An official investigation has been launched in Zhengzhou, Henan province, after some depositors at local banks claimed they were given red health code notifications on their cellphones for non-epidemic related reasons.
Discipline inspection and supervision authorities in Zhengzhou announced the decision to investigate the matter on Friday afternoon.
Those who violate or abuse power in implementing Henan provincial health code management regulations for epidemic prevention and control will be held accountable and punished in accordance with the rules of the Communist Party of China and the law, the announcement said.
The move came after several depositors made complaints online or to media that they recently arrived in Henan and tried to withdraw their savings from some local rural banks, but found their health code turned red, even though they said they had reported their arrival in advance, as required by local epidemic-control authorities.
The colored health code system has played an important role in fighting COVID-19. Green codes guarantee access to public areas, while red codes serve as a warning of infection, possible infection or close contacts, meaning quarantining is required and entry to public venues and transport is restricted.
The claims have triggered a huge public reaction as there have been clear rules from the central government that health codes should not be used for purposes other than epidemic…
