SHANGHAI (Reuters) – China reported a rise in new COVID-19 cases caused by spike in infections in previously asymptomatic patients in northeastern Jilin province, official data showed Monday,
The total number of confirmed cases on the mainland rose to 124 on Jan. 24 from 80 a day earlier, the National Health Commission said in a statement, amid the worst wave of new infections seen in China since March 2020.
Of the 117 new local infectons, Jilin was responsible for 67 cases – all but three were previously asymptomatic patients who were reclassified as confirmed cases after developing symptoms. Heilongjiang reported 35 new cases, while Hebei reported 11 new cases.
While the number of new infections is only a fraction of those reported by other countries, the world’s most populous country is determined to contain the spread before next month’s Lunar New Year holiday, when millions travel to their home provinces .
Local authorities have put in place a combination of measures, including home quarantine of millions of people, curbs, massive COVID-19 testing, and screening to control the disease.
The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, fell from 92 cases a day earlier to 45.
The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China is 89,115, while the death toll remains unchanged at 4,635.
Reporting by Jing Wang and Engen Tham; written by Se Young Lee; Edited by Christian Schmollinger and Michael Perry