Omicron cases have been breaking out in cities across China, including the capital Beijing, leading to residents fearing they will have to undergo a draconian zero-COVID lockdown as seen in Shanghai.
Local authorities have tightened anti-COVID restrictions over Beijing, the capital cities of Zhejiang Province and Shandong Province, and Yiwu city, a critical commodities hub.
As of Thursday, it is understood that 44 cities are under either a full or partial lockdown, reported western media CNN and Japanese investment bank Nomura.
From April 22 to 25, Omicron cases shot up in Beijing, roughly half of which were found in the Chaoyang, which is one of the city’s 16 districts. With a population of  3.45 million, the district identified more than 1,200 close contacts and designated 14 containment areas, according to data from the Beijing Municipal Health Commission.
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