By Andrew Galbraith

SHANGHAI (Reuters). China’s capital Beijing has been warned that an “explosive COVID-19” outbreak is underway. This warning was issued Saturday by a government spokesperson. On Saturday, Shanghai, the commercial center of China, began mass testing in order to stop a rise in COVID-19 cases linked to a beauty salon.

After a flare up in an area known for its nightlife and shopping as well as its streets full of embassies, the warning was issued.

Despite China having a low rate of infection, President Xi Jinping is doubling down on a zero-COVID strategy. This policy, authorities claim, is essential to ensure the health and safety of the elderly as well as the system.

A total of 5,226 people have died in the country with 1.4 billion inhabitants so far.

One of the most recent cases was in Beijing, and it involved a Heaven Supermarket Bar. The infection rate has risen since then. Beijing said on Saturday that all the new cases in Beijing were linked to Heaven Supermarket Bar.

“The most recent epidemic of cases related Heaven Supermarket Bar toxins is highly explosive in nature, widespread in scope, as well as the composition and involvement of the people involved,” Xu Hejian said during a briefing.

According to Liu Xiaofeng, a health official in the capital said that 46 COVID local cases were reported as of Saturday afternoon (0700 GMT). Liu stated that all cases were found in individuals who are already isolated or being monitored. At the briefing, there were no announcements from city officials regarding new curbs.

The city of 22million has been thrown back in anxiety by the reporting of 6,158 contacts and 115 cases.

Beijing had less than two weeks before the release of COVID limits that were imposed in order to counter a large outbreak which began in April.

The sprawling Universal Beijing Resort, a city-outskirts theme park, has renounced plans to reopen. It said it will remain closed until further notice due to the COVID revival. Beijing officials claim that three workers from the company had been to Heaven Supermarket.

Residents were told to stay at home and many neighbourhoods have been placed under lockdown in capital.

CITYWIDE TESTING

Officials in Shanghai announced that three more confirmed cases were identified and another asymptomatic one was found outside of quarantined areas. On Saturday nearly 25 million people began the new COVID test.

The authorities have issued PCR testing orders for residents of 15 districts in Shanghai this weekend. Residents are also prohibited from moving to five other districts during testing. A Shanghai official stated that Shanghai residents must take at least one PCR test per week from July 31 through Saturday.

Just 10 days ago, the city ended a 2-month lockdown to stop the spread of COVID-19 in communities. Residents were concerned about lost income and freedom as well as hunger and death during this period.

Shi Weiqi, who is a Shanghai resident, said that “I’m worried” if positive cases are found in the compound. She added, “It will be sealed,” “I’ll also make sure I have the right supplies for when this happens again.”

Seven new cases of local symptoms were reported by Shanghai on Saturday. One more was found than the day before. Six of these cases were not in quarantined zones.

In addition to the six cases that were reported on Tuesday, nine additional local asymptomatic patients were recorded in this city.

According to the National Health Commission, there were total of 210 coronavirus infections in mainland China for June 10. Among them, 79 cases were symptomatic while 131 were not.

This was an increase of 151 cases from the previous day – there were 45 symptoms and 106 asymptomatic infection, both which China separates.

According to Friday’s count, 224,659 people in China were suffering from symptoms.