China’s Earthquake Rescue Work Hindered by Covid Zero Controls

Rescue work after China’s most recent earthquake has been hindered by the country’s slavish adherence to a Covid Zero strategy, sparking protests and adding another layer of stress for residents and emergency personnel in the region that has already suffered dozens of deaths.

After a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Monday in China’s vast southwestern region, 140 miles from the provincial capital of Sichuan, Covid controls were put in place to control an emerging outbreak nearby that shut down a city of 21 million people. Officials are strictly enforcing the rules despite the hurdles they create for workers trying to ensure safety in the aftermath of the natural disaster that claimed 74 lives. Outside rescuers weren’t allowed entry to the epicenter to help.