Beijing hails victory in the ‘people’s war’ against virus
China has experienced glimmers of a more normal pace of life over the past week, as new infections in the coronavirus outbreak appear to have subsided.
This week, one-day increases dipped into single digits, the lowest level since health authorities began reporting nationwide data in late January.
The figures, along with government propaganda declaring victory in the ‘‘people’s war’’ against the virus, have added to optimism that the worst is over.
Traffic is picking up in the capital Beijing, a city of more than 20 million, where streets had mostly been empty for two months.
More people have been spotted in the streets, even venturing out to public parks.
Li Renyi, 61, a retired rail worker, out for stroll with his granddaughter, said: ‘‘We have stayed home since Chinese New Year. It feels nice to finally be in the park to get some fresh air and feel the wind,’’ he said.
Restaurants across the country are beginning to serve customers again, with enthusiastic clientele queuing for tables. Migrant labourers at factories and construction sites are starting to return to work. At one site in the city of Lanzhou, workers are now required to undergo coronavirus testing before returning, according to state media.
Offices are also asking workers to come back after weeks of remote working.
Disease experts have warned the outbreak is far from over, however.
While locally transmitted cases are waning, fresh cases are coming via travellers from abroad, arriving from countries including the UK, Italy and Iran.
To combat that risk, Chinese authorities are stepping up curbs, implementing health checks and quarantine restrictions on passengers landing in major cities. – Telegraph Group