A series of Chinese officials were fired during the new COVID-19 outbreak

After two consecutive days of recording more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases, the number of community COVID-19 infections in China suddenly increased to more than 3,100 on March 13 in 17 provinces as well as 4 municipalities. major cities include Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chongqing, SCMP reported.

According to SCMP, Jilin province has become the epicenter of the latest COVID-19 outbreak in mainland China, with 895 new infections recorded in the past 24 hours. The National Health Commission of China (NHC) said that the whole country recorded 1337 new COVID-19 cases in the community on March 14, a 4-fold increase from the previous week.

People wait in long lines under the snow to be tested for COVID-19 in Changchun, Jilin province. Photo: AP

Local health authorities attribute the spike in asymptomatic COVID-19 cases to the Omicron variant, which is thought to be more transmissible but less severe than the COVID-19 virus- original 19.

The spike in new infections has made these days “the most difficult time in the past two years” in the country’s efforts to contain the pandemic, said Zhang Wenhong, a renowned virologist in Shanghai. country.

In Shenzhen, a city-wide blockade began on the morning of March 14, with residents required to be tested for COVID-19 three times by March 20. During that time, public transport services will be suspended, but essential operations, including supplies to Hong Kong – which is also suffering a new wave of COVID-19 – will continue. .

New “breathable” measures will be applied in the city of Shanghai. Accordingly, those entering the city must present the results of a PCR test performed within the previous 48 hours, while intercity bus service will be suspended.

Amid the worsening epidemic situation, the Chinese government decided to fire a series of officials, including Jilin city mayor Wang Lu, director of Changchun health agency Gao Yutang for irresponsibility in epidemic prevention.

Also according to SCMP, during this outbreak, at least 26 Chinese local officials were dismissed because of poor handling of the epidemic. In which, 6 officials in Dongguan city, Guangdong province, southern country have been stripped of their positions in the party and government due to lack of responsibility and poor handling of the epidemic.