Chinese authorities are facing scrutiny after reports emerged that a news article investigating the revival of a contentious disease-tracking app has been removed by censors.
The app, originally employed during the “zero-COVID” era to enforce strict home confinement measures, is alleged to have made a comeback in provinces such as Sichuan and Guangdong.
Social media posts circulated across China, showcasing users’ “green” health codes generated by the app, sparking concerns about the resurgence of restrictive measures.
Although Guangzhou officials claim that certain features of the app were never completely retired, the removal of the article raises apprehensions about the potential return of stringent measures, particularly in the face of a current surge in respiratory infections, notably affecting children.
Initially published on December 1 by Top News, the article underscored the reactivation of the Tianfu Health Pass app in Sichuan, revealing residents obtaining green codes.
The deletion of this article coincides with a period when Chinese hospitals are grappling with a notable uptick in respiratory diseases, prompting fears that the resurgence of COVID-19 may be contributing to the ongoing pneumonia wave.
Users on social media platforms expressed anxiety over the possibility of renewed constraints, with some reporting instances of compulsory COVID-19 testing, contradicting official claims that the app was never fully offline.
Amid growing concerns about the reappearance of health codes, reports emerged from Zhejiang’s Yiwu city, where authorities issued directives instructing residents to stockpile grain.
This development has fueled speculation about the potential preparation for renewed lockdown measures to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
Concurrently, on December 1, several recently developed COVID-19 vaccines were added to the list of medicines approved for emergency use.
National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng sought to allay fears, asserting that the ongoing outbreak is caused by known pathogens. Mi emphasized preventive measures, urging the public to wear masks and practice hand hygiene.
However, skepticism persists among the Chinese populace, with many questioning the government’s transparency in disseminating information about the current wave of sickness.
As uncertainties linger, the public discourse extends beyond health codes and app reactivations. Reports from a Guangzhou-based lawyer, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, indicate a divided public opinion on the root cause of the sickness wave.
While some doubt the government’s narrative, few believe they are receiving the complete story.
The ongoing situation has prompted a closer examination of the government’s response, with concerns about the potential return of stringent measures and the need for clarity in the information provided to the public.
