What’s new: Xi’an, the capital of northwestern China’s Shaanxi province, imposed partial lockdown measures Friday to reduce movement of its 13 million people, joining several Chinese cities in escalating battles against the Covid-19 flare-up.
Temporary control measures will be implemented from Saturday to Tuesday, requiring residents to avoid nonessential activities outdoors, the city government said in a statement. Commercial and entertainment venues will be closed during the period, while public gatherings are prohibited.
Residents should not leave their housing compounds unless necessary, while companies should operate normally but are encouraged to have employees work remotely or live at their workplaces, according to the statement.
Public transportation will remain in operation within the city but will require virus-clear proof from passengers.
The context: Xi’an has reported dozens of Covid-19 cases since the beginning of the month as China grapples with its worst outbreaks since the pandemic began.
The city government pledged to minimize the restrictions’ impacts on social lives and business operations while pursuing a dynamic “zero-Covid” policy across the city.
Xi’an is home to factories of leading semiconductor makers including Samsung and Micron. The city imposed a citywide lockdown in late December that lasted for nearly a month.
Contact reporter Han Wei (weihan@caixin.com) and editor Bob Simison (bob.simison@caixin.com)
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