China’s Delta variant outbreak in Fujian grows as Covid-19 cases hit 165 in a week

China’s Covid-19 outbreak in the southern coastal province of Fujian is continuing its rise, with 51 new infections recorded on Tuesday and its highest ranking official predicting “a big, tough and difficult battle” ahead.

Putian, where the outbreak of the more transmissible Delta variant was first detected, recorded another 33 cases on Tuesday. Residents of the city, a 6-hour train journey from Shanghai, have been ordered not to leave and citywide testing for the virus is under way.