China’s delta outbreak is worsening with Wuhan’s 11 million people being tested for the virus
Wuhan’s entire population will undergo coronavirus testing as health officials attempt to squash a number of outbreaks linked to the contagious variant.
China had largely controlled the virus after it first emerged in December 2019 with strict lockdowns and mass testing in cities to isolate infected residents.
Authorities have rushed to close tourist sites, call off cultural events and cancel flights, as the outbreak linked to the highly infectious delta variant spread to nearly half of China’s 32 provinces within just two weeks.
At least 46 cities have advised residents to refrain from traveling unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Alongside recent flood damage in parts of the country, the latest virus controls will likely curb retail spending and economic growth in the second half of the year.
A medical worker takes a swab sample from a resident to be tested for the COVID-19 coronavirus in Wuhan in China’s central Hubei province on May 14, 2020. – Nervous residents of China’s pandemic epicentre of Wuhan queued up across the city to be tested for the coronavirus on May 14 after a new cluster of cases sparked a mass screening campaign. (Photo by STR / AFP) / China OUT