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Due to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases, Xi’an, a city in China, has been under a strict lockdown since December 23. Marking the longest lockdown in China since the start of the pandemic, considering the city’s large population of over 13 million. As the lockdown persists, residents of Xi’an are becoming increasingly worried and frustrated.
Many people in Xi’an have turned to Chinese social media to voice their grievances, particularly regarding the challenges of accessing food, essential items, and medical supplies. A trend has emerged where videos on preparing cabbage have gained popularity, as cabbage remains one of the few readily available food items.
Several hospitals in Xi’an have had to close temporarily due to limited resources caused by both the lockdown measures and extensive testing. Consequently, hospitals have been rejecting patients who have not tested negative for COVID to prevent the spread of the virus among their current patients.
Xi’an residents complain of food shortages as lockdown drags on https://t.co/ZtFhRJiyIY pic.twitter.com/UCqxYeYcCG
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) December 30, 2021
One particular incident that has sparked outrage among the residents occurred at an operational hospital in Xi’an. A pregnant woman, who was eight months along, was denied entry because her negative COVID-19 test, though recent, was two hours past the acceptable time frame. She was compelled to wait outside for a new test, and tragically, she suffered a miscarriage. This event has provoked strong criticism from the people of Xi’an, leading to an investigation by the Women’s Federation and health commission of Shaanxi province into the actions of the hospital.
