Coronavirus in China: cities ease some rules, ban blocking of exits amid protests and surge in cases
- After residential fire in Urumqi claimed 10 lives, lockdown critics allege blockades around the building delayed firefighters
- While Xinjiang officials say escape from fire was not blocked, Beijing says use of solid objects to enclose or isolate areas is ‘strictly forbidden’
Health authorities in Beijing said high-risk areas should be defined by units and buildings. These areas could be expanded when transmission risks were unclear or transmission was widespread in the community but only after “rigorous assessment” .
The remarks are in line with a push by China’s top leadership for a more “targeted and precise” approach to zero-Covid as restrictions, including the quarantine period for arrivals, are gradually eased.
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Protests flare across China over zero-Covid, lockdowns after deadly Urumqi fire
The use of solid objects to enclose or isolate areas was “strictly forbidden”, as was the blocking of fire escape routes, unit doors and community doors, local officials said in Beijing on Sunday.
Liu said the current outbreak was mainly driven by the highly transmissible Omicron variant BF.7 and asked districts in the capital to optimise prevention and control measures.
“The number of new daily cases remains high, especially in Chaoyang district,” he said. “All districts should strengthen the management and control of people and areas at risk.”