And the largest number increase since November 13.

China is is still aggressively pursuing a ‘zero’ policy so this jump in cases is likely to see a rapid introduction of counter-measures.

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From a global markets perspective, the risk is further disruption to supply chains and also to Chinese economic growth.

Pic is not China but its all linked!

According to The Telegraph here. As mentioned earlier, as much as the EU says it would want to shore up border controls to prevent the latest virus variant from entering, little do they know that it has already been spreading in the region.

The worry here is that the same can be said for the rest of the world too.

As far as countries go, that would see Belgium add to the list of South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong once confirmed.

Adding that so far there are nearly 100 sequences of the variant reported and early analysis shows that it has “a large number of mutations” requiring further study.

The report is here for more.

The mid-year outbreak of the virus in China resulted in widespread disruption to the economy, if the ‘zero’ policy can stamp out the spread quickly these will be limited this time around but the risk is further spread and tightening of movement again.

Last week:

Vaccine hesitancy is a big problem in Russia, only around 36% of its population has one vaccine shot so far.

Over 100 cases have been confirmed over the last week across 11 provincial areas

cross-provincial tours to and from regions deemed of higher virus risk have been suspended

Beijing is to impose travel restrictions to the city by people who have been to counties with at least one infection

The mid-year outbreak in China saw strict measures reimposed including impacts on ports and other business. China is making vaccine progress, around 75 are said to have received complete vaccination with Sinovac and Sinopharm.