Desperation as China’s locked down cities pay price of zero-Covid strategy

Reports emerge of fatal hospital delays and food shortages as more than 14 million people are confined to their homes in the cities of Xi'an and Yuzhou

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Strict lockdowns in the Chinese cities of Xi'an and Yuzhou are taking their toll on the population and healthcare systems, according to residents, with complaints of food shortages and dangerous delays in accessing medical care.

Xi'an, a city of 13 million people, has been under a strict lockdown for nearly two weeks, while Yuzhou's 1.2 million residents have been ordered to stay inside since Monday evening, after three asymptomatic cases were discovered. Public transport, the use of private motor vehicles, and operation of all shops and venues not supplying daily necessities have all been suspended.