More Covid Cases Could Emerge: Shenzhen

Shenzhen officials have warned that more coronavirus cases could be found during three rounds of universal testing for Covid-19, as they ordered everyone to stay home to curb the spread of the Omicron variant as soon as possible. 

17 million people in Shenzhen began their first full day under lockdown on Monday after the city reported more than 80 infections and asymptomatic cases the day before.

The lockdown, which comes with the suspension of all public transport, will last until Sunday.

Huang Qiang, deputy secretary-general of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, said the city is facing great challenges in preventing imported coronavirus cases as the global pandemic situation continues.

He said citizens should stay home while authorities carry out three rounds of universal testing to identify and break virus transmission chains as quickly as possible.

He warned more cases could be identified during the mass testing exercise.  

“The number of infections continues to increase and there have been many small-scale clusters in urban villages and factories. This suggests a high risk of community spread, and further precautions are still needed," he said.