreme court judge Tang Xinghua said that if police had been lenient against rumours and allowed the public to have taken heed of them, an earlier adoption of "measures like wearing masks, strictly disinfecting and avoiding wildlife markets" might have been useful in countering the spread of the epidemic.<ref name="20200130Guardian">{{Cite news |last=Gayle |first=Alison Rourke (now); Molly Blackall Damien |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/jan/30/coronavirus-live-updates-china-death-toll-wuhan-evacuation-foreign-nationals-citizens-latest-news |title=Virus death toll reaches 213 in China – as it happened |date=31 January 2020 |work=The Guardian |access-date=2 February 2020 |last2=Weaver |first2=Matthew |issn=0261-3077 |last3=Murray |first3=Jessica |last4=Rourke (earlier) |first4=Alison |last5=Doherty |first5=Ben |last6=Doherty |first6=Ben |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130002626/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/jan/30/coronavirus-live-updates-china-death-toll-wuhan-evacuation-foreign-nationals-citizens-latest-news |archive-date=30 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Human Rights Watch]] reported that "there is considerable misinformation on Chinese social media and authorities have legitimate reasons to counter false information that can cause public panic," but also noted censorship by the authorities on social media posted by families of infected people who were potentially seeking help as well as by people living in cordoned cities who were documenting their daily lives amidst the lockdown.<ref name="20200130hrw">{{cite web |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/01/30/china-respect-rights-coronavirus-response |title=China: Respect Rights in Coronavirus Response |date=30 January 2020 |publisher=Human Rights Watch |access-date=31 January 2020 |last3=t 1.212.290.4700 |first3=NY 10118-3299 USA {{!}} |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203095738/https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/01/30/china-respect-rights-coronavirus-response |archive-date=3 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
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{{further|Travel during the COVID-19 pandemic}} |
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During the early phase of the pandemic, Hubei suspended the processing of applications from mainland Chinese residents for entry and exit of mainland China. For those with a valid visa to enter Hong Kong and Macau, but fail to enter the areas due to the outbreak, the Chinese Immigration Administration will issue a new visa for free on request of the visa holder after the outbreak is lifted. Some of [[Automated border control system|automated border clearance systems]] will be shut down according to the needs of the epidemic prevention. After Wuhan declared lockdown on 23 January, the [[Wuhan Tianhe International Airport|Tianhe Airport]] and [[Hankou]] River ports have been without passengers for several days.<ref name="Cai-2020">{{cite web |date=27 January 2020 |script-title=zh:国家移民管理局:武汉已4天无人员出境 |url=http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/27/WS5e2e7d0de4b0e6e58393caf2.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127153902/http://www.bjd.com.cn/a/202001/27/WS5e2e7d0de4b0e6e58393caf2.html |archive-date=27 January 2020 |access-date=27 January 2020 |website=北京日报客户端 |language=zh-cn}}</ref> |
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Journalists in China have worked to publish information about the outbreak. The government initially allowed greater leeway than usual to reporters investigating the crisis, but then cracked down with greater censorship than usual.<ref name="A China Cracks Down">{{cite news |last1=Hernández |first1=Javier C. |title=As China Cracks Down on Coronavirus Coverage, Journalists Fight Back |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/14/business/media/coronavirus-china-journalists.html |work=The New York Times |date=14 March 2020}}</ref> On 12 March, ten Tibetans were arrested for breaching control measures meant to prevent the spread of the virus. [[Dolma Kyab]], a Tibetan writer and teacher, told [[Radio Free Asia]] that "the Chinese government is only using coronavirus as a convenient excuse to infringe on the human rights of Tibetans".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/tibet/coronavirus-arrest-03192020210110.html|title=Authorities in Tibetan Capital Lhasa Arrest 10 for Breaching Coronavirus Protocol|date=19 March 2020|accessdate=26 March 2020|website=[[Radio Free Asia]]}}</ref> |
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Since 25 January 2020,<ref>{{cite web |date=26 January 2020 |script-title=zh:防武汉肺炎 台湾扩大管制大陆人士赴台 |url=https://www.dwnews.com/台湾/60166195/防武汉肺炎台湾扩大管制大陆人士赴台 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160927/https://www.dwnews.com/%E5%8F%B0%E6%B9%BE/60166195/%E9%98%B2%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E5%8F%B0%E6%B9%BE%E6%89%A9%E5%A4%A7%E7%AE%A1%E5%88%B6%E5%A4%A7%E9%99%86%E4%BA%BA%E5%A3%AB%E8%B5%B4%E5%8F%B0 |archive-date=4 February 2020 |access-date=4 February 2020 |work=[[Duowei News]] |language=zh-CN}}</ref> Taiwan's government banned anyone from mainland China entering the country with<ref name="Straits Times-2020">{{cite web |date=4 February 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Taiwan evacuates first group from Wuhan, announces limit on mask purchases |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/coronavirus-taiwan-evacuates-first-group-from-wuhan-announces-limit-on-mask-purchases |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160925/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/coronavirus-taiwan-evacuates-first-group-from-wuhan-announces-limit-on-mask-purchases |archive-date=4 February 2020 |access-date=4 February 2020 |website=The Straits Times}}</ref> the ban extended to mainland Chinese overseas.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 January 2020 |script-title=zh:台灣嚴防疫情 海外大陸籍人士也禁止入境 |url=https://www.worldjournal.com/6755178/article-%e5%8f%b0%e7%81%a3%e5%9a%b4%e9%98%b2%e7%96%ab%e6%83%85-%e6%b5%b7%e5%a4%96%e5%a4%a7%e9%99%b8%e7%b1%8d%e4%ba%ba%e5%a3%ab%e4%b9%9f%e7%a6%81%e6%ad%a2%e5%85%a5%e5%a2%83/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204160945/https://www.worldjournal.com/6755178/article-%e5%8f%b0%e7%81%a3%e5%9a%b4%e9%98%b2%e7%96%ab%e6%83%85-%e6%b5%b7%e5%a4%96%e5%a4%a7%e9%99%b8%e7%b1%8d%e4%ba%ba%e5%a3%ab%e4%b9%9f%e7%a6%81%e6%ad%a2%e5%85%a5%e5%a2%83/ |archive-date=4 February 2020 |access-date=4 February 2020 |work=[[World Journal]] |language=zh-TW}}</ref> On 24 August 2022, the Chinese government began to ease restrictions for foreign students, allowing them to enter the country for the first time in more than two years.<ref>{{cite web |title=China reopens the door to foreign students after 2 years of Covid lockouts |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3189927/china-reopens-door-foreign-students-after-2-years-covid |website=SCMP |date=23 August 2022 |access-date=28 August 2022 |archive-date=28 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828175921/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3189927/china-reopens-door-foreign-students-after-2-years-covid |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Response to whistleblowers ==== |
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[[File:李文亮的训诫书.png|right|thumb|Document issued by the Wuhan Police ordering [[Li Wenliang]] to stop "spreading rumours" about a possible 'SARS virus' dated 3 January.]] |
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On 18 December 2019, [[Ai Fen]], director of the emergency department of [[Central Hospital of Wuhan]] came into contact with an unusual pulmonary infection from a delivery person of [[Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market]]. On 27 December, she received a second patient with similar symptoms, but who had no link to the wet market. In the afternoon of 30 December, upon seeing the words "SARS coronavirus, pseudomonas aeruginosa", Ai immediately reported to the hospital's public health department and infection department. She circled the word "SARS", and took an image of it and forwarded it to another doctor in Wuhan. From there it spread throughout medical circles in Wuhan, and reached [[Li Wenliang]], an ophthalmologist at the hospital.<ref name=20200311theguardian>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/11/coronavirus-wuhan-doctor-ai-fen-speaks-out-against-authorities|title=Coronavirus: Wuhan doctor speaks out against authorities|first=Lily|last=Kuo|date=11 March 2020|work=The Guardian}}</ref> On the afternoon of the same day, Li sent a warning to former classmates over [[WeChat]] which was reposted widely.<ref name = "original text">{{cite web |script-title=zh:发哨子的人|url=https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/nEy0jq5wjj-g6DQVZep1Wg|accessdate=|author=龚菁琦|date=10 March 2020|script-work=zh:人物周刊 |via=[[WeChat]] |language=zh-cn|archiveurl=http://archive.is/OLdHs|archivedate=10 March 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> In an interview with ''Renwu'' magazine, Ai said she was reprimanded after alerting her superiors and colleagues of the SARS-like virus in December. Li Wenliang would later be canonised on the internet as a heroic whistleblower, and Ai would be lauded as the one who provided the whistle.<ref name=20200311theguardian/> |
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=== Lockdown and curfew === |
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On 1 January, it's reported by ''[[Global Times]]'' that eight people were arrested<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/china-is-arresting-people-for-spreading-rumors-online-about|title=China Is Using Fears Of Online Misinformation About The Coronavirus To Arrest People|publisher=[[Buzzfeed News]]|date=29 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/status/1212409846684884995|title=Police in Central China's Wuhan arrested 8 people spreading rumors about local outbreak of unidentifiable #pneumonia. Previous online posts said it was SARS.|publisher=[[Global Times]]|date=2 January 2020}}</ref> by Wuhan police for their claim that there were SARS cases in Wuhan.<ref name=":21" /> Li Wenliang said he didn't know whether he was one of them or not. According to [[Wang Gaofei]], [[Weibo (company)|Weibo]]'s CEO, the eight people are all doctors at Wuhan hospitals who "are still fighting at the frontline".<ref name=":2" /> The [[Supreme People's Court|Supreme Court]] defended these doctors and pointed out in a [[WeChat]] article on 28 January,<ref name=":2" /> delay and opacity in public information are the root of fake news and the information that is mostly factual and not subjectively malicious and causes no objectively severe consequences should be tolerated.<ref name=":11">{{cite web|url=https://www.chinapress.com.my/20200130/%e2%97%a4%e6%ad%a6%e6%b1%89%e8%82%ba%e7%82%8e%e2%97%a2-%e4%b8%ad%e5%9b%bd%e6%9c%80%e9%ab%98%e6%b3%95%e9%99%a2%e4%b8%ba8%e7%bd%91%e6%b0%91%e5%b9%b3%e5%8f%8d-%e5%bd%93%e5%88%9d%e8%8b%a5%e5%90%ac/ |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:◤武汉肺炎◢ 中国最高法院为8网民平反 当初若听"谣言" 或是幸事{{!}}中國報|website=中國報 China Press|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> On 29 January, the eight doctors were also praised by [[Zeng Guang]], Chief Scientist at [[Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention|China CDC]].<ref name=":20" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://e.thecover.cn/shtml/hxdsb/20200203/125160.shtml|script-title=zh:武汉医生李文亮的2020开年|date=3 February 2020|website=华西都市报|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203033426/https://e.thecover.cn/shtml/hxdsb/20200203/125160.shtml|archive-date=3 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> [[Hu Xijin]], the editor of the ''[[Global Times]]'', complained about the local governments' low tolerance of differing online opinions and believed this weakened checks-and-balances of government powers through news media.<ref name=":21" /> |
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{{main|COVID-19 lockdown in China}} |
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[[File:Exit-Entry_Permit_for_Residents_During_the_Outbreak_of_2019-nCoV.png|thumb|Government-issued permit for [[Jintan]] residents. Jintan announced that each family should only have one member to be outdoor for shopping life necessities for every 2 days.]] |
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Ever since Hubei's lockdown, areas bordering Hubei including Yueyang in Hunan and Xinyang in Henan set up checkpoints on roads connecting to Hubei to monitor cars and people coming from Hubei.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 January 2020 |script-title=zh:劝返实录:汨罗大荆收费站劝返一辆湖北籍小车 |work=hunan.voc.com.cn |url=http://hunan.voc.com.cn/article/202001/202001261137266107.html |url-status=live |access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126043041/https://hunan.voc.com.cn/article/202001/202001261137266107.html |archive-date=26 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=25 January 2020 |script-title=zh:记者探访信阳市鄂豫交界卡点:7小时劝返133人 |publisher=Sina Corp |url=https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-25/doc-iihnzhha4652111.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=27 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126043022/https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2020-01-25/doc-iihnzhha4652111.shtml |archive-date=26 January 2020}}</ref> Between 24 and 25 January, the local governments of Shanghai, Jiangsu, [[Hainan]] and other areas announced to quarantine passengers from "key areas" of Hubei for 14 days.<ref>{{Cite news |author=吴怡 |date=25 January 2020 |script-title=zh:海南:对来自湖北的过海登岛旅客进行集中医学观察14天 |language=zh |work=澎湃新闻 |url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5633604 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125220936/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5633604 |archive-date=25 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=陈思思 |date=25 January 2020 |script-title=zh:对重点地区来沪人员,上海三方面措施落实社区防控 |language=zh |work=澎湃新闻 |url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5633528 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127035711/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5633528 |archive-date=27 January 2020}}</ref> [[Chongqing]] also announced mandatory screening of every person who arrived from Wuhan since 1 January, and set up 3 treatment centers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 January 2020 |script-title=zh:重庆将开展网格化筛查应对疫情 |language=zh |work=重庆日报 |url=http://cq.gov.cn/zwxx/jrcq/202001/t20200125_4785638.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125145232/http://www.cq.gov.cn/zwxx/jrcq/202001/t20200125_4785638.html |archive-date=25 January 2020}}</ref> |
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During the [[2019–2020 COVID-19 outbreak in mainland China|2019–2020 COVID-19 outbreak]], factories were closed or reduced production for a few weeks. When they opened again, measures were implemented to reduce risk.<ref name="containvirus22">{{cite web |date=19 February 2020 |title=Quarantine, red-tape and face masks: inside China's coronavirus-hit wind industry |url=https://www.rechargenews.com/wind/quarantine-red-tape-and-face-masks-inside-chinas-coronavirus-hit-wind-industry/2-1-758846 |website=Recharge {{!}} Latest renewable energy news |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320225429/https://www.rechargenews.com/wind/quarantine-red-tape-and-face-masks-inside-chinas-coronavirus-hit-wind-industry/2-1-758846 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="containvirus32">{{cite web |last1=Alvarez |first1=Simon |date=17 March 2020 |title=Tesla China shares Giga Shanghai safety measures against COVID-19 virus |url=https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-china-giga-shanghai-covid-19-fremont-factory-elon-musk/ |website=TESLARATI |access-date=17 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319224920/https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-china-giga-shanghai-covid-19-fremont-factory-elon-musk/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Death of Li Wenliang ==== |
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After Li Wenliang was warned by Wuhan police, the doctor was diagnosed with the coronavirus infection and died from it on 7 February 2020. He was said to be dead on the evening of 6 February, although the hospital said that he was still under emergency treatment. People speculated that Dr. Li was actually kept alive{{explain|date=March 2020}} while the authorities were trying to censor the news. After his death, people mourned his death and criticized the government.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1798421/questions-swirl-after-china-attempts-to-censor-news-of-whistleblowing-doctors-death/|title=Questions swirl after China attempts to censor news of whistleblowing doctor's death|last=Lin|first=Tripti Lahiri, Tony|website=Quartz|access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref> some of the trending hashtags on [[Sina Weibo|Weibo]] such as "Wuhan government owes Dr. Li Wenliang an apology" and "We want freedom of speech" became trending topics on Weibo until the posts were deleted by censors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-51409801|title=Li Wenliang: Coronavirus death of Wuhan doctor sparks outpouring of anger|date=7 February 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=10 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207062254/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-51409801|archive-date=7 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Graham-Harrison|first=Emma|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/feb/07/coronavirus-chinese-rage-death-whistleblower-doctor-li-wenliang|title='Hero who told the truth': Chinese rage over coronavirus death of whistleblower doctor|date=6 February 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=10 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207062759/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/feb/07/coronavirus-chinese-rage-death-whistleblower-doctor-li-wenliang|archive-date=7 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/02/06/803523981/coronavirus-whistleblower-dies-from-the-disease-in-china|title=Coronavirus Whistleblower Dies From The Disease in China|publisher=NPR|access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref><ref name="auto3"/>{{Excessive citations inline|date=April 2020}} While media outlets were allowed to report his death, the nature of the doctor's censorship which produced widespread public anger in the aftermath, in what has been described as "one of the biggest outpourings of online criticism of the government in years," was not a topic that was permitted for coverage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/china/2020/02/07/li-wenliangs-death-is-a-new-crisis-for-chinas-rulers|title=Li Wenliang's death is a new crisis for China's rulers|work=The Economist|access-date=12 February 2020|issn=0013-0613}}</ref> |
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=== Vaccination === |
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A group of Chinese academics including [[Xu Zhangrun]] of [[Tsinghua University]] signed an open letter calling for the central government to issue an apology to Dr. Li and to protect freedom of speech.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/11/coronavirus-outspoken-academic-blames-xi-jinping-for-catastrophe-sweeping-china|title=Coronavirus: outspoken academic blames Xi Jinping for 'catastrophe' sweeping China|first=Lily|last=Kuo|date=11 February 2020|work=The Guardian}}</ref> Professor Zhou Lian of [[Renmin University]] has observed that the epidemic has "allowed more people to see the institutional factors behind the outbreak and the importance of freedom of speech".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-as-the-coronavirus-spreads-china-is-losing-control-online/|title=As the coronavirus spreads, China is losing its control online|work=The Globe and Mail}}</ref> After attempts to discourage the discussion on Dr. Li's death further escalated online anger, the central government has been accused of reportedly attempting to co-opt the incident by "cast[ing] Dr. Li's death as the nation's sacrifice – meaning, the Chinese Communist Party's own".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twnews.us/us-news/the-coronavirus-story-is-too-big-for-china-to-spin|title=The Coronavirus Story is Too Big for China to Spin|website=twnews.us|date=14 February 2020}}</ref> The ''[[Financial Times]]'' believed Li's story fitted the historical archetypes in China where incorruptible Confucian scholar who speaks truth to the emperor but is persecuted and ultimately dies for his honesty.<ref name=":47">{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/6f7fdbae-4b3b-11ea-95a0-43d18ec715f5|title=Xi Jinping faces China's Chernobyl moment|last=Anderlini|first=Jamil|date=10 February 2020|website=Financial Times|access-date=12 February 2020}}</ref> |
