China reports 380 cases south of Beijing

Beijing, January 10

More than 380 persons have tested positive in a growing Covid-19 outbreak south of Beijing in China’s Hebei province.

Hebei health authorities said 40 new cases had been confirmed on Sunday morning, bringing the total to 223. Another 161 persons tested positive but showed no symptoms. China does not include such asymptomatic cases in its official tally.

The outbreak has raised particular concern because Hebei borders the nation’s capital. Travel between the two has been restricted, with workers from Hebei having to show proof of employment in Beijing to enter the city.

Almost all cases are in Shijuazhuang, the provincial capital, which is about 260 km southwest of Beijing. A handful have also been found in Xingtai city, 110 kilometers (68 miles) farther south.

Both cities have conducted mass testing of millions of residents, suspended public transportation and taxis, and restricted residents to their communities or villages for one week. AP