World

Shanghai shuts schools as Covid cases surge in China

Shanghai’s education bureau has shut most schools and asked them to hold classes online from Monday as worsening COVID-19 infections hit major cities across China.

The bureau on Saturday also asked kindergartens and childcare centres in the financial hub to shut all in-person classes from Monday, according to an online statement.

The Chinese authorities are worried as around 30,000 cases of fresh coronavirus cases a day are being reported and there are fears that the situation could spin out of control as people return to their rural hometowns during the upcoming New Year’s Day and Lunar New Year celebrations.

Workers at crematoriums in Beijing said they are overwhelmed as Covid-19 cases have surged in China, according to a report by leading news agency AFP.

One of the Beijing crematoriums told AFP that there was a week-long waiting list for a spot due to the surge in the number of deaths in the capital.

Some analysts expect the death toll to soar as draconian controls that had kept the pandemic in check for three years have been lifted after widespread protests in the country.

Chinese authorities have expedited vaccination of its most vulnerable people to tackle the next wave of infections. The World Health Organisation also raised concerns that China’s 1.4 billion population was not adequately vaccinated.

AddThis Website Tools
IN Bureau

Recent Posts

Taiwan bolsters combat readiness, prepares for ‘war of endurance’ against China threat

Taiwan's military is prioritising combat readiness as a key aspect of deterrence due to escalating…

6 hours ago

“When every state is Viksit, India will be Viksit”: PM Modi at NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting

Calling for an increase in the speed of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on…

6 hours ago

Scottish Parliament opposes Chinese interference in Dalai Lama’s reincarnation

The Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting religious freedom and human rights for…

10 hours ago

Baloch American Congress President urges PM Modi to back Free Balochistan movement

Tara Chand Baloch, the President of the Baloch American Congress and a former Cabinet minister…

10 hours ago

New study identifies blood molecules that could revolutionise teen depression diagnosis

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from McGill University have identified nine biological markers in the…

11 hours ago

India rebuts Pakistan’s disinformation on Indus Water Treaty at UNSC

India, in a firm and unequivocal statement at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accused…

12 hours ago