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In July 2020, the government granted an emergency use authorization for two [[COVID-19 vaccine]]s.<ref name="Bloomberg China Says 1 Million22">{{cite news |date=19 December 2020 |title=China Says 1 Million Vaccines Given; Plans Further Rollout |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-19/china-says-1-million-vaccines-already-given-plans-further-shots |access-date=20 December 2020 |archive-date=19 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219231047/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-19/china-says-1-million-vaccines-already-given-plans-further-shots |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="vaccines cnbc 2020-12-1922">{{cite news |date=19 December 2020 |title=China to vaccinate high-risk groups over winter and spring, health official says |work=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/19/china-vaccine-coronavirus-high-risk-groups-to-be-vaccinated-in-winter-spring.html |access-date=20 December 2020 |archive-date=20 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220005106/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/19/china-vaccine-coronavirus-high-risk-groups-to-be-vaccinated-in-winter-spring.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It has also pledged or provided humanitarian assistance to other countries dealing with the virus.<ref name="As China Cracks Down2"/><ref name="The New York Times2"/> |
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By June 2021, a billion doses of domestically produced vaccine had been administered in China, giving a dose rate similar to many European countries.<ref name="guardian-202106152">{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Helen |date=15 June 2021 |title=China set to administer 1bn Covid vaccine doses by end of this week |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jun/15/china-set-to-deliver-1bn-covid-vaccine-doses-by-end-of-this-week |access-date=17 June 2021 |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616051004/https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jun/15/china-set-to-deliver-1bn-covid-vaccine-doses-by-end-of-this-week |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Xiong |first1=Yong |last2=Gan |first2=Nectar |last3=He |first3=Laura |date=20 June 2021 |title=China has administered more than 1 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/20/asia/china-one-billion-doses-intl/index.html |access-date=20 June 2021 |website=CNN |archive-date=20 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620092216/https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/20/asia/china-one-billion-doses-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A further billion doses had been administered by late August of the same year.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 August 2021 |title=China claims to have given 2 billion jabs to citizens |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/china-claims-to-have-given-2-billion-jabs-to-citizens-101630089633476.html |access-date=8 September 2021 |publisher=hindustantimes |archive-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907124853/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/china-claims-to-have-given-2-billion-jabs-to-citizens-101630089633476.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Another 1 billion doses were administered by the end of January 2022. In February 2022, Pfizer's Covid therapy tablet Paxlovid has received conditional approval in China. It is the first oral pill created exclusively to treat the disease in the country.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 February 2022 |title=China conditionally approves Pfizer's Covid treatment pill Paxlovid |pages=1 |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/12/china-conditionally-approves-pfizer-covid-treatment-pill-paxlovid |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213003430/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/12/china-conditionally-approves-pfizer-covid-treatment-pill-paxlovid |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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Later in March, Wuhan police apologised to Li Wenliang's family after [[National Supervisory Commission]] admitted the conduct of local officials is inadequate and praised the whistleblower's effort on raising public awareness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3075984/coronavirus-wuhan-local-police-blamed-mishandling-case-whistle|title=Coronavirus: Wuhan police apologise to family of whistle-blowing doctor Li Wenliang|date=20 March 2020|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=19 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/19/818295972/chinese-authorities-admit-improper-response-to-coronavirus-whistleblower|title=Chinese Authorities Admit Improper Response To Coronavirus Whistleblower|date=19 March 2020|work=[[NPR]]|access-date=20 March 2020}}</ref> |
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While public authorities have mandated lockdowns and mandatory mass testing for areas with infection, there has not been any rule to making vaccination mandatory. Some facilities within China have made vaccination mandatory for entry, including things like movie theatres, fitness centres, internet bars, museums and libraries.<ref name="bbc.com 中国新冠病毒清零政策对习近平造成危险">{{Cite web |date=2022-07-09 |title=中国新冠病毒"清零"政策对习近平造成危险 |url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-62089752 |access-date=2023-01-20 |website=BBC News 中文 |language=zh-hans |archive-date=11 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111010631/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-62089752 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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==== Zhang Ouya's criticism ==== |
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In January, Zhang Ouya, the Chief Journalist of ''Hubei Daily'' called for the removal of the current leaders of Hubei and Wuhan on Weibo. But, he was asked to remove his post and the newspaper that he worked for apologized to the Wuhan authorities, promising that they will publish only positive content from now on.<ref name=":21" /> Mayor Zhou of Wuhan said to the state media "As a local government, I could not disclose information until I get information and authorization which was not understood at the time."<ref name=":18">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/chinese-news-51276069|script-title=zh:武漢市長暗示疫情披露不及時中央有責任|date=28 January 2020|work=BBC News 中文|access-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129014359/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/chinese-news-51276069|archive-date=29 January 2020|language=zh-Hant}}</ref> His argument which hinted at the [[State Council of the People's Republic of China|Central Government]]'s responsibility,<ref name=":18" /> was refuted by [[Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention|China CDC]]. Chief Scientist Zeng Guang said to Chinese tabloid ''[[Global Times|The Global Times]]'' that what the scientists said was "often only part of their decision-making" and praised the eight whistleblowers who were warned by the Wuhan authorities before the epidemic.<ref name=":20">{{cite web|url=https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202001300197.aspx|script-title=zh:武漢市長稱疫情延誤肇因法規 中國疾控中心不認同|date=n.d.|website=中央社 CNA|language=zh-Hant-TW|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130110145/https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202001300197.aspx|archive-date=30 January 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
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In July 2022, according to official figures, while 89% had received 2 doses, only 56% of eligible people had received a booster dose. Furthermore, this was even lower among vulnerable elderly age groups, with only 19.7% of people over the age of 80 having received a booster dose. According to BBC reporting, this may have been attributed to public confidence in the ability of authorities to control outbreaks, the narrative presented by public authorities within China that the virus was mainly an overseas problem as well as some doctors within China who warned vulnerable people of the health risks of the vaccine.<ref name="bbc.com 中国新冠病毒清零政策对习近平造成危险"/> |
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==== Undercounting of cases and deaths ==== |
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On 1 April, two United States officials claimed that China had deliberately concealed its cases and deaths according to a report by [[United States Intelligence Community]], leading other countries{{which?|date=July 2020}} to underestimate the seriousness of the outbreak. The officials asked not to be identified because the report is secret, and declined to detail its contents.<ref>{{cite web |last1= Breuninger |first1= Kevin |title= China hid extent of coronavirus outbreak, US intelligence reportedly says |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/01/coronavirus-china-hid-extent-of-outbreak-us-intelligence-reportedly-says.html |publisher= CNBC |accessdate= 1 April 2020 |date= 1 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= China Concealed Extent of Virus Outbreak, U.S. Intelligence Says |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-04-01/china-concealed-extent-of-virus-outbreak-u-s-intelligence-says |accessdate= 2 April 2020 |publisher= Bloomberg L.P.}}</ref> The sources stated that the Chinese central government does not know the extent of the outbreak because lower-level officials reported falsified statistics to avoid losing their positions. The CIA is currently investigating in China to assess the coronavirus totals.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Barnes |first1= Julian E. |title= C.I.A. Hunts for Authentic Virus Totals in China, Dismissing Government Tallies |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/us/politics/cia-coronavirus-china.html?algo=top_conversion&fellback=false&imp_id=77928414&imp_id=937716771&action=click&module=trending&pgtype=Article®ion=Footer |accessdate= 2 April 2020 |work= The New York Times |date= 2 April 2020}}</ref> |
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[[File:PRC_Exit-Entry_Health_Declaration_Form_-_February_2020.jpg|thumb|Since 25 January 2020, all passengers entering or exiting mainland China in Beijing, Shanghai and [[Guangdong]] must write a health declaration where the individual must answer whether they have been to Hubei Province. This declaration form can also be filled by using [[WeChat]].<ref>{{cite web |date=30 January 2020 |title=出入境健康申报指引 |url=https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-01-30/doc-iimxxste7740072.shtml |access-date=31 January 2020 |work=中央广播电视总台国际在线 |archive-date=31 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131145409/https://tech.sina.com.cn/roll/2020-01-30/doc-iimxxste7740072.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>]] |
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During the pandemic, no reports of cases of the coronavirus in Xinjiang prisons or of conditions in the [[Xinjiang re-education camps]] emerged. A former Xinjiang resident raised concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus in the re-education camps.<ref name="ramzy"/> |
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China has provided vaccines to other countries. In November 2021, the Chinese government pledged to provide 1 billion vaccine doses to African countries, including 600 million donated doses and 400 million other doses, in addition to the 200 million doses it had already provided. In the same announcement, Xi pledged additional investment in Africa and promised to send 1,500 public health experts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mcallister |first1=Edward |last2=Daly |first2=Tom |date=30 November 2021 |title=China's Xi pledges another 1 bln COVID-19 vaccine doses for Africa |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/chinas-xi-pledges-10-bln-credit-line-african-financial-institutions-2021-11-29/ |access-date=25 December 2021 |archive-date=25 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225083313/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/chinas-xi-pledges-10-bln-credit-line-african-financial-institutions-2021-11-29/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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=== Credit rating relief === |
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As of late March, users of the social-media site [[Sina Weibo]] widely shared an undated photograph showing long lines at the Hankou funeral home in Wuhan.<ref>{{cite news|first= William|last= Zheng|url= https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3077276/coronavirus-wuhan-opens-its-funeral-homes-cemeteries-so-families|title= Coronavirus: Wuhan opens its funeral homes, cemeteries so families can bury their dead|work= South China Morning Post|date= 27 March 2020|access-date= 4 April 2020}}</ref> |
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On February 1, 2020, the [[People's Bank of China]] announced it would temporarily suspend the inclusion of mortgage and credit card payments in the credit record of people impacted by the pandemic.<ref name=":44">{{Cite book |last=Brussee |first=Vincent |title=Social Credit: The Warring States of China's Emerging Data Empire |publisher=[[Palgrave MacMillan]] |year=2023 |isbn=978-981-99-2188-1 |location=Singapore}}</ref>{{Rp|page=134}} Private financial credit scoring companies, including [[Sesame Credit]], suspended financial credit ratings.<ref name=":44" />{{Rp|page=134}} |
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According to [[Caixin Global]], the Hankou funeral home was operating 19 hours a day.<ref name="Washington Post-2020-04-03">{{cite web |title= Chinese families should be sweeping graves now. But thousands still haven't buried their dead. |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/chinese-families-should-be-sweeping-graves-now-but-thousands-still-havent-buried-their-dead/2020/04/03/5a6daa50-7234-11ea-ad9b-254ec99993bc_story.html |website= The Washington Post |accessdate= 5 April 2020}}</ref> Caixin also reported that there were a number of people who died with COVID-19 symptoms but were not tested and were thus excluded from the official case-tally. Some patients died of other diseases due to a lack of proper treatment when hospitals were overwhelmed dealing with those who had the coronavirus.<ref name="Bloomberg-2020-03-27">{{cite web |title= Urns in Wuhan Prompt New Questions of Virus's Toll. |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-27/stacks-of-urns-in-wuhan-prompt-new-questions-of-virus-s-toll |website= Bloomberg News |accessdate= 5 April 2020}}</ref> Some social-media users have used the numbers of urns returned to families and the number of cremations conducted in Wuhan to estimate a death toll in Wuhan of about 42,000 or 46,800, compared to an official toll of 2,548 people attributed to the virus in Wuhan as of 27 March.<ref name="Washington Post-2020-04-03"/> There were 13,856 cremations in Wuhan in the fourth quarter of 2019, according to Bloomberg calculations based on data from the city's civil-affairs agency. That was 2,419 lower than in the fourth quarter of 2018.<ref name="Bloomberg-2020-03-27"/> |
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=== Redlisting === |
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Sources including a number{{quantify|date=July 2020}} of health experts, United States intelligence officials, British scientists, and British government officials have expressed doubts about the accuracy of the figures provided by the Chinese government relating to the epidemic, raising concerns that the Beijing government has deliberately under-reported the extent of infections and deaths.<ref>{{cite news|title= Experts are questioning China's reported coronavirus case and death counts. Here's why it's so important to get the data right |url= https://www.businessinsider.com/why-accurate-coronavirus-case-counts-china-countries-matter-2020-4?IR=T|quote= experts and locals are questioning China's case counts.|date= 4 April 2020|work= [[Business Insider]] |accessdate= 5 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="ft1"/><ref name="bostonherald1"/><ref name="time5813628"/> Although [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Chinese Premier]] [[Li Keqiang]] reported on 24 March 2020 that the spread of domestically transmitted epidemic has essentially stopped and the outbreak has been controlled in China,<ref>{{cite news | title= China deploys measures to curb imported COVID-19 cases, rebound in indigenous cases | url= http://english.scio.gov.cn/m/topnews/2020-03/24/content_75852078.htm |work= State Council Information Office of China |date= 24 March 2020}}</ref> news publications{{where?|date=July 2020}} reported that experts have doubted these claims, and described them as premature.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.dw.com/en/doubts-over-chinas-claim-of-beating-coronavirus/a-52946835|quote= Don't lift quarantine measures too fast: government expert|title= Doubts over China's claim of beating coronavirus}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-wuhan-coronavirus-zero-cases/2020/03/25/19bdbbc2-6d15-11ea-a156-0048b62cdb51_story.html |title= China's Wuhan is touting 'zero' new coronavirus cases. But is the battle over? |publisher= The Washington Post |date= 25 March 2020 |accessdate= 6 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.ft.com/content/4aa35288-3979-44f7-b204-b881f473fca0|title= Hidden infections challenge China’s claim coronavirus is under control |website= Financial Times |date = 27 March 2020}}</ref> |
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Various cities established mechanisms to incentivize companies to provide pandemic relief, with measures including [[whitelist]]ing (referred to in China as redlisting) for those donating funds and supplies with benefits like simplified administrative procedures, increased policy support, or increased financial support.<ref name=":44" />{{Rp|page=135}} |
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=== Other regulatory measures === |
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Asymptomatic cases (people who tested positive but did not develop symptoms) were not counted as confirmed cases before 1 March.<ref>{{cite news|title= China did not count coronavirus positives if patient had no symptoms: report|url= https://thehill.com/policy/international/490315-china-did-not-count-coronavirus-positives-if-patient-had-no-symptoms|quote= experts and locals are questioning China's case counts.|date= 31 March 2020|work= [[The Hill (newspaper) |The Hill]] |accessdate= 15 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title= Covid-19: four fifths of cases are asymptomatic, China figures indicate|url= https://www.bmj.com/content/369/bmj.m1375|quote= experts and locals are questioning China's case counts.|date= 2 April 2020|work= [[The BMJ]] |accessdate= 15 April 2020}}</ref> |
