BEIJING: From today the couples should not sleep together. There should be no hugging and kissing. They should eat separately. This is authorities warning to the people of Shanghai which is under extreme lockdown due to the pandemic. The restrictions are imposed to avoid transmission of the disease and strong action will be taken against those violating it. The authorities have asked not to open the doors and windows and have asked the people not to sing. There will be a special system to monitor to know whether the restrictions are being violated.

The transmission of the diseased intensified again last month after a hiatus. The lockdown was then imposed. Though there is a relief in the transmission of the disease, major cities across the country are still closed. Reports said the present restrictions will continue until the disease is completely eradicated. People are only allowed to go out for periodic Covid inspections in restricted cities. The local government will deliver the essentials to homes. In addition, the streets and residential areas will be disinfected from time to time. The service of drones and robots is also being used to see if people are violating the regulations.

Meantime, there are reports that people in many places are outraged for non-availability of essential items. They pointed that the concept of lockdown itself is outdated and that there is no lockdown in any country in the world except China. It is China's policy to impose a lockdown, even if cases rise a little. Consecutive closures have weakened China's economy. However, the authorities have decided not to move back from the restrictions.