China records highest new-case count in three months
China reported 101 new coronavirus cases Wednesday, its highest single-day figure in three months, as gyms, bars and museums closed in infection hotspots, according to AFP.
Of the new cases, 98 were domestic infections, mostly in the northwestern region of Xinjiang, where a growing cluster first discovered earlier this month has prompted mass testing and restrictions.
China -- where the global outbreak first emerged -- had largely brought domestic transmission under control through targeted lockdowns, travel restrictions and testing. But sporadic regional outbreaks have illustrated the difficulty of keeping the virus at bay.
The last time it recorded so many new cases was April 13, when 108 infections were confirmed -- mostly imported.
Authorities have concentrated their attention on a cluster which emerged last week at a food processing plant in Dalian, in the northeastern province of Liaoning. Officials said workers there handled contaminated packaging of imported seafood.
Fifty-two cases have been confirmed in the major port city in the past week, of which 30 involved employees at the factory.
More than three million people have been tested in Dalian and Zhao Lian, head of the city's health commission, said Wednesday that enclosed public venues -- including libraries, gyms, bars, museums, restaurants and spas -- would be closed.
In total, 84,060 people have been infected with coronavirus in China, of whom 482 remain hospitalised. There have been 4,634 related deaths, according to an official count.
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