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Following a speech by Xi Jinping emphasizing areas of regulatory compliance, provinces and cities promulgated regulations emphasizing heavy penalties for price hikes, violence against doctors, counterfeit medical supplies, refusal to comply with pandemic prevention measures, and wildlife trade violations.<ref name=":44" />{{Rp|page=134}} |
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== Discrimination == |
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On 17 April 2020 the Wuhan government revised the number of COVID-19 deaths, accounting for deaths that occurred at home that went previously unreported, as well as for the subtraction of deaths that were previously double-counted<ref> |
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{{Main|Xenophobia and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic}} |
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{{cite web |
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Fear, [[regional discrimination in China]], and [[Xenophobia and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic|racial discrimination within and beyond China]] increased with the growing number of reported cases of infections despite calls for stopping the discrimination by many governments.<ref name="fox612">{{Citation |title=Wuhan coronavirus reaches India as countries evacuate citizens from China |date=30 January 2020 |url=https://fox61.com/2020/01/30/wuhan-coronavirus-reaches-india-as-countries-evacuate-citizens-from-china/ |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210184315/https://fox61.com/2020/01/30/wuhan-coronavirus-reaches-india-as-countries-evacuate-citizens-from-china/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Dazed2">{{cite web |last1=Benjamin |first1=Patrick |last2=Zhi |first2=Sakura |date=6 February 2020 |title=Life under lockdown: Young people in Wuhan tell their coronavirus stories |url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/47822/1/life-under-lockdown-young-people-in-wuhan-china-tell-their-coronavirus-stories |access-date=8 February 2020 |website=Dazed |archive-date=2 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402014538/https://www.dazeddigital.com/life-culture/article/47822/1/life-under-lockdown-young-people-in-wuhan-china-tell-their-coronavirus-stories |url-status=live }}</ref> Some rumors circulated across Chinese social media, along with endorsements and counter-rumor efforts by media and governments.<ref name="bjnews.com.cn2">{{cite web |date=n.d. |script-title=zh:关于新型冠状病毒肺炎 这九大谣言别"中招" |url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678570.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201044832/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/23/678570.html |archive-date=1 February 2020 |access-date=2 February 2020 |website=Beijing News |language=zh-cn}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA2">{{cite web |date=n.d. |script-title=zh:聚焦 {{!}} 关于新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎疫情的最新辟谣! |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/29/c_1125510533.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202181755/http://www.xinhuanet.com/politics/2020-01/29/c_1125510533.htm |archive-date=2 February 2020 |access-date=2 February 2020 |language=zh-cn |agency=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref> The Chinese government has worked to censor and counter reporting and criticism about the crisis{{snd}}which included the prosecution of several citizen journalists<ref name="Gan-2020">{{Cite web |last1=Gan |first1=Nectar |last2=Griffiths |first2=James |title=Chinese journalist who documented Wuhan coronavirus outbreak jailed for 4 years |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/28/asia/china-journalist-zhang-zhan-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229153534/https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/28/asia/china-journalist-zhang-zhan-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=29 December 2020 |access-date=29 December 2020 |website=CNN|date=28 December 2020 }}</ref>{{snd}}and portray the official response to the outbreak in a positive light. They have also provided humanitarian assistance to other countries dealing with the virus.<ref name="As China Cracks Down2">{{cite news |last1=Hernández |first1=Javier C. |date=14 March 2020 |title=As China Cracks Down on Coronavirus Coverage, Journalists Fight Back |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/14/business/media/coronavirus-china-journalists.html |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319064926/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/14/business/media/coronavirus-china-journalists.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The New York Times2">{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven Lee |date=10 March 2020 |title=Xi Goes to Wuhan, Coronavirus Epicenter, in Show of Confidence |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/world/asia/coronavirus-china-xi-jinping.html |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327162644/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/10/world/asia/coronavirus-china-xi-jinping.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="China Turns Focus Outward2">{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven Lee |last2=Rubin |first2=Alissa J. |date=18 March 2020 |title=Its Coronavirus Cases Dwindling, China Turns Focus Outward |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/asia/coronavirus-china-aid.html |access-date=31 March 2020 |archive-date=30 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330200902/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/18/world/asia/coronavirus-china-aid.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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|author= Kenneth Rapoza |url= https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2020/04/17/china-revising-wuhan-coronavirus-death-toll/#69fe78ee1db8 |
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|title= China Revising Wuhan Coronavirus Death Toll |publisher= Forbes.com | date= |accessdate= 22 April 2020 |
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}} |
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</ref> |
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by different hospitals, resulting in a net increase of 1,290 reported deaths in the city.<ref name="NHC 17 Apr WH correction"/> |
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== Misinformation and conspiracy theories == |
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====Investigations of origins of the virus==== |
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{{Main|COVID-19 misinformation by China}} |
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According to London-based ''[[The Economist]]'', on China's Internet, there were conspiracy theories about COVID-19 being the CIA's creation to keep China down.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 2020 |title=China's rulers see the coronavirus as a chance to tighten their grip |newspaper=[[The Economist]] |url=https://www.economist.com/china/2020/02/08/chinas-rulers-see-the-coronavirus-as-a-chance-to-tighten-their-grip |url-status=live |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200229034330/https://www.economist.com/china/2020/02/08/chinas-rulers-see-the-coronavirus-as-a-chance-to-tighten-their-grip |archive-date=29 February 2020}}</ref> |
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The central government has imposed restrictions on the publication of academic research regarding the origins of the coronavirus.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/china-coronavirus-pandemic-covid-who-1.5531968 |title=Beijing's pandemic response is China's 'Chornobyl moment,' critics say |website=cbc.ca |date=15 April 2020}}</ref> The directive issued by the Ministry of Education's science and technology department stated that "academic papers about tracing the origin of the virus must be strictly and tightly managed", requiring that such papers be vetted by a State Council task force. A Chinese researcher who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation said "I think it is a coordinated effort from (the) Chinese government to control (the) narrative, and paint it as if the outbreak did not originate in China. And I don't think they will really tolerate any objective study to investigate the origination of this disease." The researcher said that such a move would obstruct important scientific research. Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health at the Washington-based Council on Foreign Relations, said "it is no surprise that the government seeks to control related scientific research so that the findings do not challenge its own narrative on the origin of the virus and the government response to the crisis".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/beijing-tightens-grip-over-coronavirus-research-amid-us-china-row-on-virus-origin/ar-BB12w616|title=Beijing tightens grip over coronavirus research amid US-China row on virus origin|website=www.msn.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/12/asia/china-coronavirus-research-restrictions-intl-hnk/index.html|title=China imposes restrictions on research into origins of coronavirus|author1=Nectar Gan |author2=Caitlin Hu |author3=Ivan Watson|website=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/international/chinese-govt-bars-research-on-coronavirus-origin/videoshow/75119001.cms|title=China Coronavirus: Chinese Govt bars research on coronavirus origin | International - Times of India Videos|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.com/coronavirus-origin-cover-china-stifles-research-instructions-posted-online-deleted-2957287|title=Coronavirus Origin Cover-Up: China Stifles Research, Instructions Posted Online Deleted|first=Athena|last=Chan|date=13 April 2020|website=International Business Times}}</ref> |
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Multiple conspiracy articles in Chinese from the SARS era resurfaced during the outbreak with altered details, claiming that SARS is biological warfare conducted by the US against China. Some of these articles claim that [[BGI Group]] from China sold genetic information of the Chinese people to the US, with the US then being able to deploy the virus specifically targeting the [[genome]] of Chinese individuals.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=zh:中國家長指稱「武漢肺炎是美國投放病毒」 網友傻爆眼 |url=https://www.setn.com/News.aspx?NewsID=677313 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219211548/https://www.setn.com/News.aspx?NewsID=677313 |archive-date=19 February 2020 |language=zh-cn}}</ref> |
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After interviewing [[virologist]] [[Shi Zhengli]] who had investigated bat coronaviruses including the latest one, journalist Gao Yu said "We learned later her institute finished gene-sequencing and related tests as early as January 2 but was muzzled." Shi said that Yanyi Wang, Director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, had ordered staff not to disclose information on the disease arguing that "inappropriate and inaccurate information was causing 'general panic'". Furthermore, Wang directed that "The National Health Commission 'unequivocally requires that any tests, clinical data, test results, conclusions related to the epidemic shall not be posted on social media platforms, nor shall [it] be disclosed to any media outlets including government official media, nor shall [it] be disclosed to partner institutions'".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.sg/who-shi-zhengli-chinese-virologist-was-silenced-after-she-decoded-coronavirus-strain-december-42878|title=Who is Shi Zhengli? The Chinese virologist was 'silenced' after she decoded Coronavirus strain in December|date=12 April 2020|website=International Business Times, Singapore Edition}}</ref> |
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The broad scientific consensus holds that SARS-CoV-2 originated in bats.<ref name="reuters.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-trump-china/trump-says-u-s-investigating-whether-virus-came-from-wuhan-lab-idUSKCN21Y01B |title=Trump says U.S. investigating whether virus came from Wuhan lab |publisher=Reuters |date=16 April 2020}}</ref> A member of [[Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms]] (COBRA) in the UK, tasked with dealing with crisis, has said that while British government intelligence does not dispute that the virus has a [[zoonotic]] origin, it also does not discount the idea of a leak from a Wuhan laboratory, saying that "Perhaps it is no coincidence that there is that laboratory in Wuhan" (the [[Wuhan Institute of Virology]]).<ref>{{cite web|last=Makichuk |first=Dave |url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/04/wuhan-lab-virus-leak-no-longer-discounted-cobra/ |title=Wuhan lab virus leak 'no longer discounted': Cobra |publisher=Asia Times |date=6 April 2020 |accessdate=22 April 2020}}</ref> On 15 April 2020, US President [[Donald Trump]] announced that the US government was investigating whether the virus spread from the laboratory.<ref name="reuters.com"/> |
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=== Propaganda === |
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{{See also|Propaganda in China}} |
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Statements issued by Xi Jinping on 3 February declared the need for an emphasis by state media on "telling the moving stories of how [people] on the front line are preventing and fighting the virus" as a priority of coverage, while top official Zhang Xiaoguo said that his department would "treat propaganda regarding the control and prevention measures of the virus as its top priority".<ref name="auto10">{{cite web |url=https://qz.com/1798070/china-seeks-to-create-positive-media-coverage-about-coronavirus/ |title=China is dispatching journalists to tell the coronavirus story it wants its people to hear |last=Li |first=Jane |website=Quartz |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207143412/https://qz.com/1798070/china-seeks-to-create-positive-media-coverage-about-coronavirus/ |archive-date=7 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/technology/china-coronavirus-censorship-social-media.html |title=As Virus Spreads, Anger Floods Chinese Social Media |last=Zhong |first=Raymond |date=27 January 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128115157/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/technology/china-coronavirus-censorship-social-media.html |archive-date=28 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> For instance, state media organisations ''People's Daily'' and ''Global Times'', along with deputy director of information Zhao Lijian from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have been observed to be publishing effusive praise on Beijing's response to the epidemic,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/29/coronavirus-chinas-xi-is-facing-his-greatest-political-challenge.html |title=China's Xi faces his 'greatest political challenge' with coronavirus outbreak, says analyst |last=Tan |first=Huileng |date=29 January 2020 |publisher=CNBC |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200201103105/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/29/coronavirus-chinas-xi-is-facing-his-greatest-political-challenge.html |archive-date=1 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> such as extensive coverage of the accelerated construction of the [[Huoshenshan Hospital|new hospitals]] in Wuhan (which Zhao claimed was completed in 16 hours),<ref name=":21"/><ref name="vice.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/g5xykx/you-can-now-go-to-jail-in-china-for-criticizing-beijings-coronavirus-response |title=You Can Now Go to Jail in China for Criticizing Beijing's Coronavirus Response |last=Gilbert |first=David |date=30 January 2020 |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131082945/https://www.vice.com/en_ca/article/g5xykx/you-can-now-go-to-jail-in-china-for-criticizing-beijings-coronavirus-response |archive-date=31 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> the lock down of Wuhan with its population of 11 million, and the "unprecedented" quarantine of Hubei province. Though such efforts had a questionable effect on the epidemic, as the new hospitals were operating at under half-capacity due to shortages of beds and medical resources<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jankowicz |first1=Mia |title=The 1,600-bed Wuhan coronavirus hospital that China panic-built in a few days is less than half full 11 days after it opened |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-hospital-at-half-capacity-despite-rapid-construction-2020-2 |website=Business Insider|date=19 February 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Perper |first1=Rosie |title=China boasted that it built 2 new coronavirus hospitals in 12 days. But they're treating less than half the people they're supposed to. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-hospitals-not-filling-beds-data-2020-2 |website=Business Insider}}</ref> while the lock down of Wuhan came too late to be effective as millions had left, the ''Financial Times'' and others noted that such widely publicised actions were a "PR coup" showing that the "overbearing, centralized government" of China was particularly suited to dealing with the outbreak,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/coronavirus-disinformation-being-spread-by-chinese-government-to-convince-foreigners-its-doing-a-good-job|title=The Chinese Government Is Spreading Coronavirus Disinformation|first=Blake|last=Montgomery|date=28 January 2020|via=thedailybeast.com|newspaper=The Daily Beast}}</ref><ref name="TrueCost" /><ref>{{cite web |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/damned-if-you-damned-if-you-dont-how-well-have-we-responded-to-the-coronavirus-threat-the-answer-is-complicated |title=How concerned should we be about the coronavirus outbreak? It's complicated | National Post |date=28 January 2020}}</ref> creating the impression as if Beijing had directly intervened at Xi Jinping's request.<ref name="Lapin">{{cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2020/01/30/chinese-residents-face-jail-if-they-slam-countrys-coronavirus-response/ |title=China residents face jail if they slam country's coronavirus response |last=Lapin |first=Tamar |date=30 January 2020 |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131150639/https://nypost.com/2020/01/30/chinese-residents-face-jail-if-they-slam-countrys-coronavirus-response/ |archive-date=31 January 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto17">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/30/asia/xi-jinping-reputation-wuhan-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html |title=The Wuhan coronavirus is Chinese President Xi Jinping's ultimate test |last=Jiang |first=Steven |publisher=CNN |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206084908/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/30/asia/xi-jinping-reputation-wuhan-coronavirus-intl-hnk/index.html |archive-date=6 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto16">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/26/world/asia/china-coronavirus-xi-jinping.html |title=In Coronavirus, a 'Battle' That Could Humble China's Strongman |last=Myers |first=Steven Lee |last2=Buckley |first2=Chris |date=26 January 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=10 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206183910/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/26/world/asia/china-coronavirus-xi-jinping.html |archive-date=6 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto5" /><ref name="Lapin"/><ref name="auto17"/><ref name="auto16"/>{{Excessive citations inline|date=April 2020}} |
