Covid surge; China’s biggest city Shanghai shut down, move amid financial crises

BEIJING: On account of the rapid surge of Covid cases, a phased lockdown has been imposed in the biggest Chinese city of Shanghai from today onwards. The government’s new move comes in the backdrop of the ongoing financial crises in the country.

Shanghai’s financial district Pudong and nearby areas have been closed. The lockdown is launched in two phases. In the second phase, a five-day restriction will be imposed in the downtown area to the west of Huangpu River that divides the city. Residents are directed to stay home and deliveries will be left at checkpoints to ensure that there is no contact with the outside world. The offices and businesses, which are not considered essential, will remain shut. Public transport will also be suspended.

Most of the areas within the city, with a population of 26 millions, have been locked down. The residents are required to conduct multiple Covid-19 tests as well. China reported more than 56,000 cases in March alone. However, the cases are comparatively less in Shanghai. 47 cases were reported in the area on Saturday.

Meantime, the zero-Covid approach continues in the Chinese capital city of Beijing. The government describes it as the most economical and effective prevention strategy against Covid-19. The approach requires lockdowns and mass testing. Those who come in contact with the patients will soon be quarantined. The zero-Covid approach aims to prevent community spread at any cost.

Meantime, China’s vaccination rate is around 87 percent. Over 52 million people aged above 60 are yet to be vaccinated. Only 56.4 percent of people between 60-69 years have received booster shots.