China fears second coronavirus wave; new cases reach six-week high
Since witnessing a peak of the coronavirus outbreak in February, the daily new infections had dropped to double digits in China. However, China on Sunday reported 108 new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the highest daily increase in infections in about six weeks. The uptick comes as China records more imported cases, sparking fears of a second COVID-19 wave.
Out of 108 new cases, 98 were imported
China's National Health Commission reported 108 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier. This is a record-high since 143 new cases were reported on March 5. Out of the 108 cases, 98 were imported, also a new record. The total number of COVID-19 cases in China now stands at 82,160 while the deaths have risen by two to 3,341.
China fears a second wave of COVID-19
The new cases have reportedly left China worried about a second wave of COVID-19, which could possibly paralyze the country, according to Reuters. Notably, 56 of the new cases were reported in the Heilongjiang province which borders Russia; 49 cases were imported from Russia.
China to increase border control in Heilongjiang
China is now looking to step up border control with Russia, saying on Sunday that it would tighten quarantine measures on arrivals. Arrivals in the border cities of Suifenhe and Harbin will face a 28-day quarantine and undergo nucleic acid and antibody tests. Residential units in Harbin that have reported confirmed and asymptomatic cases will face a 14-day lockdown.
COVID-19 outbreak started in China's Hubei late last year
The outbreak of COVID-19 began in China's Hubei province late last year. It is believed to have originated from the Huanan Seafood market in Wuhan city. The outbreak peaked in China mid-February, reporting 15,000 new cases on February 13, according to the Johns Hopkins University tracker. The viral disease has since spread to over 170 countries, infecting 18 lakh people and killing 1.1 lakh.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2. The virus is believed to have originated in bats, crossing the species barrier and reaching humans through an intermediary animal. The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death.