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Observers have warned that while "admiration of the front-line medical workers is widespread and sincere," the state media should also be highlighting the reality that many of those workers "lack protective gear" and that over 3000 have been infected since the outbreak so that media attention may bring them public support to obtain some much needed equipment. The ''New York Times'' has noted that such government propaganda attempts to control the narrative has been viewed with distrust among the younger individuals, who unlike older people depend less on state media and instead have sought "firsthand info and in-depth media studies concerning the epidemic on the web", suggesting that the central government was out of touch with the younger population.<ref name="Yuan">{{Cite news|last=Yuan|first=Li|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/26/business/china-coronavirus-propaganda.html|title=Coronavirus Weakens China's Powerful Propaganda Machine|date=26 February 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=26 February 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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Outlets such as ''[[Politico]]'' and ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' have reported that China's efforts to send aid to virus-stricken countries are part of a [[Propaganda in China|propaganda]] push for global influence.<ref name="politico-corona">{{cite news |title=China is winning the coronavirus propaganda war |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/coronavirus-china-winning-propaganda-war/ |work=Politico |date=18 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=China Is Fighting the Coronavirus Propaganda War to Win |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/20/china-coronavirus-propaganda-war-journalists-press-freedom/ |work=Foreign Policy |date=20 March 2020}}</ref> The [[European Union]]'s diplomatic service, the [[European External Action Service]] (EEAS) has fought back against propaganda highlighting China's role in providing medical supplies to Italy, pointing out that France and Germany combined had provided more masks to Italy than China. The EEAS also noted that China's "state media and government officials promote not proven theories about the origin of Covid-19" while China state media coverage highlighted "displays of gratitude by some European leaders in response to Chinese aid".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3081564/eu-toned-down-report-chinese-disinformation-after-beijing |title=EU toned down report on Chinese disinformation after Beijing threatened ‘repercussions’, diplomatic sources say | South China Morning Post |publisher=Scmp.com |date= |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> China has been accused of "opportunitism" during the pandemic, alongside their donations and exports of faulty medical equipment to EU nations hardest hit by the virus, as their disinformation campaign "reputedly bid to denigrate Europe’s responses to cast its own in a more favorable light", such as on 12 April 2020 when the Chinese embassy in Paris published an article titled "Restoring distorted facts - Observations of a Chinese diplomat posted to Paris" claiming that careworkers in Western nursing homes had abandoned their jobs leaving residents to die.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jan van der Made |url=http://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20200420-china-furious-over-german-newspaper-claims-that-china-caused-covid-19 |title=China furious over German newspaper claims that China caused Covid-19 outbreak |publisher=Rfi.fr |date= |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> The EEAS had toned down their report by omitting details of China's state sponsored disinformation campaign, which in turn led to allegations that the EEAS had bowed to pressure from China, as China reportedly threatened to withhold the shipment of medical supplies if the original report was released.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hutt |first=David |url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/04/covid-19-trouble-brewing-behind-eu-china-ties/ |title=Covid-19 trouble brewing behind EU-China ties |publisher=Asia Times |date=29 April 2020 |accessdate=5 May 2020}}</ref> |
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=== Hubei and Wuhan governments === |
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The exodus from Wuhan before the lockdown resulted in angry responses on [[Sina Weibo]] from the residents in the other cities who are concerned that it could result in the spreading of the novel coronavirus to their cities. Some in Wuhan are concerned with the availability of provisions and especially medical supplies during the lockdown.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.dw.com/en/wuhan-lockdown-china-takes-extreme-measures-to-stop-virus-spread/a-52120126 |title=Wuhan lockdown: China takes extreme measures to stop virus spread {{!}} DW {{!}} 23 January 2020 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |accessdate=23 January 2020}}</ref> |
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The [[World Health Organization]] called the Wuhan lockdown "unprecedented" and said that it showed "how committed that the authorities are to contain a viral breakout". However, WHO clarified that the move is not a recommendation that WHO made and the authorities have to wait and see how effective that it is.<ref name="Lockdown">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-who-idUSKBN1ZM1G9|title=Wuhan lockdown 'unprecedented', shows commitment to contain virus: WHO representative in China|date=23 January 2020|agency=Reuters|access-date=23 January 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124203401/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-who-idUSKBN1ZM1G9|archive-date=24 January 2020}}</ref> The WHO separately stated that the possibility of locking an entire city down like this is "new to science".<ref name="ChinaCoping">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51224504 |title=How is China coping with the coronavirus outbreak? |date=24 January 2020 |publisher=BBC |location=United Kingdom |accessdate=25 January 2020}}</ref> |
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The [[CSI 300 Index]], an aggregate measure of the top 300 stocks in the [[Shanghai Stock Exchange|Shanghai]] and [[Shenzhen Stock Exchange|Shenzhen]] stock exchanges, dropped almost 3% on 23 January 2020, the biggest single-day loss in almost 9 months after the Wuhan lockdown was announced as the investors that are spooked by the drastic measure sought a safe haven for their investments.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/china-stocks-slump-3-on-wuhan-lockdown-over-virus-outbreak/articleshow/73548510.cms |title=China stocks slump 3% on Wuhan lockdown over virus outbreak |date=23 January 2020 |work=The Economic Times |location=India |accessdate=24 January 2020}}</ref> |
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The unprecedented scale of this lockdown generated controversy and at least one expert criticized this measure as "risky business" that "could very easily backfire" by forcing otherwise healthy people in Wuhan to stay in close conditions with infected people. Drawing a [[cordon sanitaire]] around a city of 11 million people raises inevitable ethical concerns. It also drew comparisons to the lockdown of the poor [[West Point, Monrovia|West Point]] neighborhood in Liberia during the [[2014 ebola outbreak]] which was lifted after ten days.<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/world/asia/coronavirus-quarantines-history.html |title=Scale of China's Wuhan Shutdown Is Believed to Be Without Precedent |last=Levenson |first=Michael |date=22 January 2020 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=25 January 2020 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/13/world/africa/liberias-military-tries-to-remedy-tension-over-ebola-quarantine.html |title=Liberia's Military Tries to Remedy Tension Over Ebola Quarantine |last=MacDougall |first=Clair |date=12 May 2015 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=25 January 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716011317/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/13/world/africa/liberias-military-tries-to-remedy-tension-over-ebola-quarantine.html |archive-date=16 July 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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The lockdown caused panic in the city of Wuhan and many have expressed concern about the city's ability to cope with the outbreak. It remains unknown whether the large costs of this measure, both financially and in terms of personal liberty will translate to effective infection control.<ref name="ChinaCoping" /> A medical historian named [[Howard Markel]] argued that the Chinese government "may now be overreacting, imposing an unjustifiable burden on the population" and claimed that "incremental restrictions, enforced steadily and transparently tended to work far better than draconian measures."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/opinion/china-wuhan-virus-quarantine.html |title=Opinion {{!}} Will the Largest Quarantine in History Just Make Things Worse? |last=Markel |first=Howard |date=27 January 2020 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=27 January 2020 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127165714/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/opinion/china-wuhan-virus-quarantine.html |archive-date=27 January 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> Others such as [[Anthony S. Fauci|Anthony Fauci]], the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases defended the intent behind the lockdowns, citing that the lockdowns bought the world a "delay to essentially prepare better." A mathematical epidemiologist named [[Gerardo Chowell]] of Georgia State University stated that based on mathematical modelling, "containment strategies implemented in China are successfully reducing transmission."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statnews.com/2020/02/21/coronavirus-wuhan-quarantine-bought-world-time-to-prepare/|title=Wuhan quarantine bought the world time to prepare for Covid-19|date=21 February 2020|website=STAT|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> |
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Nonetheless, after northern Italy became a new hotspot of the outbreak in late February, the Italian government enacted what has been called a "Wuhan-style lockdown" by quarantining nearly a dozen towns of 50,000 people in the provinces of Lombardy and Veneto.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/italy-struggles-virus-doesn-respect-borders-200225165436970.html|title=Italy struggles with virus 'that doesn't respect borders'|last=Oddone|first=Elisa|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> Iran, another developing hotspot for the coronavirus as of 25 February came under calls to assume similar lockdown procedures as China and Italy. The security experts such as Gal Luft of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security in Washington said that "The best way for Iran to deal with the disease is to do precisely what China did – quarantine." and "If Wuhan with its 11 million population can be under quarantine so can Tehran with its 8 million"<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3052152/fears-mount-coronavirus-outbreak-worsens-sanctions-hit-iran|title=Fears mount as coronavirus outbreak worsens in sanctions-hit Iran|date=25 February 2020|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=26 February 2020}}</ref> |
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==== Frozen case number ==== |
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The early cases surrounding an animal market may suggest animal-to-human transmission, more evidence surfaced to support the human-to-human transmission of the virus.<ref name=":40" /> However, despite the expert-led investigation and early signs of human-to-human transmission including a [[hospital-acquired infection]] (nosocomial) case confirmed on 10 January according to [[Caixin]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/chinese-news-51290945 |script-title=zh:武漢肺炎:疫情從可控到失控的三十天 |last=孟嘗君|date=29 January 2020|work=BBC News 中文|access-date=2 February 2020|language=zh-Hant}}</ref> the local government of Wuhan denied any case of nosocomial infection and kept claiming that "there was no clear sign of human-to-human transmission" until 15 January when Wuhan's Municipal Health Commission (MHC) said on its website that "the result of present investigation shows no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission, but this does not rule out the possibility of such a transmission. The risk of continuous human-to-human transmission is low."<ref name=com678679>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/24/678679.html|script-title=zh:武汉"封城"背后:确认病毒"人传人"的21天|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123220508/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/24/678679.html|archive-date=23 January 2020|access-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The reported case number froze at 41 during the [[Hubei]] [[Lianghui]] and Wuhan Lianghui, the local parliament sessions between 6–17 January, which the local authorities of Hubei and Wuhan claimed to be due to the lack of [[Polymerase chain reaction|PCR]] test kits for the new virus. But, Caixin said that the other sequencing techniques can be used for diagnosis which usually takes two days without any need of PCR kits.<ref name=yicai100485217>{{cite web|url=https://www.yicai.com/news/100485217.html|script-title=zh:特别报道:1月6日之后,12天病例零新增之谜|last=Xu|first=Bingqing|last2=Chen|first2=Rui|date=1 February 2020|website=YiMagazine|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202092416/https://www.yicai.com/news/100485217.html|archive-date=2 February 2020|access-date=2 February 2020}}</ref> Meanwhile, an [[Imperial College London|Imperial College]] group<ref name="Imai17Jan2020">{{cite web|url=https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/sph/ide/gida-fellowships/2019-nCoV-outbreak-report-17-01-2020.pdf|title=Estimating the potential total number of novel Coronavirus cases in Wuhan City, China (report 1)|last=Imai|first=Natsuko|last2=Dorigatti|first2=Ilaria|date=17 January 2020|website=Imperial College London|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121081317/https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/medicine/sph/ide/gida-fellowships/2019-nCoV-outbreak-report-17-01-2020.pdf|archive-date=21 January 2020|access-date=18 January 2020|last3=Cori|first3=Anne|last4=Riley|first4=Steven|last5=Ferguson|first5=Neil M}}</ref><ref name="Gallagher18Jan2020">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51148303|title=New Chinese virus 'will have infected hundreds'|last=Gallagher|first=James|date=18 January 2020|access-date=18 January 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118020222/https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51148303|archive-date=18 January 2020|work=BBC News}}</ref> and a [[University of Hong Kong|Hong Kong University]] group<ref name="hkumed">{{cite web|url=https://sph.hku.hk/en/news/press-releases/2020/nowcasting-and-forecasting-the-wuhan-2019-ncov-outbreak|title=HKUMed WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control releases real-time nowcast on the likely extent of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak, domestic and international spread with the forecast for chunyun|website=HKUMed School of Public Health|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125050442/https://sph.hku.hk/en/news/press-releases/2020/nowcasting-and-forecasting-the-wuhan-2019-ncov-outbreak|archive-date=25 January 2020|access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref> both estimated over 1,000 cases in Wuhan as cases were being exported and confirmed overseas. Perceived discrepancies in the official Chinese data for the number of cases left many netizens doubtful,<ref name=or1001224968>{{Citation|script-title=ja:中国 武漢の新型ウイルス肺炎でネット上に疑問の声|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200117/k10012249681000.html|script-website=ja:NHKニュース|access-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121044834/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200117/k10012249681000.html|archive-date=21 January 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> with some mockingly labeling the virus "patriotic" for its appearance of mainly infecting the Chinese after they left the country.<ref name=apnews8232533>{{Citation|title=Years after SARS, a more confident China faces a new virus|url=https://apnews.com/0bf5cd116c250483a8232533d41edc69|agency=Associated Press|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=com2204014>{{cite web|url=https://www.sinchew.com.my/content/content_2204014.html|script-title=zh:网民讥"只出国不出省,是个爱国病毒"|date=19 January 2020|website=Sinchew Daily|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127093712/https://www.sinchew.com.my/content/content_2204014.html|archive-date=27 January 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=dw52050633>{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/zh/%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E6%96%B0%E5%9E%8B%E7%97%85%E6%AF%921700%E5%92%8C45/a-52050633|script-title=zh:武汉新型病毒:1700+和45 {{!}} DW {{!}} 18 January 2020|date=18 January 2020|publisher=Deutsche Welle|language=zh-CN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123153655/https://www.dw.com/zh/%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E6%96%B0%E5%9E%8B%E7%97%85%E6%AF%921700%E5%92%8C45/a-52050633|archive-date=23 January 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> |
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==== "Manageable and preventable" ==== |
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On 20 January, the Chinese National Health Commission announced that human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus had already occurred.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kuo |first1=Lily |title=China confirms human-to-human transmission of coronavirus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/20/coronavirus-spreads-to-beijing-as-china-confirms-new-cases |accessdate=19 April 2020 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=21 January 2020}}</ref> |
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Also 20 January, the number of reported new cases soared to 136 as major mainland cities including Beijing and [[Shenzhen]] reported their first cases.<ref name=france2420200120>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200120-china-confirms-sharp-rise-in-cases-of-sars-like-virus-across-the-country|script-title=zh:China confirms sharp rise in cases of SARS-like virus across the country|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120055618/https://www.france24.com/en/20200120-china-confirms-sharp-rise-in-cases-of-sars-like-virus-across-the-country|archive-date=20 January 2020|accessdate=20 January 2020|date=20 January 2020}}</ref><ref name=nytimes20200120>{{cite web|url=https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20200120/china-virus-wuhan-coronavirus/|script-title=zh:武汉肺炎两日激增136宗病例,北京深圳首现感染者|date=21 January 2020|work=New York Times Chinese |language=zh-hans|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203060638/https://cn.nytimes.com/china/20200120/china-virus-wuhan-coronavirus/|archive-date=3 February 2020|accessdate=3 February 2020}}</ref> Only the Wuhan authorities stopped claiming that the virus had a limited ability to transmit between humans.<ref name=caixin101506465 /> On the same day, the city formed a specialized command for epidemic control (CEC) to upgrade measures to cope with the epidemic including enhanced protection over the medical workers<ref name=20200121reuters>{{Cite news|url=https://cn.reuters.com/article/cctv-wuhan-coronavirus-control-0121-idCNKBS1ZK07N|script-title=zh:武汉成立新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情防控指挥部 升级防控措施--央视|date=21 January 2020|publisher=路透社}}</ref> and free treatment for all patients at the fever clinics.<ref name=com33736852>{{cite web|url=http://hb.people.com.cn/n2/2020/0121/c192237-33736852.html|script-title=zh:武汉新型冠状病毒感染患者救治均由政府买单|access-date=21 January 2020}}</ref> On the evening of that day, [[Zhong Nanshan]], one of the NHC experts sent to Wuhan who was well known for fighting against [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome|SARS]] in 2003, exemplified human-to-human transmission of the new virus with a cluster of 14 hospital-acquired infections in Wuhan and two familial clusters in [[Guangdong]].<ref name=caixin101506465>{{cite web|url=http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-20/101506465.html|script-title=zh:钟南山:新型冠状病毒肺炎"肯定人传人"|last=Chen|first=Baocheng|last2=Zhao|first2=Jinzhao|date=20 January 2020|website=Caixin|language=zh|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122140209/http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-20/101506465.html|archive-date=22 January 2020|accessdate=2 February 2020}}</ref> |
