Beijing is a place where every business is closed.

Although the authorities won’t use this word, it is clear that this city is in lockdown.

All non-essential shops have been closed in many areas of the capital. Takeaway restaurants and cafes are only open in certain districts. People are asked to work remotely.

The number of COVID cases has tripled in one week. This is the highest ever recorded level.

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Many people have accepted the new rules with a weary acceptance, but there is clearly a cost to those who have endured nearly three years of restrictions.

The most prominent shopping areas were eerily quiet, while traditional huntong alleys, which are usually bustling with people, were barely moving.

The coffee shop of Mr Zheng was still open but it was only available for take-out.

He said, “Business has been difficult this year, and it’s even worse lately, because of the Pandemic.”

However, anger is not limited to this part of the country.

The central Zhengzhou police were confronted by workers at Foxconn Apple’s largest assembly plant.

Chinese social media videos show workers smashing surveillance cameras and throwing large objects at officials.

COVID has spread to the plant and many workers are unable or unwilling to leave. Some also claim that there was insufficient food, and that promised bonuses payments were delayed.

One video shows police officers and workers wearing hazmat suits beating an employee with batons.

People are tired of being at home. Zheng Meng, a Chongqing resident, recorded himself trying to get out of his apartment.

A pandemic worker informs him that “this compound is high-risk” and “you can’t leave”.

Although it is not common for Chinese people to speak clearly, he stated his belief that China is doing something wrong.

He says, “The World Cup makes government embarrassed because everyone at home is still watching TV and there are no masks to protect the other people.”

“Why is China different than the rest of the globe?” Our body condition is less healthy? Or, the Omicron in China may be stronger. Although there is supposed to be some reason for the decision, it’s not. They force us to stay home.

A week ago, there was real hope that things would improve. The government called for rules to be “optimised”, so that the response can be more specific and less general.

However, it has been weakened by the escalating spread of infections.

Problem is, while COVID restrictions have been relaxed by the local governments, they are not being told to keep their cool when new cases arise.

Continue reading:

‘Situation is getting worse across China’

They have resorted to closing down the business, despite immense pressure to maintain low numbers.

This is the basic trap of China’s zero-COVID agenda. There is no escape from it without increasing infections and deaths. The government spent three years trying to convince people otherwise.

Many Chinese people support zero COVID. However, many are scared of the virus.

This may prove to be one of many obstacles in the months ahead for a system that still faces many.