More than half a year since Covid-19 has stalled in mainland China, new groups of cases have emerged in the capital, Beijing, in recent weeks.
The number of new cases reported is nowhere near the levels seen in many countries outside China, including the United States. Hebei, the hardest hit province, has reported more than 800 new confirmed cases since January 1. But here’s a look at the provinces that have reported confirmed coronavirus cases since December 1, with darker tones representing areas with the highest number of cases:
The persistent spread of the virus, especially in Hebei province, which surrounds Beijing, has prompted authorities to block several regions and urge people across the country not to travel during the Lunar New Year festival. The holiday officially falls this year in mid-February.
“Considering the quick responses from local governments, the efficient testing and tracking systems and the ongoing vaccine launch, we believe the situation will eventually be brought under control,” said Ting Lu, Nomura’s chief economist for China, in an 18 note. of January. “However, the exceptionally cold weather and the acceleration of travel in the lunar new year (LNY) can make the task of containing the virus more challenging.”
“The hospitality sector is expected to slow down, while the industrial sector may remain solid,” said Lu, adding that “markets may need to lower their expectations for strong pent-up consumer demand during the upcoming LNY holidays in mid-February.”
Hebei province started reporting an increase in coronavirus cases earlier this year, with daily figures reaching 90 last week. The figures do not include the many asymptomatic cases found through mass testing.