Covid Infections Continue To Rise In Shanghai

Shanghai on Wednesday reported another surge in Covid-19 infections, as authorities banned most cars from the roads and warned anyone who violates lockdown rules will be dealt with strictly.

According to figures released by the National Health Commission, 1,189 new symptomatic cases of the virus were detected, along with a further 25,141 asymptomatic cases. That compares with 994 symptomatic and 22,348 asymptomatic infections reported the day before.

At a press conference, an official from the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Wu Qianyu, said nearly 20 million people had been tested in the city so far during the current outbreak, and that testing would continue.

“Shanghai’s epidemic prevention and control is at a critical juncture,” she said. “A continuous screening using nucleic acid and antigen tests is an important task in stopping the virus transmission.”

In a statement, Shanghai police called on residents to "fight the epidemic with one heart... and work together for an early victory".

The statement added: "Those who violate the provisions of this notice will be dealt with in strict accordance with the law by public security organs... If it constitutes a crime, they will be investigated according to law."

The police also banned cars from the roads, with exceptions for vehicles involved in epidemic prevention work or transporting people in need of emergency medical treatment. They warned residents not to spread false information or forge road passes or other clearance certificates.

Across the mainland, 27,920 local cases were recorded, with about five percent of infections being symptomatic.

Jilin remains one of the hardest hit provinces, logging over 1,000 infections altogether. In Guangdong, 31 cases – the majority of them symptomatic – were reported.

Health officials reported no new deaths. (Additional reporting from Reuters)

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