China Enforces Strict COVID Lockdown Following Earthquake

China Enforces , Strict COVID Lockdown , Following Earthquake.

NBC reports that authorities in southwestern China's Chengdu have imposed strict COVID lockdowns despite a major earthquake that killed at least 65 people.

On September 5, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the province of Sichuan, which includes, Chengdu, a city of 21 million people.

On September 6, footage circulated online showing workers wearing protective gear preventing residents of apartment complexes from exiting their homes.

Despite only recording a small number of cases, Chengdu's lockdown is the most severe since Shanghai was shut down over the summer.

That lockdown led to widespread complaints over shortages of food, medicine and access to health care.

NBC reports that the lockdown in Chengdu appears to be similarly strict, with reports of even ordering takeout being banned.

China's 'zero-COVID' policy, largely championed by party leader Xi Jinping, includes compulsory testing, lockdowns, quarantines and masking.

China's 'zero-COVID' policy, largely championed by party leader Xi Jinping, includes compulsory testing, lockdowns, quarantines and masking.

As of September 6, China reported 1,499 new cases of local infection, most of which were asymptomatic.

There were a total of 138 new cases in the Sichuan province.

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NBC reports that the earthquake and the lockdown come amid a heatwave and drought that caused water and power shortages.