Delta Variant Spreads in Southeast China

The more transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus has begun to spread in Fujian Province in Southeast China. Authorities reported today that 50 new cases have been detected. Since the outbreak of the Delta variant last Friday, a total of 152 cases have been reported, leading to the lockdown of two major cities in the province, Putian and Xiamen. The current outbreak began in the city of Putian and is believed to be linked to a man who returned from Singapore and was infected with the Delta variant. The man returned to China on August 4 and spent 21 days in quarantine, during which he tested negative for the virus nine times. However, he tested positive for the virus last Friday. The Chinese government is implementing a strategy to prevent any new COVID-19 cases. Through curfews, testing, contact tracing, quarantine, and strict restrictions, China has managed to control the coronavirus. Local outbreaks of the Delta variant have been recently reported in some areas, but so far they have been contained through stringent measures.