China: Mass testing, millions put under lockdown as Delta variant spreads

China has begun mass testing to contain the most widespread Covid-19 outbreak in months due to the highly-contagious Delta variant.

75 news cases with 53 local transmissions were reported on Sunday linked to a cluster that has spread to over 20 cities and over 12 provinces. This is the largest outbreak to hit the country in several months.

Zhangjiajie in Hunan province has put 1.5 million residents under lockdown and shut all tourist attractions.

Flood-ravaged Zhengzhou also reported 27 locally transmitted cases following which the city ordered mass testing of all 10 million residents.

Hundreds of thousands were put under lockdown in the eastern Jiangsu province as well.

Authorities are blaming the recent outbreaks on the fast-spreading Delta variant and the peak tourist season.