STORY: Rising corona infections have triggered a new wave of lockdowns in China. From central China to the northwest of the country, neighborhoods with millions of inhabitants have been cordoned off to stop the spread of the virus. The authorities reported more than 1000 new Covid cases for the third day in a row on Thursday. A small number by international standards, but enough to trigger new bans and restrictions across the country. More or less strict lockdowns were already in force in 28 cities at the beginning of the week. These women in Beijing are very worried: “Yes, I’m worried, of course, worried. I’m affected. I’ve been quarantined twice this year. I’m afraid to go out to eat with friends because it may affect my work . This is the current situation.” “Since we’re originally from a different city, we rent an apartment in Beijing and share it. And sometimes it’s nerve-wracking. If there’s a case somewhere and then you’re a close contact, you have to be quarantined.” More and more new areas are classified as high-risk areas and roads and districts are cordoned off. According to estimates, more than 200 million people were recently affected by the measures. The lockdown wave could also hit the German economy. China has been their main trading partner since 2016.