Lockdown Expanded in Shanghai

Lockdowns have been imposed in the western districts of Shanghai earlier than planned due to a rise in COVID-19 infections. According to the AP agency, on March 30, the Chinese government reported the detection of 5,987 new cases of coronavirus infection in one day, bringing the total daily increase in the country to 8,825.

In response, local committees in the separate western districts of Shanghai have notified residents about movement restrictions. The administration of the Minhang southwestern district announced that public transportation would be suspended until April 5.

The lockdown was initially planned to be divided into two phases: the area east of the Huangpu River will be closed from March 28 to April 1, and the area to the west will follow from April 1. During this period, officials plan to conduct coronavirus testing for the city’s 26 million residents.

The lockdown in the city may have a negative impact on the Chinese economy. According to researchers from Hong Kong, strict isolation measures in Shanghai could lead to a 4% decrease in China's real GDP during the enforcement of the restrictions.

China remains one of the few countries committed to a 'zero tolerance' policy regarding COVID-19, which involves limiting the spread of the virus through lockdowns and mandatory quarantines for those who have come into contact with infected individuals, as reported by Interfax.