China: Infections plummet in Xi’an after lockdown

China reported a drop in COVID-19 infections on Wednesday in the city of Xi’an after a strict lockdown. 

The National Health Commission said the cases went from 95 on Tuesday to 35 on Wednesday, with only those already in quarantine making up the new infections, The Associated Press reported. 

Xi’an has seen more than 1,600 cases in the latest surge with infections, at one point topping more than 100 in a day.

The government implemented a strict lockdown to stop the virus in the city of 13 million residents, with some complaining about food shortages during the restrictions, which began two weeks ago. 

One social media post said a pregnant woman with stomach pains was denied access to a hospital in the city due her inability to prove her COVID-19 status. She was admitted after she started bleeding, but the unborn baby was dead by the time the woman saw a medical professional, according to the post by the woman’s niece. The AP said it could not verify the account. 

China has been putting millions in lockdown after a small number of cases in an effort to control the pandemic, but the strict measures have disrupted the economy and lives of Chinese citizens, the AP noted. 

The lockdowns  come as Beijing prepares to have thousands enter the country from throughout the world for the Winter Olympics.