The government’s need to get the economy moving again while controlling the spread of Covid-19 has left workers uncertain of whether or not they can return to work and the dangers they face if they do.

Employees who had been on extended leave over the Lunar New Year Holiday are gradually returning to work but serious problems resulting from the coronavirus such as a lack of protective clothing, travel restrictions, and gaps in the supply chain remain unresolved.

Several Chinese cities including Zhengzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen have announced plans to build new hospitals in a bid to halt the spread of the coronavirus that originated in Wuhan. 

The novel coronavirus outbreak has placed extraordinary demands on Wuhan’s delivery workers, taxi drivers, sanitation and community workers, who are all playing a vital role in keeping the city moving.

The number of coal mine accidents and deaths in China fell again last year but officials admitted there had been an alarming increase in major accidents towards the end of the year.

In response to the growing problem of wage arrears in China’s lower league teams, some commentators are calling for the establishment of a football players’ trade union to help defend players’ rights and ensure they are paid in full and on time.