Shanghai Imposes Wider and Prolonged Lockdown Measures

Recently, the authorities in China initiated an evolving lockdown approach in Shanghai due to a slight surge in COVID-19 instances. Different sections of the city along with their respective facilities were subjected to gradual lockdowns for COVID testing. The original plan was to ease these restrictions progressively and then move on to other areas. However, with the continuous increase in the number of cases, China has decided to abandon the phased approach and opt for a city-wide lockdown without delay.

As of Monday, Shanghai has reported more than 10,000 new cases daily. Since March, the city has recorded over 73,000 positive COVID cases. While these figures are comparatively lower than those of many developed nations, China’s strict zero-COVID policy necessitates a comprehensive city lockdown until the situation is managed. The Chinese government has dispatched around 38,000 medical personnel from various parts of the country to support the testing, contact tracing, and isolation efforts. This is the largest medical mobilization conducted by the nation since the initial COVID outbreak in Wuhan in 2020.

Shanghai Covid lockdown extended to entire city https://t.co/irQTG05BUA

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Wu Qianyu, an official at the local health commission, stated, “At present, Shanghai’s epidemic prevention and control efforts are facing the most challenging and crucial phase. We must adhere unwaveringly to the overarching principle of proactive clearance without any doubt or hesitation.”