Chinese officials mandate Covid tests as bushfire blazes in extreme heatwave

A major Chinese city is battling one of the worst natural disasters “in global history” – but its insistence to remain Covid zero has angered critics.

Confronting images are emerging from one of China’s largest cities as officials enforce mandatory Covid testing on its 10 million residents during one of the worst natural disasters “in global history”.

The Chinese metropolis of Chongqing is currently enduring a crippling heatwave that has seen temperatures soar past 40C this week.

Extreme temperatures have sparked blazing wildfires and a severe drought – as well as causing major power issues across the area.

Experts have said the intensity, scope and duration of the heatwave could make it one of the worst recorded in global history.

In the midst of wild and terrifying conditions that locals have endured for more than 70 days, a fresh Covid outbreak emerged, prompting authorities to order mass testing.

Photos are now flooding social media of healthcare workers, in full PPE, performing nasal swabs with wildfires blazing just metres away.

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Two Chinese healthcare workers perform a mandatory Covid test just metres away from a wildfire in Chongqing. Picture: Twitter/StephenMcDonell

Former ABC journalist Stephen McDonell is currently on the ground in Chongqing, describing the scenes as “apocalyptic”.

“PCR tests being carried out as bushfires rage following months of heatwave with a record drought threatening crops and severely limiting much needed hydroelectricity,” he tweeted.

In another post, the China correspondent for the BBC shared a photo of emergency services queuing for their mandatory test, despite the fact fires continue to blaze.

Large queues with what appear to be hundreds of fire fighters lining up for #coronavirus PCR tests in #Chongqing. This shows the priority being placed on zero #Covid in #China. Even as fires rage through forests, emergency teams must participate in mass testing. pic.twitter.com/mYdkMKkl4u

— Stephen McDonell (@StephenMcDonell) August 26, 2022

Chongqing reported 40 Covid-19 infections Wednesday, bringing the total to 146 cases since mid-August, CNN reports.

Despite the relatively low case numbers, local authorities are “insistent on achieving zero Covid”.

Testing demands however are leaving residents feeling “stretched to the limits” as many are also working as volunteers to help put out the wildfires.

The blue lights show people with head lamps battling the fire in Chongqing. Picture: Twitter

#Chongqingpic.twitter.com/rgrIrYOjlb

— leeb33389 (@leeb33389) August 26, 2022

There was a mountain fire in Chongqing, and people from all walks of life who went to support illuminated the mountain road. #China#Chongqingpic.twitter.com/vr9yBc7pMb

— 煦烊 (@Kob29992636) August 26, 2022

More than 3800 temporary testing sites were set up across the central districts, with people stuck in the lengthy lines “passing out in the intense heat” according to CNN.

Critics have blasted the testing mandate online, labelling it “counter-productive” and going “too far”.

China is resorting to cloud seeding as the worst heatwave on record bites. Picture: Getty

To ensure residents comply with the testing mandate, authorities turned the health codes on everyone’s mobile phones to orange.

If a resident receives a yellow code, it means they need to be retested.

The codes green only after they return a negative Covid test. The colour-code system was imposed by the government during the pandemic to control the spread of the virus.