China using COVID-19 app to restrict residents after rural banks run out of cash

Beijing: Authorities in the Chinese province of Henan are suspected to be restricting some residents’ movements using a COVID-19 app, following rare protests, BBC reported.
Multiple people say they are being forced to quarantine, blocked from public transport or entering buildings.
Most appear to be customers of four rural banks which had run into issues providing cash withdrawals, report Chinese media outlets.
Also Read US NSA, top Chinese diplomat hold ‘candid, substantive’ talks The banks froze deposits, prompting angry demonstrations last month, BBC reported.
China’s banking and insurance regulator has since ordered an investigation into the banks.
More than 39 billion yuan ($6bn) is believed to have been frozen, affecting hundreds of thousands of customers.