[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] The local government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China is strengthening control over the area due to an increase in COVID-19 confirmed cases. Some claim that excessive spraying of disinfectants has even led to deaths.
On the evening of the 4th, the Urumqi Epidemic Prevention and Control Center announced a ban on residents traveling outside the area and the suspension of all train, intercity bus, and charter bus operations. Drivers of freight transport vehicles from other regions must present two negative PCR test certificates within 48 hours to enter Urumqi. Although flights are operating normally, epidemic prevention measures have been strengthened to allow only 75% of the seating capacity. According to the local Health and Hygiene Commission, there were 38 new asymptomatic infections reported that day.
On the same day, the Information Office of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government held a press conference on epidemic prevention and control. At the event, Vice Chairman Liu Xushuo explained, "Recently, the epidemic has rebounded in some areas, increasing the risk of community transmission, and there are still unidentified infected individuals."
He further elaborated on the causes of the situation, stating, "Nucleic acid testing capacity is still insufficient, and a significant number of personnel are non-professionals," adding, "Some inappropriate measures led to infections among certain testing staff, turning them into sources of risk."
There have also been reports of accidents occurring during the epidemic prevention process. On the same day, Taiwan's Central News Agency cited a report from Radio Free Asia (RFA), stating that in a village in Pishan County, Xinjiang Autonomous Region, thousands of residents were poisoned due to excessive disinfectant spraying, with at least 13 deaths reported. Videos of disinfectant being sprayed inside homes are also being shared online. There are claims that police arrested residents who refused to allow disinfectant spraying.
According to major foreign media such as Bloomberg, COVID-19 infections are also rapidly increasing in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. On the same day, 909 infections were reported nationwide in China, of which 273 were confirmed in Inner Mongolia. Residents in some areas, including the capital Hohhot, are being controlled to prevent them from leaving their homes or residential areas.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
