China’s second Covid wave expected in rural areas after lunar new year

Many city workers heading home for holiday in late January are likely to take disease with them

China is preparing for a second wave of Covid to hit its more vulnerable countryside in early 2023, as the first wave of infections overwhelms hospitals and intensive care units in many cities.

The lunar new year, China’s most important holiday, falls in late January. It offers a chance of reunion after years of separation under the harsh internal travel restrictions and lockdowns under the previous zero-Covid policy.