Officials in Tibet’s capital Lhasa apologise for handling of Covid lockdown after string of complaints
- Residents say they have not been given enough food and denied medical care, becoming the latest city in China to experience such problems
- Vice-mayor Zhandui bows in apology to residents during press conference and admits the month-long lockdown has highlighted government failings
The authorities in the Tibetan capital of Lhasa have apologised for their handling of the city’s lockdown after angry residents complained about food shortages, a lack of proper care for hospital and quarantine patients, and a chaotic mass-testing system.
Zhandui, one of the city’s vice mayors, bowed in apology during a media briefing on Saturday night and said the complaints had highlighted the city government’s shortcomings and weaknesses.
“We sincerely accept criticism for these problems, which have had a greater impact on the productivity and life of some of the people. On behalf of the municipal government, I would like to express our deep apologies to the people of all ethnic groups and those stranded in Lhasa due to the epidemic,” Zhandui said.
The city of 860,000 people has reported 565 symptomatic cases in the current outbreak, including four for Saturday, but far more asymptomatic ones – although the way the figures are recorded means it is impossible to give an exact number.
Although such lockdowns can help cut chains of transmission, complaints about food shortages and the inability to access medical care have become increasingly common.