Coronavirus: less than 100 cases per day, protests in Guangzhou over rent payments
Only 99 cases were reported yesterday, 74 in Wuhan. China’s tally stood at 80,813, 3073 dead, and 55,477 recovered. Only 30 per cent of labour force are back to work. In Guangdong, the economic crisis has pushed some people to stage a protest. Churches are not yet allowed to reopen. Online communities have been blocked. Worldwide cases number 21,231 in 92 countries, with 417 deaths.
Beijing (AsiaNews) – For the first time in more than a month, China reported less than a hundred cases of coronavirus in one day.
China’s National Health Commission reported 99 new cases yesterday, 74 in Wuhan (Hubei), the epicentre of the outbreak. The others are mostly “backflow” cases involving people who contracted the virus outside the country and brought it back.
By the end of yesterday, China had 80,813 confirmed cases, more than 67,000 in Hubei province – almost 50,000 in Wuhan. So far 3,073 people have died, whilst 55,477 have recovered.
According to Chinese authorities, the lower daily number of infected people is a sign of hope that the outbreak can be contained and life return to normal.
Although many factories have reopened, only an estimated 30 per cent of the labour force are back to work. Many cities still look like ghost towns and public transportation is but deserted.
The lack of work and income has prompted about a hundred people to stage a protest against shop rents, asking for a delay in monthly payments. The incident took place two days ago in Guangzhou (Guangdong), at the New China shopping mall (pictures 1,2, 3).
Churches have not yet received permission to reopen and the faithful are making an effort to sanctify Sunday through prayers and Bible reading at home.
Attempts to broadcast Masses on the Internet or hold prayer meetings via social media have run up against religious regulations that require specific authorisation. Many online community groups have seen their websites blocked.
This morning, a total of 21,231 cases were reported in 92 countries other than China with 417 deaths. The Covid-19 epidemic has now topped 100,000 cases worldwide.
South Korea, Iran and Italy continue to be the most affected countries, but the situation is a source of great concern in Japan, Germany, France, Spain and the United States.
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07/07/2020 16:24
