COVID-19 Resurgence in Wuhan, China After One Year... 7 Local Infections Confirmed

Confirmed Case Infected After Close Contact with Jiangsu Group Tourists at Train Station
China Strengthens Quarantine Measures, Restricts Movement of Residents in 30 Cities Across 19 Provinces

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Seven residents in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, have tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first time in 1 year and 1 month since June last year that COVID-19 patients have been reported in Wuhan. As the Western camp, including the United States, points to Wuhan, China as the origin of COVID-19, Chinese health authorities appear to be more tense.

China's state-run Global Times reported on the 3rd that as of the 2nd, a total of seven local COVID-19 infection cases occurred in Wuhan. The media reported that one of the infected came into contact with some group tourists from Huai'an, Jiangsu Province, at Wuhan Railway Station and was infected. The media added that the other six also tested positive for COVID-19 after close contact. All seven who tested positive were reportedly transferred to designated hospitals and are receiving treatment.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Concerns that the COVID-19 resurgence, which started at Nanjing Lukou International Airport in China, could spread nationwide through the tourist destination Zhangjiajie are becoming a reality.

In fact, confirmed cases are emerging simultaneously in more than 10 provinces in China. According to statistics from the National Health Commission of China, from the 21st to the 1st, about 300 cumulative confirmed cases were reported in 14 out of 31 provinces (cities) nationwide, and asymptomatic infections were reported in Anhui Province. Confirmed cases have been identified daily not only in Hubei, Shandong, Henan, Yunnan, and Hainan provinces but also in the capital Beijing.

Zhong Nanshan, China's top infectious disease authority and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said at a forum held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, the day before, "It will take about 10 to 14 days to control this resurgence," and added that Chinese health authorities are responding effectively.

Zhong also said, "Chinese vaccines have confirmed protective effects of 76.9%, 67.2%, and 63.2% against severe, mild, and asymptomatic cases, respectively," and "All 13 severe patients confirmed in Guangzhou were unvaccinated." He continued, "To form herd immunity for the entire Chinese population, the vaccination rate must reach 83.3%," urging people to get vaccinated again.

Meanwhile, Chinese health authorities have significantly strengthened quarantine measures, instructing residents of 30 cities in 19 provinces not to travel to other regions.