Zero COVID Continues After All

After the rumor mill working overtime regarding China's presumed “reopening", fresh outbreaks of COVID-19 cases are squelching the rumors better than any government denial.

Nationwide, new locally transmitted infections climbed to 7,475 on Nov. 7, according to China's health authority, up from 5,496 the day before and the highest since May 1. Guangzhou accounted for nearly a third of the new infections.

The increase was modest by global standards but significant for China, where outbreaks are to be quickly tackled when they surface under its zero-COVID policy. Economically vital cities, including the capital Beijing, are demanding more PCR tests for residents and locking down neighbourhoods and even districts in some cases.

Perversely, the fresh outbreaks prove yet again that Zero COVID has zero success at containing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The fresh outbreaks demonstrate yet again that even with a new five-year term secured, Xi Jinping still cannot afford to end Zero COVID.

Zero COVID Means Lockdown Forever

Zero COVID is China's new normal, China's present, and, sadly, China's future as well.