China’s Harbin offers cash for positive Covid-19 tests in bid to halt coronavirus spread

Residents in the northeastern Chinese city of Harbin will be rewarded 10,000 yuan (US$1,570) for proof of a positive Covid-19 result if they get tested voluntarily or honestly report symptoms to authorities. The scheme in the capital of Heilongjiang province was rolled out after three people tested positive for Covid-19 on December 2, 2021. The country has seen a resurgence in coronavirus cases, which spread to over 20 regions at its peak. ​​On December 6, the mainland recorded 94 new infections. So far no cases of the new Omicron coronavirus variant have been identified. Officials say they will continue to stick to the “dynamic” zero-tolerance Covid-19 policy, which includes mass vaccination, closed borders, strict lockdowns, long quarantines and repeated testing.