COVID-19 cases in China nearly double in one day
Mainland China has seen a dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases within 24 hours. The region recorded 402 locally transmitted confirmed cases on March 9, which is nearly double the number of cases witnessed the day before, Reuters reported on Thursday. The north-eastern area of Jilin recorded nearly 165 new local symptomatic cases which are the province's highest daily rate since 2020.
Why does this story matter?
In China, the cases recorded on Monday are among the highest since the original outbreak in 2019 in Wuhan city, which is believed to have led to the pandemic. The huge surge came despite the country's "zero tolerance" approach to dealing with outbreaks. "Zero tolerance" means quarantines and lockdowns are imposed on entire communities or cities even when just a few cases are detected.
Highest daily case count in about two years
Caseload negligible by global measures
The number of new domestically transmitted asymptomatic cases, which China does not identify as confirmed cases, was 435, which is the highest in the last two years. However, China's caseload is negligible by global measures as it is sticking to the "dynamic" strategy. The administration immediately identifies and quarantines every case and its close contacts and puts restrictions to limit or end the transmission.
Flare-up of cases in Jilin province a cause of concern
The Jilin province has been the hardest hit in the recent flare-up of COVID-19, which is a cause of concern for the government. The area is dealing with an outbreak following the appearance of Omicron's sub-strain. Commercial activities in its metropolitan regions have been suspended for a week. Currently, only necessary services are permitted, with certain exceptions provided for enterprises that require continuous output.
No new death in Mainland China
There were no additional deaths on March 9, keeping the total death toll unchanged at 4,636. Mainland China had recorded 112,385 cases as of March 9, with verified symptoms, including both local cases and those arriving from outside the mainland.
Omicron variant blamed for global surge in COVID-19 cases
According to scientists, Omicron has been blamed for the global increase in coronavirus infections. Omicron is a heavily mutated variant that is very contagious and may be able to evade immunity from prior infection or vaccination. Ever since it was first detected in South Africa in November 2021, Omicron has spread to more than 100 countries around the globe in almost three months.
