China reported the highest number of new daily cases of coronavirus in almost six weeks. It was powered by an rise in infected travelers arriving from overseas. And also, highlighting challenges Beijing faces in preventing a second COVID-19 outbreak.
On Sunday a total of 108 new cases of coronavirus were reported, up from 99 a day earlier. On March 5, the highest number of cases were up to 143 cases.
In mainland China, the total number of confirmed cases currently stands at 82.160. Meanwhile, the death toll rose by two to 3.341.
The National Health Commission said Monday that 98 of the new imported cases involving citizens from another country moving into China. It was a new high and up from 97 a day earlier. Asymptomatic cases have fallen to 61 from 63 a day earlier.
As the virus spread globally, China saw the daily toll climb higher after reaching a low on March. Meanwhile, the number of daily infections dropped dramatically from the height of the February outbreak. Beijing is concerned that infected people who enter the country can cause a second wave and force the country back into a near-paralysis state.
The northeastern province of Heilongjiang, which borders Russia, has registered 56 new cases — 49 from Russia.
On Sunday, Chinese cities along the border with Russia said they would tighten border controls and steps of quarantine upon arrivals.
Suifenhe and Harbin, the border city, Heilongjiang capital, said they will allow all foreign arrivals to undergo 28 days of quarantine, as well as nucleic acid and antibody testing.
Harbin will also lock down residential units where there are 14 days of confirmed and asymptomatic cases of coronavirus.