Omicron threat: China gets tougher on Covid-19 as new variant tests zero-tolerance strategy
- Quarantine and border control rules tightened as Omicron cases rise to six across three cities within days
- Surveillance will be stepped up on all imported Covid-19 cases, for quick action to control outbreaks once new strain is detected
The latest measures, announced on Monday, come after six Omicron cases were identified in three Chinese cities within a week.
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China records second Omicron case, further tightens measures to contain latest Covid-19 outbreaks
The Guangzhou case, who flew in from Shanghai after 14 days of centralised quarantine following his arrival in China, passed on the infection to an elderly woman and her daughter who live in the same building.
The patient had repeatedly tested negative for Covid-19 during quarantine in Shanghai, but was then found positive during home isolation.
Experts and health authorities, however, are confident that China’s strict zero-Covid policy will be able to keep the “variant of concern” at bay.
“The borders are the top priority and the key is to implement prevention and control measures, strengthen control at the source, and ensure the safe and orderly flow of people,” Mi Feng, a National Health Commission spokesman, said in Beijing on Monday.
