COVID-19 | China imposes new lockdowns and sanctions

China on Monday reported 39 new patients with COVID-19, most of whom were linked to the movements of a group of infected tourists.

Although the figures appear to be much lower than those recorded daily in other parts of the world, they are urging authorities to double their vigilance as China prepares to host the Winter Olympics from February 4, 2022.

The recent outbreak in Inner Mongolia in the north of the country has caused more than 100 cases since last week.

Chinese authorities, which have adopted a “zero tolerance” approach to the virus, have responded swiftly, imposed sanctions and conducted mass screening campaigns in the affected areas.

In Beijing, a marathon has been postponed indefinitely “to prevent the risk of an epidemic,” organizers said. Nearly 30,000 runners are expected to take part next Sunday.

The Wuhan Marathon (center), which was attended by 26,000 people last Sunday, was also canceled at the last minute in the city for the same reasons, which was the first time the virus had hit the earth’s surface.

Beijing Municipality has asked residents to avoid “unnecessary” trips and large-scale gatherings outside the capital.

Officials said anyone coming to Beijing from the area where the Kovid-19 cases were identified must also be tested negative.

Police announced Monday that they have launched three investigations into allegations of non-compliance with health rules.

New cases of COVID-19 have been reported mainly in the north, where 11 provinces have launched massive screening tests.

As of Monday, about 35,000 people had been locked in a two-week lockdown in Ezine, Inner Mongolia.

In Gansu (northwest), buses and taxis stopped in the regional capital, Lanzhou, and tourist sites were closed.

On Sunday, authorities announced that they were suspending trips to five areas where Kovid-19 cases had been registered, including Beijing.