China Sanctions Dozens of Xi'an Officials Amid New Covid-19 Spike

jpnn.com, CHINA - Despite its target of zero Covid-19 cases, China is experiencing the worst infection spike due to the pandemic.

The central government blamed a number of officials in Xi'an city, the area that has become the epicenter of the new wave, for the disaster.

At least 26 officials within the Xi'an administration in Shaanxi province were subject to disciplinary sanctions following the new wave of Covid-19.

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection had also held four party officials accountable for Covid-19 prevention and control efforts, Chinese media said Monday.

The city in the western region of China, which has a population of 13 million people, has been under lockdown since Thursday (24/12) after 140 positive cases of Covid-19 were found.

As of Sunday (26/12), there were 162 new cases of Covid-19 in China, 152 of which were in Shaanxi province.

The total number of positive cases reached 101,277, including 2,158 who were hospitalized and 13 in severe condition.

Since 2020, China has cured 94,483 cases, while 4,636 people have died.