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However, the [[National Health Commission]] still insisted that the epidemic should be "manageable and preventable." At that time, the [[BBC]] said that not much public attention was drawn to the virus outbreak.<ref name=":1" /> On 19 January, despite the virus outbreak, over 40,000 Wuhan families joined an annual potluck banquet<ref name="20200201com/2020/02/01/world/asia/china-coronavirus">{{Cite news|last=Buckley|first=Chris|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/01/world/asia/china-coronavirus.html|title=As New Coronavirus Spread, China's Old Habits Delayed Fight|date=1 February 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=11 February 2020|last2=Myers|first2=Steven Lee|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> which was a community tradition observed for over two decades to celebrate the [[Kitchen God Festival]]. A community leader told ''[[The Beijing News]]'' that "everything is normal now" when asked about the virus outbreak.<ref name=com677390>{{cite web|url=http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/21/677390.html|script-title=zh:武汉一社区办万家宴,社区负责人:目前一切正常|last=王瑞文; 王亚会|date=21 January 2020|website=The Beijing News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203060634/http://www.bjnews.com.cn/news/2020/01/21/677390.html|archive-date=3 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> According to the community committee of Baibuting where the banquet was held as of 4 February, a block of the community had at least 10 confirmed cases of the coronavirus infection, plus over 30 highly suspicious cases, but the community hospital also said that the incidents of the coronavirus was lower than that in the other communities.<ref name=com375769>{{cite web|url=http://www.eeo.com.cn/2020/0206/375769.shtml|script-title=zh:"万家宴"所在社区卫生中心医生:百步亭确诊新冠肺炎患者比例不比其他社区高|last=Li|first=Weiao|date=6 February 2020|website=The Economic Observer|access-date=7 February 2020}}</ref> |
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Zhou Xianwang, the mayor of Wuhan who was widely criticized by the public and media due to slow responses<ref name=rfi20200127>{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/cn/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/20200127-%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E5%A4%84%E7%90%86%E7%96%AB%E6%83%85%E6%97%A0%E6%96%B9%E5%BC%95%E5%8F%91%E6%B0%91%E6%80%A8-%E6%B9%96%E5%8C%97%E5%AE%98%E5%91%98%E6%88%90%E7%AE%AD%E9%9D%B6|script-title=zh:中国处理疫情无方引发民怨 湖北官员成箭靶|date=27 January 2020|publisher=Radio France Internationale|language=zh-Hans|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> said to the state media [[China Central Television|CCTV]] that the banquet was organized by the local community which had a long history of self-governance. He said that the government was not precautious enough to stop it because it was believed that the virus only had a limited ability to transmit between the people.<ref name=guancha532609>{{cite web|url=https://www.guancha.cn/politics/2020_01_22_532609.shtml|script-title=zh:武汉社区19日还在搞万家宴 市长回应:对这件事预警不够|date=n.d.|website=Guancha.com|access-date=11 February 2020}}</ref> |
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==== Controversial commentary ==== |
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On 20 January, [[Guan Yi]], a Hong Kong-based expert in SARS epidemiology told ''[[Caixin]]'' that the local government should not play on words about transmissibility and he hoped that we could learn from [[Timeline of the SARS outbreak|the 2003 SARS outbreak]]. He continued, "[[Basic reproduction number|transmissibility]], adaptability, incidence and [[virulence]] of the virus highly resemble those of SARS at the early stage [of the 2003 outbreak]".<ref name=caixin101506222>{{cite web|url=http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-20/101506222.html|script-title=zh:管轶:武汉肺炎发展曲线与SARS高度相似|date=20 January 2020|website=Caixin|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203062135/http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-20/101506222.html|archive-date=3 February 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref> Guan's team travelled to Wuhan on 21 January and returned to Hong Kong the next day. He observed that the "epidemiology experts and scientists do not seem to be welcomed in the city."<ref name=hk01425644>{{cite web|url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/425644/武漢肺炎-管軼-病源被毀-不歡迎專家-估感染規模大沙士十倍|script-title=zh:【武漢肺炎】管軼:病源被毀、不歡迎專家 估感染規模大沙士十倍|last=勞顯亮|last2=勞顯亮|date=23 January 2020|script-website=zh:香港01|language=zh-HK|access-date=3 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203033434/https://www.hk01.com/%E7%A4%BE%E6%9C%83%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/425644/%E6%AD%A6%E6%BC%A2%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E-%E7%AE%A1%E8%BB%BC-%E7%97%85%E6%BA%90%E8%A2%AB%E6%AF%80-%E4%B8%8D%E6%AD%A1%E8%BF%8E%E5%B0%88%E5%AE%B6-%E4%BC%B0%E6%84%9F%E6%9F%93%E8%A6%8F%E6%A8%A1%E5%A4%A7%E6%B2%99%E5%A3%AB%E5%8D%81%E5%80%8D|archive-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 22 January, Wuhan was still "an [[open city]]" to the virus outbreak where most people did not wear a mask although [[National Health Commission|NHC]] announced the coronavirus-associated pneumonia as a [[notifiable disease]]. He believed that a pandemic was unavoidable as the virus spread with the [[Chunyun|annual mass migration of the Spring Festival]].<ref name=caixin101507670>{{cite web|url=http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-23/101507670.html|script-title=zh:管轶:去过武汉请自我隔离|date=23 January 2020|website=Caixin|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125064008/http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-23/101507670.html|archive-date=25 January 2020|access-date=3 February 2020}}</ref><ref name=com1023486>{{Cite news|url=https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20200123-1023486|script-title=zh:港大专家管轶:传播源已全面铺开 感染规模或沙斯10倍|date=23 January 2020|work=[[Zaobao]] |language=zh-sg|access-date=3 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130032214/https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/china/story20200123-1023486|archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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The statements of Guan which were apparently different from that in most Chinese media became highly controversial as the journalists of state media reposted his statement of 15 January in which he opined that the disease was manageable, whilst also peddling old news that his lab had been fined by the Chinese authorities in 2005. Wang Duan, the ''Caixin'' journalist who conducted the interview described such behavior as "[[Ad hominem|personal attacks]]" and complained that no expert came forward to refute what Guan said so far.<ref name=bbc51292715>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-51292715|script-title=zh:武汉疫情与中港"一国两制"下的医护镜像|last=梓鹏|date=29 January 2020|work=BBC News 中文|access-date=3 February 2020|language=zh-Hans|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130051024/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-51292715|archive-date=30 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==== 26 January press meeting ==== |
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Hubei Government's press meeting on 26 January was described as a "scene of a massive car crash" by [[BBC]] which led to widespread dissatisfaction. Despite the compulsory face mask law, Governor [[Wang Xiaodong (born 1960)|Wang Xiaodong]] did not wear a mask while the other two official hosts including Wuhan Mayor [[Zhou Xianwang]] and Provincial Party Secretary Bie Bixiong wore masks incorrectly. The Governor said [[Xiantao]], a Hubei city was capable to produce 10.8 billion masks annually after he made two corrections for the number hinted by someone else's notes. The Governor admitted a severe shortage of medical supplies in Hubei while Mayor Zhou of Wuhan claimed that the shortage had been fully alleviated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-51262149|script-title=zh:武汉肺炎"车祸现场"发布会 公众愤怒中国官员管治能力低下|date=27 January 2020|work=BBC News 中文|access-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203112857/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-51262149|archive-date=3 February 2020|language=zh-Hans}}</ref> |
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=== Science community === |
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On 29 January, the [[Ministry of Science and Technology (China)|Ministry of Science and Technology]] issued a notice, urging the scientists "to write their papers on the land of the motherland, to use the results to fight the epidemic" and the scientists should not focus on publishing their papers until the epidemic prevention and control task is completed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-30/101509614.html |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:科技部:疫情防控任务完成前不应将精力放在发论文上|date=n.d.|work=Caixin|access-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131162240/http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-30/101509614.html|archive-date=31 January 2020}}</ref> [[Duowei News]] believed this was aimed to respond to the academic conflict between Zhang Yongzhen's group from [[Fudan University]] which published the first genomic sequence of 2019-nCoV and the Gao Shan group from [[Nankai University]] which published an analysis<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Chen|first=Jiayuan|last2=Shi|first2=Jinsong|last3=Yau|first3=Tungon|last4=Liu|first4=Chang|last5=Li|first5=Xin|last6=Zhao|first6=Qiang|last7=Ruan|first7=Jishou|last8=Gao|first8=Shan|date=21 January 2020|title=Bioinformatics analysis of the Wuhan 2019 human coronavirus genome|url=http://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/23.1513.Q.20200120.0839.002.html|journal=Chinese Journal of Bioinformatics|language=zh|doi=10.12113/202001007|issn=1672-5565|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204144132/http://kns.cnki.net/kcms/detail/23.1513.Q.20200120.0839.002.html|archive-date=4 February 2020|url-status=live|doi-broken-date=2020-05-29}}</ref> on the sequence without authorization from Zhang. Before the notice, Nankai and Fudan, two of China's top universities had a fight over the alleged academic misconduct related to the analysis published by the Gao Shan group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dwnews.com/中国/60166517/武汉肺炎抢发科研论文引风波中国科技部此时发声意在何指 |script-title=zh:【武汉肺炎】抢发科研论文引风波 中国科技部此时发声意在何指|last=Liu|first=Yan|date=31 January 2020|work=[[Duowei News]]|language=zh-CN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204144135/https://www.dwnews.com/%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD/60166517/%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E%E6%8A%A2%E5%8F%91%E7%A7%91%E7%A0%94%E8%AE%BA%E6%96%87%E5%BC%95%E9%A3%8E%E6%B3%A2%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E7%A7%91%E6%8A%80%E9%83%A8%E6%AD%A4%E6%97%B6%E5%8F%91%E5%A3%B0%E6%84%8F%E5%9C%A8%E4%BD%95%E6%8C%87|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> |
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On 30 January, Wang Liming, a neuroscientist from [[Zhejiang University]] expressed anger on a Weibo post about [[George F. Gao]]'s latest [[The New England Journal of Medicine|NEJM]] article.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Li|first=Qun|last2=Guan|first2=Xuhua|last3=Wu|first3=Peng|last4=Wang|first4=Xiaoye|last5=Zhou|first5=Lei|last6=Tong|first6=Yeqing|last7=Ren|first7=Ruiqi|last8=Leung|first8=Kathy S.M.|last9=Lau|first9=Eric H.Y.|last10=Wong|first10=Jessica Y.|last11=Xing|first11=Xuesen|date=29 January 2020|title=Early Transmission Dynamics in Wuhan, China, of Novel Coronavirus–Infected Pneumonia|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|doi=10.1056/NEJMoa2001316|issn=0028-4793}}</ref> Wang believed that the article indicated that the Chinese CDC had clear evidence of human-to-human transmission in early January and kept it secret until three weeks later. Although the post was soon deleted, China CDC came under the spotlight. China CDC had to respond on the next day that the research was a retrospective analysis of the 425 cases reported to CDC on 23 January.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-31/101509841.html |language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:独家{{!}}中国疾控中心高福、冯子健回应论文风波|date=31 January 2020|website=Caixin|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203030025/http://www.caixin.com/2020-01-31/101509841.html|archive-date=3 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> Jennifer Zeis of NEJM's media Relations Department told ''The Paper'', a Chinese newspaper that it took only two days to publish the article, but she refused to give further details.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5706582|script-title=zh:中疾控论文为何发表快?期刊回应新冠相关论文发表仅48小时|date=1 February 2020|website=The Paper|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204144129/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_5706582|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> |
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The journal ''[[Nature (journal)|Nature]]'' reported at least 54 English-language papers about the new coronavirus in China were published by 30 January.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Stoye|first=Emma|date=30 January 2020|title=China coronavirus: how many papers have been published?|url=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00253-8|journal=Nature|doi=10.1038/d41586-020-00253-8|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203060837/https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00253-8|archive-date=3 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Zuofeng Zhang, a public health expert from [[University of California, Los Angeles|UCLA]] interviewed by the mainland China-based magazine ''Intellectual'', asked why the published data were not used in epidemic control even before their publication.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zhishifenzi.com/depth/depth/8152.html|script-title=zh:吃一堑能长一智吗?国际著名公卫专家评武汉疫情|date=31 January 2020|website=知识分子|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204144133/http://www.zhishifenzi.com/depth/depth/8152.html|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> |
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=== Misinformation and conspiracy theories === |
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{{Main|Misinformation related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic}} |
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There were conspiracy theories about COVID-19 being the CIA's creation to keep China down on China's Internet, according to London-based ''[[The Economist]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/china/2020/02/08/chinas-rulers-see-the-coronavirus-as-a-chance-to-tighten-their-grip |title=China's rulers see the coronavirus as a chance to tighten their grip |date=8 February 2020 |work=[[The Economist]] |access-date=29 February 2020 |archive-url=http://archive.is/j9ZH4 |archive-date=29 February 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> Although [[Allegations of biological warfare in the Korean War|biological warfare against Chinese troops in the Korean war]] is only considered an allegation in the US, it is considered official history in China, thus greatly helping these new theories gain credibility.<ref name=china.com />{{failed verification|date=April 2020}}{{Original research inline|date=April 2020}} |
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Multiple conspiracy articles in Chinese from the SARS era resurfaced during the outbreak with altered details, claiming that SARS is biological warfare conducted by the US against China. Some of these articles claim that [[BGI Group]] from China sold genetic information of the Chinese people to the US, with the US then being able to deploy the virus specifically targeting the [[genome]] of Chinese individuals.<ref>{{cite web|language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:中國家長指稱「武漢肺炎是美國投放病毒」 網友傻爆眼|url=https://www.setn.com/News.aspx?NewsID=677313|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219211548/https://www.setn.com/News.aspx?NewsID=677313|archive-date=19 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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On 26 January, Chinese military news site Xilu published an article detailing how the virus was artificially combined by the US to "precisely target Chinese people".<ref>{{cite web|language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:武汉病毒4个关键蛋白被替换,可精准攻击华人_西陆网|url=http://www.xilu.com/20200126/1000010001119697.html|accessdate=7 February 2020|work=xilu.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211022551/http://www.xilu.com/20200126/1000010001119697.html|archive-date=11 February 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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Some articles on popular sites in China have also cast suspicion on US military athletes participating in the Wuhan [[2019 Military World Games]], which lasted until the end of October 2019, and have suggested that they deployed the virus. They claim the inattentive attitude and disproportionately below-average results of American athletes in the games indicate they might have been there for other purposes and they might actually be bio-warfare operatives. Such posts stated that their place of residence during their stay in Wuhan was also close to the [[Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market]], where the first known cluster of cases occurred.<ref>{{cite web|language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:为什么武汉这场瘟疫,必须得靠解放军?|url=http://www.szhgh.com/Article/opinion/zatan/2020-01-30/221836.html|accessdate=21 February 2020|publisher=红歌会网|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221185358/http://www.szhgh.com/Article/opinion/zatan/2020-01-30/221836.html|archive-date=21 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=china.com>{{cite web|language=zh-cn |script-title=zh:朋友圈智商鉴定,冠状病毒是美国投的毒?|url=https://military.china.com/retie/37487830.html|accessdate=21 February 2020|publisher=中华网|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221184019/https://military.china.com/retie/37487830.html|archive-date=21 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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In March 2020, this conspiracy theory was endorsed by [[Zhao Lijian]], a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.<ref name="Taiwan News March 2020" >{{cite web |last1=Cheng |first1=Ching-Tse |title=China's foreign ministry accuses US military of bringing virus to Wuhan |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3896257 |work=Taiwan News |accessdate=13 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=BUDRYK |first1=ZACK |title=China, pushing conspiracy theory, accuses US Army of bringing coronavirus to Wuhan |url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/487308-china-pushing-conspiracy-theory-us-army-bringing-coronavirus-wuhan |newspaper=The Hill |accessdate=13 March 2020|date=12 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tang |first1=Didi |title=China accuses US of bringing coronavirus to Wuhan |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/china-accuses-us-of-bringing-coronavirus-to-wuhan-c9rrfbrs7 |work=The Times |accessdate=13 March 2020}}</ref> On 13 March, the US government summoned Chinese Ambassador [[Cui Tiankai]] to Washington DC over this conspiracy theory,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2020/03/14/US-summons-China-s-ambassador-to-Washington-over-coronavirus-conspiracy-theory.html|title=US summons China's ambassador to Washington over coronavirus conspiracy theory|date=14 March 2020|work=[[Al Arabiya English]]|access-date=14 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> when he had called this theory "crazy" on ''[[Face the Nation]]'' on 9 February, and re-affirmed this belief after Zhao's tweets.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://www.axios.com/china-coronavirus-ambassador-cui-tiankai-1b0404e8-026d-4b7d-8290-98076f95df14.html |title = Top Chinese official disowns U.S. Military lab coronavirus conspiracy |work=[[Axios]] |date=22 March 2020 |accessdate=1 April 2020}}</ref> |
