**China’s New Virus Outbreak Raises Questions About Its Zero-Covid Strategy**
**Beijing**
China is facing its worst Covid-19 outbreak since the early days of the pandemic, with cases surging in multiple provinces and cities. The outbreak has raised questions about the sustainability of China’s zero-Covid strategy, which has relied on strict lockdowns, mass testing, and travel restrictions to contain the virus.
The latest outbreak began in the eastern province of Jiangsu in late July. Since then, cases have been reported in more than 20 provinces and regions, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong. The highly transmissible Delta variant of the virus is believed to be driving the surge in infections.
In response to the outbreak, Chinese authorities have imposed strict lockdowns in several cities, including Nanjing, Yangzhou, and Wuxi in Jiangsu province. Residents in these cities have been ordered to stay home, and non-essential businesses have been closed. Mass testing campaigns have also been launched in affected areas.
The outbreak has disrupted travel and supply chains in China. Several flights and train services have been canceled, and some factories have been forced to close. The economic impact of the outbreak is still being assessed, but it is likely to be significant.
The latest outbreak has raised questions about the sustainability of China’s zero-Covid strategy. The strategy has been successful in keeping case numbers low, but it has also come at a high economic cost. The strict lockdowns and travel restrictions have disrupted businesses and supply chains, and they have also taken a toll on people’s mental health.
Some experts believe that China may need to adjust its zero-Covid strategy in light of the latest outbreak. They argue that the strategy is no longer sustainable, and that it is causing too much economic and social disruption. Others believe that China should stick to its current strategy, arguing that it is the only way to keep case numbers low and prevent a major outbreak.
The Chinese government has not yet announced any changes to its zero-Covid strategy. However, the latest outbreak is likely to put pressure on the government to reconsider its approach.
**Timeline of the Outbreak**
* **July 20:** First cases of the Delta variant reported in Nanjing, Jiangsu province.
* **July 21:** Lockdown imposed in Nanjing.
* **July 23:** Cases reported in Yangzhou and Wuxi, Jiangsu province.
* **July 26:** Lockdown imposed in Yangzhou and Wuxi.
* **July 27:** Cases reported in Beijing.
* **July 28:** Lockdown imposed in several districts of Beijing.
* **July 29:** Cases reported in Shanghai and Guangdong province.
* **July 30:** Lockdown imposed in several districts of Shanghai.
**Impact of the Outbreak**
* **Economic:** The outbreak has disrupted travel and supply chains in China. Several flights and train services have been canceled, and some factories have been forced to close. The economic impact of the outbreak is still being assessed, but it is likely to be significant.
* **Social:** The outbreak has caused widespread anxiety and fear among the Chinese public. The strict lockdowns and travel restrictions have disrupted people’s lives and livelihoods. Some people have also been complaining about the lack of information and transparency from the government.
**Government Response**
* **Lockdowns:** Chinese authorities have imposed strict lockdowns in several cities, including Nanjing, Yangzhou, Wuxi, Beijing, and Shanghai. Residents in these cities have been ordered to stay home, and non-essential businesses have been closed.
* **Mass testing:** Mass testing campaigns have been launched in affected areas. Millions of people have been tested for the virus, and those who test positive have been sent to quarantine facilities.
* **Travel restrictions:** Travel restrictions have been imposed in several provinces and regions. Some flights and train services have been canceled, and people are being advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
**Questions About the Zero-Covid Strategy**
* **Sustainability:** Some experts believe that China’s zero-Covid strategy is no longer sustainable. The strategy has been successful in keeping case numbers low, but it has also come at a high economic cost. The strict lockdowns and travel restrictions have disrupted businesses and supply chains, and they have also taken a toll on people’s mental health.
* **Effectiveness:** Others believe that China should stick to its current strategy, arguing that it is the only way to keep case numbers low and prevent a major outbreak. They point to the fact that China has been successful in containing the virus for the past year, and that the current outbreak is still relatively small.
**The Future of China’s Covid-19 Policy**
The Chinese government has not yet announced any changes to its zero-Covid strategy. However, the latest outbreak is likely to put pressure on the government to reconsider its approach. It is possible that China may need to adjust its strategy in the coming months, as the virus continues to spread and the economic and social costs of the lockdowns increase.
**Sources**
* [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/asia/china-covid-19-outbreak-intl-hnk/index.html)
* [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-57973364)
* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-reports-most-new-covid-19-cases-over-year-2021-07-29/)
* [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/30/world/asia/china-covid-outbreak.html).
