Topline
China’s capital Beijing began a third round of mass testing of millions of its residents on Wednesday as Covid-19 cases in the city continued to trickle upward a week before the city is set to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.
A medical worker takes a swab sample from a resident for nucleic acid test at a COVID-19 testing … [+]
Key Facts
According to the Chinese National Health Commission, Beijing reported 14 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, nine of which were recorded in the Fengtai district which has emerged as the epicenter of the city’s current outbreak.
The uptick in cases prompted authorities to order the 2.2 million residents of the Fengtai district to undergo another round of mass testing—third time since last weekend.
People residing in other neighborhoods in Beijing are also being tested, according to the Associated Press, including anyone who purchases fever or headache medicines.
The repeated round of mass testing has led to complaints from some residents of the city who will be required to queue up outdoors for the tests amid freezing day time temperatures.
The AP report notes that the most recent mass testing announcement has faced some backlash online with people complaining about disruptions to their lives and wastage of testing resources.
Big Number
78. That’s the total number of Covid-19 cases linked to the 2022 Winter Olympics that the games’ organizers have reported since January 4.
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/01/26/beijing-begins-third-round-of-mass-covid-19-testing-ahead-of-winter-olympics/