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The United States Presidential administration, including President Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo and others also pushed a conspiracy theory repeatedly asserting that the virus had originated from a laboratory leak in Wuhan, despite widespread rejection from the scientific community and by allied intelligence.<ref>{{Cite news| url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/05/06/politics/pompeo-wuhan-lab/index.html|title =Pompeo admits the US can't be certain coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan lab |
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|work=[[CNN]]|date=6 May 2020|accessdate=11 May 2020}}</ref> |
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==Statistics== |
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The case count in mainland China only includes symptomatic cases. It excludes patients who test positive but do not have symptoms, of which there were 889 as of 11 February 2020.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=n.d.|script-title=zh:新型冠状病毒肺炎流行病学特征分析|url=http://chinaepi.icdc.cn/zhlxbx/ch/reader/pdf.aspx?file_no=004|script-journal=zh:中华流行病学杂志|language=Chinese|volume=41(2)|pages=145–151}}</ref> It's also reported that there were more than 43,000 by the end of February 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus Live Updates: Olympics Postponed; New York City Braces for a Deluge of Patients |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/24/world/coronavirus-updates-maps.html |accessdate=24 March 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=24 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A third of virus cases may be ‘silent carriers’, classified data suggests |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3076323/third-coronavirus-cases-may-be-silent-carriers-classified |accessdate=24 March 2020 |work=South China Morning Post |date=22 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kuo |first1=Lily |title=Life after lockdown: has China really beaten coronavirus? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/23/life-after-lockdown-has-china-really-beaten-coronavirus |accessdate=24 March 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=23 March 2020}}</ref> <!--removed as [[WP:UNDUE]] and a partial quoting of the NYT article: The [[Central Intelligence Agency]] of the United States has expressed skepticism about these figures...--> On 17 April, following the Wuhan government's issuance of a report on accounting for COVID-19 deaths that occurred at home that went previously unreported, as well as the subtraction of deaths that were previously double-counted by different hospitals, the NHC retrospectively revised their cumulative totals dating to 16 April, adding 325 cumulative cases and 1,290 deaths.<ref name="NHC 17 Apr WH correction"/> |
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{{COVID-19 pandemic data/mainland China medical cases by province}} |
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== |
== Statistics == |
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{{main|Statistics of the COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China}} |
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The confirmed case count in mainland China only includes symptomatic cases; asymptomatic infections are reported separately.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shanghai locks down as daily Covid-19 infections set another record |url=https://www.ft.com/content/326062fb-5581-4dfa-bcba-32316ac8bbac |access-date=7 April 2022 |work=Financial Times |date=29 March 2022 |quote=Chinese official data counts "asymptomatic" cases, when an individual tests positive for the virus, separately from "confirmed" cases, where infected individuals have their symptoms verified through medical observation. |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407162135/https://www.ft.com/content/326062fb-5581-4dfa-bcba-32316ac8bbac |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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== See also == |
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* [[COVID-19 pandemic in China]] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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==External links== |
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* [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases] and [https://github.com/CSSEGISandData/COVID-19 historical data] by [[Johns Hopkins University]] |
* [https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases] and [https://github.com/CSSEGISandData/COVID-19 historical data] by [[Johns Hopkins University]] |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200126135736/http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/yqtb/list_gzbd.shtml Reports on the COVID-19 pandemic in China], by the [[PRC National Health Commission]] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200126135736/http://www.nhc.gov.cn/xcs/yqtb/list_gzbd.shtml Reports on the COVID-19 pandemic in China], by the [[PRC National Health Commission]] |
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* [https://coronavirus-global.com/china Coronavirus China updates and news]. China in Coronavirus Global international portal. Available in English, French, Spanish, Russian and more. |
* [https://coronavirus-global.com/china Coronavirus China updates and news] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428090226/https://coronavirus-global.com/china/ |date=28 April 2020 }}. China in Coronavirus Global international portal. Available in English, French, Spanish, Russian and more. |
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Revision as of 19:12, 20 May 2024
COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China | |
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Disease | COVID-19 |
Virus strain | SARS-CoV-2 |
Location | Mainland China |
First outbreak | Wuhan, Hubei[1] |
Index case | 1 December 2019 (4 years, 8 months, 2 weeks and 3 days ago) |
Confirmed cases | 99,373,219[2] 503,302 (symptomatic) |
Suspected cases‡ | 1.1 billion+ (CCDC estimate in January 2022)[3] |
Recovered | 379,053[4] |
Deaths | 122,304[2] |
Vaccinations | |
‡Suspected cases have not been confirmed by laboratory tests as being due to this strain, although some other strains may have been ruled out. |
History of the People's Republic of China |
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China portal |
The COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). China was where the first COVID outbreak occurred, the first where authorities imposed drastic measures in response (including lockdowns and face mask mandates), and was one of the first countries to bring the outbreak under control, at least temporarily.
The 2019–2020 COVID-19 outbreak in mainland China was the first wave of the disease, and was first manifested as a cluster of mysterious pneumonia cases, mostly related to the Huanan Seafood Market, in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province. It was first reported to the local government on 27 December 2019 and published on 31 December. On 8 January 2020, a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was identified as the cause of the pneumonia by Chinese scientists.[5] By 29 January, the virus was found to have spread to all provinces of mainland China.[6][7][8]
By late February, the pandemic had been brought under control in most Chinese provinces. On 25 February, the reported number of newly confirmed cases outside mainland China exceeded those reported from within for the first time.[9] By mid-2020, widespread community transmission in China had been ended, and restrictions were significantly eased.[10]
Until late 2022, the Chinese government response included a zero-COVID strategy, which aims to eliminate transmission of the virus within the country and allow resumption of normal economic and social activity, making it one of few countries to pursue this approach.[11] By late 2020, China's economy continued to broaden recovery from the recession during the pandemic, with stable job creation and record international trade growth, although retail consumption was still slower than predicted.[12][13]
Infection rates increased in 2022, and on 3 April of that year, China reported 13,146 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which was the highest single-day total of new cases since the height of the 2020 outbreak.[14] Following nationwide protests in November and December of that year, the Chinese government relaxed many of its previous restrictions, effectively ending the zero-COVID policy and leading to a massive surge in cases.[15]
Graphics
Context
New infectious diseases impose a serious threat to the health of the general public. Their origins are often mysterious despite intensive research efforts.[16] Although human coronaviruses (CoVs) had been known as major pathogens to cause the common cold,[17][18] a new species of coronavirus, namely SARS-CoV caused an epidemic involving 29 countries during 2002–03 which infected 8098 persons and killed 774 of them.[18] The evidence shows that the virus might have originated from an animal coronavirus, but somehow entered the human population.[18][19][20] Its outbreak also implies that animal coronaviruses could be a potential danger to humans.[18]
Since the 2003 SARS outbreak, the general public and the scientific community in China have been worried about the potential return of the deadly virus which motivated the Chinese government to reform its public health system to handle the next public health crisis.[21][22][23] As part of the reform, China expanded the laboratory networks to handle the pathogens of the infectious diseases which included a newly built BSL-4 laboratory in Wuhan and a national key laboratory to investigate into pneumonia with unclear causes.[24] Zeng Guang, the chief scientist at China CDC believed that a quicker publication of the epidemic information was a lesson that China learned from the SARS outbreak as the lack of information release worsened the outbreak.[24]
With the improved public health system, China managed to handle several public health emergencies. In coping with the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak starting from Mexico, China developed and distributed vaccines to 100 million people within months as an active prevention.[23] During the 2013 H7N9 outbreak in East China, the country's health system identified the pathogen 5 days after the outbreak. Test kits for diagnosis were designed and distributed to all mainland provinces 3 days after the identification. Within months, effective vaccines were developed. Chinese academic Li Lanjuan and her group were the first to reveal the virus's transmission methods, molecular mechanisms and effective treatment.[25]
However, Southern Metropolis Daily stated that although people paid more attention to public health, the government's funding to the health system was far from enough as CDCs in smaller municipalities had to reduce their staff. Ten years after the SARS outbreak, few people wore a face mask when they had respiratory symptoms and the hospitals were cutting the fever clinics off.[26] Despite confidence in winning the next battle against SARS, Zhong Nanshan who earned fame in fighting the SARS outbreak in 2003 still held a conservative attitude to whether the Chinese officials would lie to the people about a disease outbreak.[23] As of 2017, mainland China had only 36 critical care beds per million people; in comparison, South Korea had 106, and Taiwan 285, beds per million people.[27][28]
Early cases surrounding the animal market suggested potential animal-to-human transmission while later the virus was found to be able to transmit from ill people to others.[29] There have been cases where asymptomatic patients transmitted the virus to others.[30][31] According to China NHC, the virus transmits by droplets or close contact[32] while some proposed that feces could also be where the virus hides and transmits from.[33][34] The typical symptoms of the viral infection included fever, dry cough, dyspnea, headache and pneumonia[35] which are usually developed after an incubation time lasting as long as 2 weeks.[36] The existence of mild but infectious cases complicated the epidemic control efforts.[37] It is also noticed that patients might be able to transmit the virus even during the incubation period.[38]
Financial Times described the outbreak as China's Chernobyl moment, increasing the pressure on its leader, Xi Jinping. A trade war with the US, the Hong Kong protests, and an African swine fever outbreak that led to a pork shortage already placed pressure on the current government.[39][40]
At the end of December 2019, Henan announced the suspension of passenger trains to and from Wuhan. In early January 2020, the local government of Henan Province with its complete disinfection measures, effective and intensive publicity, a strong awareness of epidemic prevention and quarantine among the people, the setting up of return spots at the village entrance and even the use of garbage trucks, the digging of trenches to block roads connecting Hubei and the hanging of slogans such as "returning home with sickness is to dishonor your parents." #抄河南的作业 (lit. 'copy Henan's homework') became a trending hashtag on Weibo.[41][42][43]
However, cutting the roads off without authorization is illegal in mainland China as Xinhua and the Public Security Ministry pointed out.[44][45] The Ministry of Transport asked the local governments to take the principle of "block one, not three" (Chinese: 一断三不断), that is, to block the virus from spreading, but not to block roads, traffic and Internet access, the transportation of emergency supplies and the transportation of essential goods.[46]
First outbreak
Based on retrospective analysis published in The Lancet in late January, the first confirmed patient started experiencing symptoms on 1 December 2019,[47] though the South China Morning Post later reported that a retrospective analysis showed the first case may have been a 55-year-old patient from Hubei province as early as 17 November.[48][49]
The outbreak went unnoticed until 26 December 2019, when Zhang Jixian, director of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Hubei Xinhua Hospital, noticed a cluster of patients with pneumonia of unknown origin, several of whom had connections to the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan.[50] She subsequently alerted the hospital, as well as municipal and provincial health authorities, which issued an alert on 30 December.[50][51] Results from patient samples obtained on 29–30 December indicated the presence of a novel coronavirus, related to SARS.[50]
Semi-log graph of 3-day rolling average of new cases and deaths in China during COVID-19 epidemic showing the lockdown on 23 January and partial lifting on 19 March.
Within three weeks of the first known cases, the government built sixteen large mobile hospitals in Wuhan and sent 40,000 medical staff to the city.[52]: 137
Spread beyond Wuhan
On 22 January, Hubei launched a Class 2 Response to Public Health Emergency.[53] Ahead of the Hubei authorities, a Class 1 Response to Public Health Emergency, the highest response level was announced by the mainland province of Zhejiang on 23.[54][55] Stringent measures such as lockdown of Wuhan and the wider Hubei province and face mask mandates were introduced around 23 January,[56] which significantly lowered and delayed the epidemic peak according to epidemiology modelling.[57] Guangdong and Hunan followed suit later on the day. On the following day, Hubei[58] and other 13 mainland provinces[59][60][61][62] also launched a Class 1 Response. By 29, all parts of mainland initiated a Class 1 Response after Tibet upgraded its response level on that day.[63]
Yet, by 29 January, the virus was found to have spread to all provinces of mainland China.[6][7][8] Hubei party secretary Jiao Chaoliang was removed from office for failure to contain the outbreak.[64]: 194–195 On 31 January, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.[8] A severe shortage of face masks and other protective gear[65] led several countries to send international aid, including medical supplies, to China.[66][67][68]
On 25 March, authorities began to lift travel restrictions in Hubei outside of Wuhan and people need to confirm their "Green Code" health classification to travel.[69]
On 8 April, Wuhan lifts its lockdown, all transportation in the city were resumed.
April 2020–December 2021
2020
On 2 April 2020, the government ordered a Hubei-like lockdown in Jia County, Henan, after a woman tested positive for the COVID-19. It is suspected that she may have been infected when she visited a hospital where three doctors tested positive for the virus, despite showing no symptoms.[70]
On 9 April, a COVID-19 cluster was detected in Heilongjiang Province, which started with an asymptomatic patient returning from the United States and quarantining at home. The US CDC reported that the infections were initially spread through a shared elevator used at different times, and led to at least 71 cases by 22 April.[71]
In early May, restrictions were tightened in Harbin.[72]
In June, an outbreak with 45 people testing positive at Xinfadi Market in Beijing caused some alarm.[73] Authorities closed the market and nearby schools; eleven neighborhoods in the Fengtai District started requiring temperature checks and were closed to visitors.[74] By this time, public health technology included special leaf blower backpacks designed to vent hot air onto outdoor surfaces.[75] By the evening of 23 June, Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan declared that the situation had been brought under control.[76] China's traffic authorities vowed to strictly guard traffic out of Beijing: those with abnormal health QR codes or without recently-taken negative PCR test proof would not be allowed to take public transportation or drive out of the capital.[77][78][79]
On 26 July, China saw its highest number of daily cases since March, mostly from outbreaks in Xinjiang and Liaoning.[80] with 61 new cases, up from 46 cases a day earlier,[81] This increased to 127 daily COVID cases on 30 July.[82] The daily reported cases subsequently went down, to 16 on 23 August.[83]
In July, Xinjiang province and its capital Ürümqi were locked down in the wake of the discovery of new cases in the city.[84][85]
On 11 October, officials in Qingdao urged to carry out contact tracing and mass testing after 12 new cases were found connected to the Qingdao Chest Hospital. On 12 October, it was announced that Qingdao would test all 9 million of its residents.[86]
In October, 137 asymptomatic cases were detected in Kashgar, Xinjiang and were linked to a garment factory.[87][88]
On 18 December, a local case was reported in Beijing. It was the first local infection in 152 days in Beijing. As of 27 December, thirteen more cases have been detected.[89] Another outbreak linked to a traveler from South Korea was reported in Liaoning late December.
