The news that clients of several village banks in Henan province in central China were given red health codes exposes a long-feared public threat. As important tools for Covid-19 prevention and control, the health codes collect residents’ private information, requiring their strict use in accordance with laws and regulations. The authorities in Henan gave red health codes to bank clients who had trouble withdrawing money to prevent their rights protest rather than to combat the virus. This act infringed on personal freedom, severely violated citizens’ rights and shook the foundation of pandemic prevention and control.
The truth is still in doubt days after the public outcry. Some homebuyers in Zhengzhou also had their codes turn red after they reported problems to authorities. The codes turned green after they attested that they were not clients of village banks. This indicates there was not just a single case of health-code abuse. The Zhengzhou Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision initiated an investigation and accountability process and will handle violations of the Administrative Measures of Henan Province on Health Codes for Covid-19 Prevention and Control in accordance with laws and regulations. Considering its baleful influence beyond Henan, the superior authorities should take charge of the investigation. All participants should be held responsible. Loopholes must be found, and technical and institutional deficiencies must be quickly remedied.
