Discipline watchdog in Zhengzhou, capital of Central China's Henan province, has launched an investigation after some depositors at local banks claimed that they were given red health code for non-epidemic related reasons.
(File photo: agencies)
The city's commission for discipline inspection and supervisory commission made the release via its official WeChat account on Friday afternoon.
Anyone who violates or abuses the Henan provincial health code management regulation for epidemic prevention and control will be strictly punished in line with the Party's rules and relevant laws, it said.
The investigation came after some depositors made complaints online or to the media that their health code turned red for non-epidemic related reasons. They claimed that the move is to prevent them from making an attempt to withdraw savings from local banks that had been trapped in financial difficulties, according to local media reports.
The claims have triggered huge public attention as there has been clear rules from the central government that the health code should not be used for purposes other than epidemic control.
The national and local versions of the colored health code have played an important role in fighting COVID-19. A green code means the holder is in good health and guarantees access to public areas, while a red code serves as a warning of infection or possible infection, meaning the holder cannot travel.