2021
In January 2021, many cities and districts in the province of Hebei, Jilin and Heilongjiang were put into lockdown to contain a new outbreak in the region.[90]
On 7 January, Dalian authorities reported 51 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 31 asymptomatic carriers.[91]
On 6 January, after reporting 63 new cases in the northern province of Hebei, of which 20 were infections and 43 asymptomatic cases locally transmitted, the local Government decided to lockdown the provincial capital city of Shijiazhuang, as most of the cases were detected there. On 9 January, the cities of Shijiazhuang and Xingtai with total population of 19 million, were placed under lockdown measures, with passenger trains suspended, as well as flights and coach service to Beijing at 300 km distance in north east direction.[92]
On 14 January, Wangkui County of Suihua City, Heilongjiang Province moved into lockdown after reporting 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The virus sample taken from the cases in Suihua is reported to be similar to the strain identified in Dalian.[93]
Also on 14 January, China reported the first death from the virus after eight months, a patient from Hebei. A team of experts from the WHO visited Wuhan to conduct investigations into the origin of the pandemic. They were also supposed to quarantine for two weeks prior to starting their inquiry.[94] On 15 January, the city of Langfang of Hebei was put into lockdown.[95]
By 18 January 11 regions in China were under de facto lockdown, including five districts in Heilongjiang and the cities of Gongzhuling and Tonghua in Jilin province.[96] On 20 January, residents of Daxing District of Beijing were banned from leaving the capital region.[97][98]
On 4 April, China saw the largest number of reported COVID-19 cases in over two months, with 15 new reported cases of local transmission in the city of Ruili on the Burmese border.[99] This followed a previous outbreak in Ruili in September 2020.[100] Unauthorized border crossings from Myanmar remain a concern, and the local government has started vaccinating Ruili residents to work towards herd immunity.[99]
On 29 May, authorities shut down some streets in Liwan District in Guangzhou due to an outbreak in Guangdong province.[101] Foshan's Shadi Airport has cancelled all flights and suspended operations from 12 June.[102]
On 6 June, Ruili was again put into lockdown after three local infections associated with the Delta variant.[103]
On 10 July, it was reported that the new outbreak has spread to 13 cities in five provinces including the capital Beijing. The cases were linked to cleaners who worked on a flight from Russia that arrived in Nanjing on 10 July 2021 who did not follow strict hygiene measures. Officials added that the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus was behind these new infections and there are worries about whether the Chinese vaccines would work against the Delta variant.[104]
On 21 July, another local cluster was identified in Nanjing after 17 airport workers have tested positive during a routine check up.[105] By 2 August, the outbreak, caused by fast-spreading Delta variant, has reached more than 20 cities. Zhuzhou, Zhangjiajie and Yangzhou were forced into lockdowns.[106] Some flights, trains and buses to Beijing have been cancelled to guard the capital against the new surge.[107]
On 11 September, another cluster of infections was found in Xianyou county of Putian, Fujian province.[108] Multiple clusters have also emerged in Bayan county of Harbin, Heilongjiang, the source of infections remains unclear.[109]
On 23 October, China reported the highest number of new cases since the September outbreak in Fujian, with domestic infections reported in Ejin Banner of Inner Mongolia and in Lanzhou, Gansu and new cases reported in Beijing, Ningxia, Jiangxi and Yunnan. Another outbreak by imported case was reported in the northern border town of Heihe, Heilongjiang province.[110]
On 26 October, the city of Lanzhou was put into lockdown after six new cases were detected.[111]
In early November, Dalian reported more than 80 cases of COVID-19, the first of which occurred in a warehouse worker in the Zhuanghe district of the city on 4 November. In response, on 8 November local authorities ordered all businesses handling imported chilled and frozen foods to suspend operations.[112]
In mid-December, the outbreak in the cities of Ningbo, Shaoxing and Hangzhou was developing at a "relatively rapid" speed, forcing closure of flights and venues.[113] The outbreak began to subside from mid December, with Hangzhou resuming low-risk status as of 21 December.[114]
On 22 December, the border city of Dongxing next to Vietnam has ordered residents to stay at home due to one COVID-19 case.[115] The strict measures resulted in severe backlog of trucks at the border crossings and disrupted trade, prompting the Vietnam government to complain.[116]
From 23 December 2021, the city of Xi'an with 13 million people was put into strict lockdown after local authorities reported more than 250 cases,[117] traced to the Delta variant by authorities.[114] The lockdown led to stressed healthcare and delayed or insufficient food deliveries to some parts of the city.[118]
On 26 December 155 domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms were reported from Xi'an, contributing the largest part to the countrywide highest daily count since the outbreak in Wuhan, of 158 cases.[119] The city was placed into strict lockdown until 24 January 2022.
The city of Ruili bordering Myanmar was reported to have endured four lockdowns with 200 days in total in 2021.[120]
2022: Outbreaks and end of lockdowns
On 4 January 2022, 1.1 million people in Yuzhou, Henan received stay at home order after three asymptomatic COVID-19 cases were reported.[121] In the evening of the same day, Zhengzhou told its residents in risky areas that they could not leave the city without approval from health control authorities. The Xi'an outbreak appeared to ease, with 35 local symptomatic cases reported that day.[122]
On 11 January, the city of Zhengzhou has upgraded measures and closed down non-essential services during a citywide mass testing campaign[123] while Anyang has been placed under lockdown.[124]
On 24 January, lockdown restrictions were lifted in Xi'an while 2 million residents of Fengtai district of Beijing underwent mass testing.[125] On 25 January, the border city of Suifenhe was placed into lockdown.[126]
On 7 February, the city of Baise in Guangxi province has been placed under lockdown after 37 symptomatic cases were reported on the day before.[127]
On 11 March, the city of Changchun of Jilin Province was placed into lockdown after the highest single day spike in cases since the Wuhan outbreak was reported.[128] Food shortages related to shutdown measures were reported.[129] Sporadic outbreaks have been reported in Laixi and Huangdao of Shandong province.[130]
On 14 March, the city of Shenzhen was placed on lockdown, with factories halting production after new virus cases doubled nationwide to almost 3,400.[131][132] The neighboring city of Hong Kong was also battling a severe outbreak since January.[133] Schools and public transport were closed in Shanghai and people were forbidden to enter or exit Jilin as the entire province is closed to curb the virus spread.[134]
On 15 March, the whole area of Langfang city, Hebei and the factory center of Dongguan in Guangdong were put into lockdown.[135][136] The earlier shutdown of Shenzhen has forced manufacturers such as Toyota, Volkswagen and Apple's supplier Foxconn to suspend operations.[137] The Shenzhen lockdowns ended on 23 March.
On 20 March, China reported its first COVID-19 deaths since January 2021 and the first double daily toll since May 2020, with both fatalities coming from Jilin.[138]
On 23 March, lockdowns were implemented in the cities of Tangshan and Shenyang.[139][140]
On 28 March, the Shanghai city government announced the largest city-wide lockdown in China since the outbreak began in which Shanghai will be locked down in two stages. The city of Shanghai became the country's COVID-19 epicenter after a surge in cases.[141] Shanghai's lockdowns has hit operations at the city's ports, causing disruptions on the logistical chain to the manufacturing hubs nearby.[142] There were reports of panic buying to stock up supplies in the city.[143]
On 30 March, the city of Xuzhou in Jiangsu has imposed a three-days lockdown.[144]
On 3 April, China reported 13,146 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which was the highest single-day total of new cases since the height of the pandemic in Wuhan in February 2020.[14]
On 4 April, officials in Suzhou announced a new mutation of the Omicron variant was detected in Changshu. The city of Baicheng in Inner Mongolia was put into lockdown.[145]
March–May 2022 Shanghai outbreak
By 9 April, it is estimated that 23 Chinese cities, home to an estimated 193 million people and contribute 22% of China's GDP, have been implementing either full or partial lockdowns.[146] In Shanghai, residents have reported food shortages due to lockdown measures[147] The city's health system has shown signs of strain as patients were turned away from hospitals as wards were closed and medical staff have been deployed to quarantine hospitals.[148][149] A series of deaths were reported at the Shanghai Donghai Elderly Care hospital, which their relatives blame on lack of care due to hospital staff being taken away for quarantine.[150] Videos have emerged on social media showing Shanghai residents engaging in protests and clashes with police over quarantine policies.[151][152]
Increasing of rolling lockdown measures
On 11 April, authorities in Guangzhou closed the city to most arrivals and only allowed citizens with a "definite need" to leave.[153] Lockdown measures continue to spread to other cities in China as restrictions on movement were reported in Suzhou, Zhengzhou, Taiyuan and Ningde.[154][155]
On 16 April, a temporary partial lockdown was again imposed in Xi'an after dozens of infections were reported.[156]
On 19 April, Tangshan re-enforced partial lockdowns in some of its districts.[157]
On 26 April, Baotou in Inner Mongolia announced it will lock down for a week[158] while Beijing begins mass testing of nearly all of its 21 million residents.[159] On 28 April, Hangzhou started mass testing while the wholesale hub of Yiwu and the port city of Qinhuangdao were put into lockdown.[160][161]
On 30 April, China recorded 47 deaths from Covid within 24 hours, bringing the total toll above 5,000.[162] A Caixin media report cited that Handan, Lu'an, Quanzhou, Suqian, Wuhu, Xining, Xuzhou along with many cities in Jilin, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu and Shaanxi was locked down in April, with more than 30 million people affected.[126][163]
The province of Jilin began to gradually lift COVID-19 control measures from the end of April. It reported a GDP shrinkage of 7.9% during the first quarter of 2022.[164]
On 3 May, the city of Zhengzhou imposed new movement restrictions, which halts all activities and only allows each household to one person with a negative test result to go out once a day to purchase basic supplies.[165]
On 13 May, Beijing authorities announced that parts of Chaoyang, Fangshan and Shunyi districts would be subject to tighter curbs.[166] On 22 May, lockdowns have been imposed on those three districts along with Haidian and Fengtai.[167]
On 24 May, the city of Tianjin locked down its central district, causing delays and blank sailings at its ports.[168]
On 31 May, Shanghai began to start lifting its strict lockdown measures, allowing people to return to work and malls and shops to re-open in "low-risk" areas.[169] In some neighborhoods and districts, residents were ordered to stay home until mid-June after completion of rounds of rigorous testing.[170]
On 6 June, Beijing authorities further relaxed curbs by allowing indoor dining while the city of Erenhot and the Sonid Right Banner of Xilin Gol, Inner Mongolia have imposed lockdowns.[171][172]
On 13 June, an outbreak linked to a nightclub forced Beijing authorities to shut down the Workers' Stadium and Sanlitun leisure and nightlife districts.[173] Despite the flare up, Beijing declared an "initial victory" over COVID-19 on 16 June and allowed schools to resume in-class teaching on 27 June.[174]
On 29 June, the county of Sixian of Anhui was put into lockdown.[175] On July 1, Anhui put a second county, Lingbi, under lockdown.[176]
On 6 July, Shanghai reported the most virus infections since late May, with sporadic cases also propped up in Xuzhou and Wuxi.[177] On 9 July, the city of Haikou on Hainan Island imposed seven-day restrictions that shut down businesses and public venues.[178]
On 10 July, Qinyang in Henan province almost completely locked down its residents while Xi'an and Lanzhou moved to tighter curbs.[179] On 12 July, Wugang, Zhumadian and Pingdingshan in Henan implemented a three days implementation of strict closed control.[180]
On 13 July, Huaiyuan of Anhui and Lanzhou of Gansu were reported to have shifted into full lockdown. On 14 July, China reported an increase in cases tally as a new cluster emerged around Beihai, Guangxi.[181] On 17 July, lockdown was imposed in Beihai and the tourist island of Weizhou, trapping more than 2,000 holidaymakers.[182] Dandong's mayor has apologised for an over 50-day lockdown that the North Korea-bordering city had to endure.[183]
On 27 July, authorities in Wuhan shut down Jiangxia District of almost a million people after detecting four asymptomatic cases.[184]
Throughout July, Shenzhen's biggest manufacturers including Foxconn, Huawei and BYD were forced to operate within a "closed loop" restricted system as the manufacturing hub was battling its latest Covid outbreak.[185]
On 3 August, the export hub of Yiwu in Zhejiang suspended public gatherings and locked down some areas to cope with COVID-19 flare ups.[186]
On 6 August, authorities in the resort city of Sanya of Hainan announced movement restrictions after hundreds of cases were reported, leaving around 80,000 tourists stranded. Danzhou, Qionghai and other cities on the island also enforced lockdown measures.[187]
On 8 August, Lhasa, the regional capital of Tibet recorded one symptomatic patient and seventeen asymptomatic cases while Shigatse, Tibet's second biggest city imposed three days of curbs. The region reported only one infection in 2020, and had remained clear of cases since then.[188] On 10 August, Ürümqi in Xinjiang started a five-day lockdown of its key districts.[189] Other cities in Xinjiang including Yining, Korla, Aksu and Turpan were also hit by circuit breaking mechanism.
