COVID-19 Outbreak Worsens in Northern China, Cities and Ports Shutdown

Residents queue for COVID-19 testing in Harbin, in China's northeastern Heilongjiang province, on Sept. 22, 2021. STR/AFP via Getty Images

At least 16 provinces in mainland China have recently experienced a new round of COVID-19 outbreaks.

Tougher restrictions have been implemented in northern China, with manufacturing and business operations and border ports shutdown, city services and transportation suspended, and people are not allowed to move in and out of the city, leaving travelers stranded, and some residents even having difficulty accessing food.