China to Jail Anyone Seen Driving Amid Strict Coronavirus Lockdown After 162 New Cases Are Reported in Xi’an

A woman wearing a protective face mask stands on a street, following new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Shanghai, China, December 23, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song

China‘s leadership has announced that anyone seen driving will be jailed after 162 new Covid cases were reported in Xi’an.

The brutal new lockdown rules come as part of the country’s attempt to be Covid free, in the midst of its worst outbreak since the pandemic began.

Local news reports hinted that the reason behind the new rules could be down to the fact that the Winter Olympics, which are being held there in February, is under threat if cases continue to rise.

Despite no cases of the new Omicron variant being reported, the Communist Party said vehicles would only be allowed on the roads if they were assisting with disease control work.

Local health officials and police will “strictly inspect” any cars seen on the road, with rule breakers given a 10-day prison sentence, and a £58 fine.

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SOURCE: Daily Star, Adam Cailler