On 21 August, Taigu and Pingyao of Shanxi and Nanchong of Sichuan went into lockdown.[190] On 28 August, Hebei authorities issued a stay-at-home order for residents of Xianghe, Zhuozhou and all urban districts of Shijiazhuang.[191] On 31 August, Daqing in Heilongjiang was put into lockdown.[192]
On 1 September, Chengdu announced a lockdown of its 21.2 million residents, the most populous city to be locked down since Shanghai in earlier 2022. Other major cities including Shenzhen and Dalian also stepped up COVID restrictions.[193] On 5 September, Guiyang sealed off six of its districts to contain Covid outbreak.[194] On 15 September, lockdowns were mostly lifted in Chengdu, save for six districts.[195]
On 18 September, a bus carrying 47 people from Guiyang being taken to quarantine in Libo County crashed in Sandu County of Guizhou province, killing 27 on board. The accident set off a storm of anger online over the harshness of strict COVID policies.[196]
On 5 October, Xishuangbanna of Yunnan province went into full lockdown, leaving travellers stranded at its airport. On the same day, residents were banned from leaving Xinjiang over an outbreak, weeks after the region had been relaxing restrictions following a stringent lockdown.[197]
On 17 October, Zhengzhou locked down its district Zhongyuan to tame a virus flareup.[198] On 18 October, a 14-year-old girl died after falling ill in a quaratine center in Ruzhou after being denied prompt medical care, according to her family's account. The case has sparked anger online, forcing censors to remove hashtags for "Ruzhou Girl" online.[199]
On 26 October, hundreds of migrant workers in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa took to the streets to protest harsh lockdown measures, which had been lasting for 74 days.[200]
In late October, dozens of cities across China have again ramped up their lockdowns, including districts of Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Datong and Xining, affecting more than 200 million people.[201][202][203] In Heilongjiang province, Suihua and Mudanjiang were also experiencing outbreaks.[204] In Zhengzhou, workers at the Foxconn factory have turned to social media for help and to voice their anger about inadequate food and lack of medical care amid strict control measures implemented on the campus. The complex employs more than 200,000 workers, thousands of them chose to escape the campus en masse, trekking across fields to return to their home.[205][206]
On 2 November, the death of a 3-year-old boy to a gas leak in Lanzhou, reportedly after delay in receiving treatment due to movement restriction has triggered a wave of public anger. Videos on social media show residents taking to the streets demanding answer from authorities and buses containing SWAT teams arriving at the scene.[207] Local authorities issued apologised the next day.[208]
On 9 November, movement restriction measures were placed in the urban districts of Chongqing. It was reported that the city has been struggling to contain spread of virus.[209]
Protests and end of zero-COVID measures
In Guangzhou, a surge in cases has spurred blanket lockdowns in the city. On 5 November, Haizhu District was locked down and transport systems were suspended. On 9 November, the city reported more than 3,000 cases and locked down its central district of Liwan.[210] On 14 November, it has been reported that residents in several districts have taken to the streets to protest against restriction policies. Videos posted online showed crowds crashing through lockdown barriers and marching down streets.[211][212]
On 21 November, Beijing authorities shut most non-essential business and issued stay home order in the city's largest district of Chaoyang.[213] The city reported three COVID-related deaths on the weekends before, the first deaths in mainland China since the Shanghai outbreak in May.[214]
On 23 November, China reported 31,444 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the highest daily figure since the virus was first detected in 2019 and surpassing figures during the Shanghai outbreak between March and May. The government responded by tightening restrictions in cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Government of Changchun urged the public to halt non-essential movement and avoid going outside.[215] In Zhengzhou, protests erupted at the Foxconn iPhone manufacturing factory campus over poor pay and restriction conditions, after authorities attempted to lock down the facility following an outbreak.[216]
On 24 November, a building fire in under-lockdown Ürümqi killed ten people and wounded nine.[217] This sparked widespread protests against lockdowns and COVID-19 policies across major Chinese cities, prompting the Chinese government to signal plans to ease restrictions. On 30 November, vice premier Sun Chunlan announced that pandemic controls are entering a "new stage and mission", adding that the Omicron variant is less virulent and that rectification of control methods are underway. Sun said local governments should "respond to and resolve the reasonable demands of the masses".[218]
On 7 December, the National Health Commission announced a nationwide loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, in which PCR testing would be reduced and lockdowns would also be limited.[219] Among the changes, the health pass application will no longer be required for entry to most public spaces and patients with mild symptoms may quarantine at home rather than in the facilities.[220]
On 8 January 2023, the Chinese government removed some immigration restrictions and started issuing more passports to Chinese citizens and more visas to foreign nationals after almost three years of significant restrictions due to anti-pandemic control measures.[221] The Hong Kong government also announced it would start to reopen its border with mainland China, allowing people to travel without quarantine.[222]
On 15 March 2023, China opens its borders to foreign tourists after more than three years of restrictions by allowing all categories of visas to be issued.[223]
December 2022–January 2023 surge
Following the rapid scaling down of stringent zero-COVID restrictions, Beijing reported a surge in COVID-19 infections.[224][225] The Chinese central government's reported death statistics only include cases in which COVID-19 directly caused respiratory failure, which led to skepticism by health experts of the government's total death count.[226][227] Restaurants and food delivery services were reported to have closed due to too many workers being infected and pharmacies have been emptied of medicine and disinfectant solution.[228]
On December 10, reports of Covid surges in smaller towns across China have attracted nationwide attention. In Dazhou and Baoding, locals said that clinics are seeing an overflow in patients.[229] The Central Economic Work Conference, a key economic policy meeting, was subsequently postponed due to the spike in infections.[230] On 15 December, the National Health Commission has stopped reporting asymptomatic cases as it was "impossible to accurately grasp" the actual number of asymptomatic infections.[231]
On 20 December, the Chinese State Council narrowed its definition of what would be counted as a COVID-19 death, specifying that only deaths caused by pneumonia and respiratory failure would count toward the total number of fatalities resulting from SARS-CoV-2. This decision came as long lines of hearses appeared outside of crematoriums throughout China and medical students at universities nationwide protested for better pay and increased protections at overcrowded hospitals.[232][233]
On 22 December, a report by UK research firm Airfinity modelling based on regional Chinese data estimated that more than 5,000 people are probably dying each day from COVID-19 in China, with cases rising fastest in Beijing and Guangdong province.[234] Internal minutes from a meeting of China's National Health Commission held on 21 December revealed that as many as 248 million people in China might have contracted COVID-19 over the first 20 days of December and nearly 37 million people may have been infected on a single day.[235]
On 23 December, Qingdao's municipal health chief Bo Tao has been quoted in a news report that the city was seeing "between 490,000 and 530,000" new infections each day. On the same day, Dongguan's health commission declared on its Weixin account that the city had 250,000 to 300,000 people being infected every day.[236] Officials in Yulin, a city of 3.6 million people in Shaanxi province, logged 157,000 new infections with models estimating more than a third of the city's population had already been infected.[237]
On 25 December, the National Health Commission announced that it would no longer report daily COVID-19 figures.[238] Zhejiang provincial government said it is battling around a million new infections a day and expected the number to be doubling in days ahead.[239]
A New York Times report on 27 December shown patients in gurneys crammed into corridors in Tianjin's Medical University General Hospital. The report also highlighted a shortage of medicines and a staffing crisis in hospitals in several major cities.[240] As China reopened in December 2022, an analysis of obituaries by the Times also found that retired Chinese scientists and scholars had begun to pass away at higher rates than would normally be expected, adding to speculation that deaths had been undercounted.[241]
On 30 December, the World Health Organization asked the National Health Commission and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration to share more data about its surge of cases, as some countries began to require negative COVID-19 tests for Chinese travelers amid fears of new variants of concern. The WHO also invited Chinese health authorities to share "detailed data on viral sequencing" ahead of a 3 January advisory meeting.[242]
On 3 January 2023, the People's Daily reported that up to 70% of Shanghai's population has been infected. In Ruijin Hospital, the volume of patients in the emergency unit has doubled to 1,600 people per day, 80% of them being Covid-related.[243] Reports emerged of hospitals in the city being overcrowded and funeral homes inundated with mourners.[244]
In a 4 January media briefing, Director Tedros Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization stated that Chinese hospitalization and mortality data lacked transparency and timeliness, while reiterating the importance of viral sequencing during the outbreak and continued vaccination efforts.[245][246]
As of 6 January 2023, the infection rate of Henan province had reached 89 percent, according to Kan Quancheng, director of the province's health commission. This percentage of infections meant that roughly 88.5 million people had contracted COVID-19 within just one month of the country's reopening, though Kan noted that visits to fever clinics in the province had peaked on 19 December.[247]
On 11 January, infections had reached 64 percent of China's population, or 900 million people, according to a Peking University study which further specified that the largely rural provinces of Gansu, Yunnan, and Qinghai had infection rates of 90%, 84%, and 80%, respectively. Earlier in January, the Chinese CDC began to focus efforts on protecting less-developed regions of the country ahead of Chunyun, the world's largest annual migration, with roughly two billion trips expected around Chinese New Year, many taking place to and from the Chinese countryside.[248] Travellers were urged not to visit their elderly relatives to prevent them becoming infected.[249]
On 14 January, the Chinese National Health Commission reported 59,938 COVID-related deaths from 8 December 2022 to 12 January 2023, following complaints that it was withholding data. The figure includes 5,503 people who died of respiratory failure caused by COVID and 54,435 fatalities linked to other underlying illnesses. Up until this data disclosure, the official death toll in China had previously only totaled 5,241 people for the entirety of the pandemic.[250] Reuters reported that doctors were discouraged by hospital authorities from citing COVID-19 on death certificates.[251]
On 21 January, the Chinese CDC estimates that as many as 80% of people have been infected, hence the possibility of a rebound in cases in the next two or three months is low.[3] On 22 January, it reported nearly 13,000 COVID-related deaths in hospitals between 13 and 19 January.[252]
On 25 January, the Chinese CDC released data showing the infection wave had been past its peak, with severe cases and deaths in hospitals down almost 90 per cent since infection peak . During the peak, there were 128,000 critically ill COVID patients in Chinese hospitals on 5 January and the number of deaths in hospitals reached their highest point of 4,273 cases on 4 January.[253]
On 30 March, Chinese authorities announced a plan of random spot checks to be conducted at health facilities throughout the country in order to determine the future accuracy of local COVID data reporting amid global calls for more transparency during the winter surge.[254]
Zhejiang provincial data, reported on in July 2023, showed a 70% increase in cremations during the first three months of 2023, an increase of 99,000 cremations compared to the first quarter of 2022. This data was subsequently taken down from public sources.[255]
On 14 April, Chinese official data indicated that COVID-19 positivity rate went up slightly in early April, but specialists noted that it's "unlikely" China will see another wave of large-scale infections. Authorities have dropped mandatory mask requirements when using public transport, signaling the end of the pandemic according to CCDC epidemiologist Wu Zunyou.[256]
On 22 May, leading Chinese pulmonologist Zhong Nanshan contradicted earlier predictions and noted that the first major wave of infections following the reopening surge was beginning to build, with 65 million cases per week expected by the end of June. Zhong noted that China would soon release specific vaccines tailored toward the XBB Omicron subvariants, which were likely driving the latest wave.[257]
In November 2023, China's health authorities reported an outbreak of respiratory illnesses in several parts of northern China. The increase in these diseases was attributed the circulation of known pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.
Impact
Education
On 27 January 2020, the Chinese Ministry of Education advised all higher education institutions to postpone the spring semester, with all local education departments to determine the starting time of the new semester for K-12 education and local colleges according to the decision of the local governments.[258] The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security also decided to put the new semester off for all vocational education facilities.[259]
Religion
The Chinese government, which upholds a policy of state atheism, used the pandemic to continue its antireligious campaigns, demolishing Xiangbaishu Church in Yixing and removing a Christian cross from the steeple of a church in Guiyang County.[260][261]
Public discourse
In 2020 and 2021, although successive and lengthy lockdowns occasionally caused distress in border towns, the majority of publicly expressed commentary appeared to be largely in favor of China's stringent COVID mitigation strategies as necessary for the protection of human life, even to the point where complaints from locked-down residents sometimes resulted in online vitriol from compatriots outside of these regions.[262]
In 2022, however, with highly infectious Omicron strains impacting the feasibility of China's Zero-COVID policy, public discourse inside China became increasingly divided between citizens in favor of the stringent policies as a matter of both national pride and public health necessity, and people such as university students, migrant workers, and small business owners who felt that the restrictions on movement and livelihood were, in and of themselves, a cause of undue suffering. In turn, upon the abrupt abandonment of Zero-COVID, some proponents of the discarded policy went on to criticize the government's sudden U-turn and question the need for a single, unified voice on such matters.[263]
Other commentators reacted with anger toward participants in the recent protests, blaming them for widespread infection and death, although data pointed to Omicron having already overwhelmed the mechanisms of Zero-COVID at the time of the policy's discontinuation. Still others blamed the government for giving into popular demand and thus strengthening foreign and domestic criticism of Chinese policy.[263]
Ultimately, lockdowns in China were highly effective in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and there was wide public consensus in China that the benefits outweighed the costs.[264]: 67
Government response
China is one of a small number of countries that have pursued an elimination strategy, sustaining a low case numbers between the 2020 outbreak until early 2022.
China's response to the initial Wuhan COVID-19 outbreak has been both praised and criticised. Some have criticised the censorship of information that might be unfavorable for local officials. Observers have attributed this to a culture of institutional censorship affecting the country's press and Internet. The government censored whistleblowers, journalists, and social media posts about the outbreak. During the beginning of the pandemic, the Chinese government made efforts to clamp down on discussion and hide reporting about it. Efforts to fund and control research into the virus's origins and to promote fringe theories about the virus have continued up to the present.[265] In October 2020, The Lancet Infectious Diseases reported: "While the world is struggling to control COVID-19, China has managed to control the pandemic rapidly and effectively."[266]
Immigration control
During the early phase of the pandemic, Hubei suspended the processing of applications from mainland Chinese residents for entry and exit of mainland China. For those with a valid visa to enter Hong Kong and Macau, but fail to enter the areas due to the outbreak, the Chinese Immigration Administration will issue a new visa for free on request of the visa holder after the outbreak is lifted. Some of automated border clearance systems will be shut down according to the needs of the epidemic prevention. After Wuhan declared lockdown on 23 January, the Tianhe Airport and Hankou River ports have been without passengers for several days.[267]
Since 25 January 2020,[268] Taiwan's government banned anyone from mainland China entering the country with[269] the ban extended to mainland Chinese overseas.[270] On 24 August 2022, the Chinese government began to ease restrictions for foreign students, allowing them to enter the country for the first time in more than two years.[271]
Lockdown and curfew
Ever since Hubei's lockdown, areas bordering Hubei including Yueyang in Hunan and Xinyang in Henan set up checkpoints on roads connecting to Hubei to monitor cars and people coming from Hubei.[272][273] Between 24 and 25 January, the local governments of Shanghai, Jiangsu, Hainan and other areas announced to quarantine passengers from "key areas" of Hubei for 14 days.[274][275] Chongqing also announced mandatory screening of every person who arrived from Wuhan since 1 January, and set up 3 treatment centers.[276]
During the 2019–2020 COVID-19 outbreak, factories were closed or reduced production for a few weeks. When they opened again, measures were implemented to reduce risk.[277][278]
Vaccination
In July 2020, the government granted an emergency use authorization for two COVID-19 vaccines.[279][280] It has also pledged or provided humanitarian assistance to other countries dealing with the virus.[281][282]
By June 2021, a billion doses of domestically produced vaccine had been administered in China, giving a dose rate similar to many European countries.[283][284] A further billion doses had been administered by late August of the same year.[285] Another 1 billion doses were administered by the end of January 2022. In February 2022, Pfizer's Covid therapy tablet Paxlovid has received conditional approval in China. It is the first oral pill created exclusively to treat the disease in the country.[286]
While public authorities have mandated lockdowns and mandatory mass testing for areas with infection, there has not been any rule to making vaccination mandatory. Some facilities within China have made vaccination mandatory for entry, including things like movie theatres, fitness centres, internet bars, museums and libraries.[287]
In July 2022, according to official figures, while 89% had received 2 doses, only 56% of eligible people had received a booster dose. Furthermore, this was even lower among vulnerable elderly age groups, with only 19.7% of people over the age of 80 having received a booster dose. According to BBC reporting, this may have been attributed to public confidence in the ability of authorities to control outbreaks, the narrative presented by public authorities within China that the virus was mainly an overseas problem as well as some doctors within China who warned vulnerable people of the health risks of the vaccine.[287]
China has provided vaccines to other countries. In November 2021, the Chinese government pledged to provide 1 billion vaccine doses to African countries, including 600 million donated doses and 400 million other doses, in addition to the 200 million doses it had already provided. In the same announcement, Xi pledged additional investment in Africa and promised to send 1,500 public health experts.[289]
Credit rating relief
On February 1, 2020, the People's Bank of China announced it would temporarily suspend the inclusion of mortgage and credit card payments in the credit record of people impacted by the pandemic.[290]: 134 Private financial credit scoring companies, including Sesame Credit, suspended financial credit ratings.[290]: 134
Redlisting
Various cities established mechanisms to incentivize companies to provide pandemic relief, with measures including whitelisting (referred to in China as redlisting) for those donating funds and supplies with benefits like simplified administrative procedures, increased policy support, or increased financial support.[290]: 135
Other regulatory measures
Following a speech by Xi Jinping emphasizing areas of regulatory compliance, provinces and cities promulgated regulations emphasizing heavy penalties for price hikes, violence against doctors, counterfeit medical supplies, refusal to comply with pandemic prevention measures, and wildlife trade violations.[290]: 134
Discrimination
Fear, regional discrimination in China, and racial discrimination within and beyond China increased with the growing number of reported cases of infections despite calls for stopping the discrimination by many governments.[291][292] Some rumors circulated across Chinese social media, along with endorsements and counter-rumor efforts by media and governments.[293][294] The Chinese government has worked to censor and counter reporting and criticism about the crisis – which included the prosecution of several citizen journalists[295] – and portray the official response to the outbreak in a positive light. They have also provided humanitarian assistance to other countries dealing with the virus.[281][282][296]
Misinformation and conspiracy theories
According to London-based The Economist, on China's Internet, there were conspiracy theories about COVID-19 being the CIA's creation to keep China down.[297]
Multiple conspiracy articles in Chinese from the SARS era resurfaced during the outbreak with altered details, claiming that SARS is biological warfare conducted by the US against China. Some of these articles claim that BGI Group from China sold genetic information of the Chinese people to the US, with the US then being able to deploy the virus specifically targeting the genome of Chinese individuals.[298]
Statistics
The confirmed case count in mainland China only includes symptomatic cases; asymptomatic infections are reported separately.[299]
See also
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External links
- Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases and historical data by Johns Hopkins University
- Reports on the COVID-19 pandemic in China, by the PRC National Health Commission
- Coronavirus China updates and news Archived 28 April 2020 at the Wayback Machine. China in Coronavirus Global international portal. Available in English, French, Spanish, Russian and more.