China is battling a surge in the spread of the omicron and delta coronavirus variants, a wave that has prompted authorities to impose new restrictions. Nearly 3,400 people were confirmed infected in a single day, according to Sunday's figures, double the number the day before.

Lockdowns have been imposed in several cities in northeastern China, with schools in Shanghai closing on Saturday. In the city of Jilin, hundreds of residential areas are under lockdown and the city's mayor has been fired over the spread of the infection, according to state media.

The city of Yanji, which has nearly 700,000 inhabitants and is located near the border with North Korea, has also been placed on lockdown.

In Hong Kong, 27,600 new cases were reported on Saturday and authorities warn that the increase will continue.

China has maintained its zero-tolerance policy against the coronavirus, enforced through strict restrictions and mass testing when cases of COVID-19 have been detected.

Compared to December, when the city of Xi'an, with a population of 13 million, was locked down for two weeks, measures in some parts of the country have been less harsh and more targeted recently.

Recently, a Chinese researcher said that the country should focus on living with the virus like many other countries, but the government has been clear that it is still possible for major lockdowns to be implemented.

Source: TT