Xinjiang authorities announce phased lifting of restrictions after protests over ‘zero-Covid’ lockdown

Authorities in Western Xinjiang in China opened up the capital, Urumqi's parts after demonstrations held by its residents. Urumqi is the capital, and its residents are unhappy with the city's covid measures. The "zero-covid" lockdown has already been in place for over three months, and the public is visibly angry. An apartment compound caught fire, and the official death toll has risen to 10. Fire workers took around three hours to extinguish the fire, and the people were furious, as the delay was attributed to various covid measures put in place. The anger, coupled with demonstrations, is just another signal of growing resentment towards the Chinese government's approach to controlling covid. China is the only major worldwide country still fighting covid with mass lockdowns and testing.

Who Was At Fault?

Urumqi’s residents believe these brutal measures could not let many escape the fire on Friday, and the official number of deaths is much higher. Officials denied all accusations saying no barricades were in place and residents were allowed to leave. The city officials blamed the apartment building's residents for the deaths and denied taking responsibility.

FAQs:

1. Why are people in Urumqi upset?
   Urumqi people believe that brutal covid measures led to many deaths, and many could not escape the fire on Friday, and the official number of deaths is much higher.
2. Which other major countries are still fighting Covid?
   China is the only major worldwide country still fighting covid with mass lockdowns and testing.