Yiwu quarantines close contacts and tightens epidemic control measures

Yiwu, a small commodity production hub in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, reported nine locally transmitted confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 29 asymptomatic infections as of 9 pm Wednesday, health authorities said.

As of 9 am Wednesday, 772 close contacts and 368 secondary close contacts had been traced and put under quarantine to curb the spread of the virus.

The city, home to 1.9 million people, has tightened its epidemic-control measures. On Wednesday, schools, kindergartens and off-campus training institutions suspended teaching activities. Gatherings, including meetings, forums, training sessions, performances, exams and exhibitions have all been suspended, along with dine-in services at restaurants.

A 48-hour negative nucleic acid test certificate is required for people using public transportation.

Supermarkets in the city have sufficient inventory to meet demand, and the city provides smooth purchase channels, Yang Zhonghong, director of the Yiwu city bureau of commerce, said on Wednesday.

The existing stock of rice and noodles in the grain market is more than 16,000 metric tons, ensuring a stable supply of daily necessities for 19 days, he said.