Jilin Outbreak Drives Spike In Mainland Cases

The mainland reported a climb in new Covid-19 cases driven by a spike in infections among previously symptomless patients in northeastern Jilin province, official data showed on Monday,

The total number of confirmed cases in the mainland rose to 124 on Sunday from 80 a day earlier, the National Health Commission said in a statement, amid the worst wave of new infections it has seen since March last year.

Of the 117 new local infections, Jilin accounted for 67 cases – all but three of whom were previously asymptomatic patients who were reclassified as confirmed cases after developing symptoms. Heilongjiang reported 35 new cases, while Hebei reported 11 new cases.

Though new infections remain at a fraction of those reported by other countries, the world's most populous country is determined to keep the spread in check ahead of next month's Lunar New Year holiday when millions travel to their home provinces.

Local authorities have rolled out a combination of measures including home quarantine of millions of people, travel curbs, mass Covid-19 testing and screening in a bid to contain the disease.

The number of new asymptomatic cases, which the mainland does not classify as confirmed cases, fell to 45 from 92 cases a day earlier.

The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases on the mainland is 89,115, while the death toll remains unchanged at 4,635. (Reuters)