Chinese City Backs Return of Lockdowns — for Flu

A Chinese city will use lockdowns and school and business closures as part of a plan to contain influenza outbreaks, sparking concern among citizens about a return to the country’s economically-crippling Covid-19 restrictions.

With China seeing a resurgence of flu following its reopening Covid outbreak, Xi’an devised a response plan that allows the government to lock down areas of the city if flareups are severe. Officials would also be able to shut schools, entertainment venues and businesses if community spread reaches an acute level.