**China’s Covid Cases Hit Highest Since Lockdown, Threatening Reopening**
**Beijing** – China’s daily Covid-19 cases hit their highest since the Shanghai lockdown ended in June, threatening the country’s plans to reopen its economy and borders.
On Wednesday, the National Health Commission reported 1,792 new locally transmitted infections, the highest daily tally since June 1. The majority of the cases were reported in the southwestern province of Sichuan, where an outbreak has been linked to a local hospital.
The surge in cases comes as China is facing growing pressure to relax its strict Covid-zero policy, which has kept its borders largely closed and imposed frequent lockdowns and mass testing. However, the government has been reluctant to ease restrictions, fearing a resurgence of the virus that could overwhelm the country’s healthcare system.
The recent outbreak in Sichuan has raised concerns that the virus is spreading more widely than previously thought. The province has imposed a lockdown in the city of Chengdu, home to over 21 million people, and has suspended flights and train services.
The outbreak has also cast a shadow over China’s plans to reopen its borders. The government had been expected to announce a phased reopening in the coming weeks, but the recent surge in cases could delay those plans.
The Chinese economy has been hit hard by the Covid-zero policy, with growth slowing sharply in recent months. The government has introduced a series of stimulus measures to boost the economy, but these have had limited impact.
The surge in Covid cases is a major setback for China’s plans to reopen its economy and borders. The government will need to take swift action to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further. Otherwise, the country’s economic recovery could be further delayed.
**Here are some of the key points from the article:**
* China’s daily Covid-19 cases hit their highest since the Shanghai lockdown ended in June.
* The majority of the cases were reported in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
* The surge in cases comes as China is facing growing pressure to relax its strict Covid-zero policy.
* The government has imposed a lockdown in the city of Chengdu and has suspended flights and train services.
* The outbreak has cast a shadow over China’s plans to reopen its borders.
* The Chinese economy has been hit hard by the Covid-zero policy, with growth slowing sharply in recent months.
* The government will need to take swift action to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further..
