Shanghai Implementing Lockdown Due to Surging COVID Cases

Throughout a significant portion of the COVID-19 pandemic, which commenced in 2020, China has predominantly employed what is commonly known as the “zero-COVID” approach. In the event of an outbreak, no matter how small, the government swiftly and definitively responds by imposing lockdowns and restrictions to isolate the infected individuals. This approach has been somewhat unpopular. As opposed to countries attempting to coexist with the virus, residents of China often find themselves compelled to completely cease all activities whenever cases surge.

Shanghai, one of China’s most densely populated cities and a key trading hub, is the latest urban center to undergo the zero-COVID strategy. Following the emergence of 3,450 new asymptomatic COVID cases in Shanghai – the city’s highest daily count since the onset of the pandemic, a two-stage, nine-day lockdown will be enforced while local authorities carry out extensive testing. Throughout this period, public transportation will be suspended, and all businesses will be mandated to operate remotely whenever feasible or temporarily suspend operations until the lockdown is lifted.

China unveils biggest city-wide lockdown in Shanghai https://t.co/BLPUhMo3ET

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) March 27, 2022

With a populace of about 25 million, Shanghai wields considerable economic influence, prompting China to be hesitant about completely shutting it down. Even the minor lockdowns have been taking a toll on the residents as they frequently entail enduring lengthy queues and wait times.