China will not adjust its zero-COVID policy because relying on only vaccines cannot contain virus, China’s chief epidemiologist, Wu Zunyou, told the Global Times on Sunday (Feb. 6) in an exclusive interview.
Responding to the question whether vaccinating 70% of the global population could end the pandemic, Wu said such an assertion is still open to discussion. The occurrence of breakthrough COVID-19 cases with Omicron challenges the concept of herd immunity, Wu noted.
Meanwhile in Baise, a city of 3.6 million people, mass testing resulted in 98 positives. On Monday (Feb. 7), officials announced (https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/travel/baise-chinese-city-of-3-6-million-locks-down-as-coronavirus-defies-travel-curbs-101644207970127.html) a lockdown for the entire city and that no one was allowed to leave or travel within the city, while some in certain districts would be confined to their homes. All residents were asked to stay at home to prevent the virus from spreading further.
“Citywide traffic controls will be implemented,” vice-mayor Gu Junyan said.
“In principle, vehicles and people cannot enter or leave the city… with personnel control strictly enforced and no unnecessary movement of people.”
China is the only major world economy still sticking to a staunch zero-COVID policy.