Coronavirus in China: city residents vent frustration after spending more than 40 days in lockdown
- Gaocheng, a district of the Hebei capital Shijiazhuang, went into lockdown in early January after a spike in cases
- Many complain that they are still unable to leave their houses despite a fall in cases and an easing of restrictions earlier this month
City residents in northern China who have spent more than 40 days in lockdown have expressed growing frustration at the restrictions they face despite the number of Covid-19 cases falling.
Gaocheng, a district of Shijiazhuang city, went into lockdown on January 6 after a cluster of cases was detected in Hebei province.
The district of 800,000 residents was the worst affected area in the most serious outbreak to hit China for months. Between January 2 and February 15, Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital reported a total of 869 confirmed cases, mostly in Gaocheng.
But the number of cases has dwindled and there have been none reported since Monday.
The authorities have adjusted the risk level of the district from high to medium on February 8. Except for three townships still deemed high risk, a resident from every household should now be allowed outside for two hours a day with a pass.
But some residents complained local officials were not allowing them out or said it was difficult to apply for a pass.