After two months, the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai has largely lifted its chaotic corona lockdown. Most of the 26 million inhabitants were finally allowed to leave their homes on June 1. Shops also opened and public and private transport resumed with restrictions. The only exceptions are neighborhoods that have been cordoned off as a risk area due to infections. About 200,000 people are still in quarantine. Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools remain closed, testing continues.
“It’s really crazy,” said a 43-year-old German, who came out the door for the first time and could hardly believe it: “There is a lot of hustle and bustle. As if nothing had happened.” Many shops were open. It will be cleaned, a little sold. “Everything is back to the beginning,” said the German, “There is a certain euphoria.” There was a party that night.
“I gradually got used to it”
Zhou was even locked up at his house for two and a half months. “At first I was annoyed, unwilling, confused and worried, but then I gradually got used to it,” said the 40-year-old technician. “Today I feel like I’ve been cut off for eternity.” The first thing he did was run ten kilometers. Even if there are more outbreaks, there should never be such a long lockdown again. “The government needs to learn lessons and improve future policies.”
While the rest of the world is now trying to live with the virus, the country’s most populous is sticking to its rigorous zero-covid strategy. With the arrival of the ommicron variant, China is fighting the largest corona wave since the outbreak of the pandemic more than two years ago. Chinese scientists warned that easing restrictions without restrictions could lead to 1.5 million deaths in six months as many old people in China are undervaccinated.
China’s economy has slowed down sharply
The lockdowns and quarantine measures in many metropolises and regions have slowed the Chinese economy and disrupted global supply chains. The Shanghai government said it would work for a full recovery and make efforts to “recover time and losses from the epidemic”. Many companies in Shanghai and neighboring Jiangsu province want to ramp up production again by mid-June.
Regular corona tests remain part of everyday life, including the distance rules. Kindergartens, primary and secondary schools remain closed in Shanghai. Stores must limit the number of customers to 75 percent of the maximum capacity. Before using public transport or entering shops or shopping centers in the port city, a negative test must be demonstrated within 72 hours with a code on the mobile phone.
Rules also remain in force in Beijing
Similar rules also apply in Beijing, where a negative test from the past 48 hours usually has to be proven. The capital of 21 million, which had pursued a soft lockdown, lifted the need for home offices in Chaoyang’s largest district and in Daxing and initially allowed stores to reopen. Restaurants remained closed. 14 new corona cases were announced in Beijing on Tuesday.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
