China unhappy with US ‘accusation’ of virus as Covid spreads

China has defended its measures to curb the virus epidemic and voiced dissatisfaction with the US over what it calls China’s “pandemic” policy, even as cases in Shanghai continue to spread despite the extended blockade.

Shanghai on Saturday reported a record 24,943 new cases of coronavirus, according to the municipal government. That number is more than five times higher than the number observed on March 28, when 4,477 infections were reported, as the city imposed a blockade for the first time. The total number of new infections in China on Saturday was 26,355.

The US State Department has urged Americans to reconsider traveling to China and to avoid visiting virus hotspots, including in Shanghai, because of what it says is “arbitrary enforcement” of virus restrictions. It also allowed non-emergency workers and their families to leave the US consulate in Shanghai and briefed Chinese officials on the decision to leave voluntarily, raising concerns about China’s response to Covid.

“The announcement of the US approval of the voluntary departure of US staff and their families at the US Consulate General in Shanghai is a decision of the US itself,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a statement. . “However, it should be noted that China’s policies against the epidemic are scientifically sound and effective, and we are absolutely certain that Shanghai and other parts of China will prevail against the new wave of the epidemic.”

China is struggling to stop the super-infectious omicron variant with padlocks in several cities and repeated mass tests, as it adheres to a zero-tolerance approach. Known as Covid Zero, this strategy has become less effective in preventing domestic flares due to the increasing contagiousness of new variants and more disorganizing for economic activities and people’s lives.

“We are strongly dissatisfied and strongly opposed to the US side’s baseless accusation against China’s epidemic policies, and we have made official representations to the US side,” Zao said.

China’s commitment to Covid Zero has left the country increasingly isolated in a world that has gone a long way in opening its borders and coexisting with the virus.

“Lying down is definitely not China’s choice,” said Liang Wannian, an experienced epidemiologist who has overseen Covid since the beginning of the pandemic, referring to the attack that encouraged inaction in an interview with the official X .

“China will maintain the Covid Zero strategy,” Liang said. “We still have time, including in Shanghai, if we persist.”

China is not pursuing zero cases with its strategy, but rather is trying to create a stable situation that will prevent a severe recovery in the number of infections, Liang said. Strict restrictions in Shanghai are a consideration for returning to normal life throughout China, as well as for the city, he said.

The number of infections in Shanghai continues to rise despite the city’s move to exclude its 25 million inhabitants in two phases on March 28. While there have been some adjustments to allow people to move, it is unclear when the restrictions will be lifted, despite the growing desperation of the population to have access to food and medical care.