Shanghai’s two-month COVID-19 lockdown is gradually easing, but some residents are still facing difficulties as the city transitions to a new phase of pandemic control..
On Wednesday, authorities announced that most of the city’s 25 million residents would be allowed to leave their homes for the first time since the lockdown began on March 28. However, some areas, including those with a high number of COVID-19 cases, will remain under lockdown..
For those who are able to leave their homes, life is slowly returning to normal. Shops and restaurants are reopening, and public transportation is resuming. However, many businesses are still operating at reduced capacity, and some are struggling to find workers..
One of the biggest challenges facing Shanghai is a shortage of workers. Many migrant workers left the city during the lockdown, and some have not yet returned. This is causing disruptions in various sectors of the economy, including manufacturing and logistics..
Another challenge is the need to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. Authorities are urging residents to continue wearing masks, social distancing, and getting vaccinated. They are also conducting mass testing to identify and isolate any new cases..
Despite the challenges, there is a sense of relief among Shanghai residents that the lockdown is finally easing. However, many are also aware that the city is not out of the woods yet..
“It’s good to be able to leave my home again,” said one resident, who gave only her surname, Zhang. “But I’m still worried about the virus. I don’t want to get sick or have to go back into lockdown.”.
Another resident, who gave only his surname, Li, said he was concerned about the economic impact of the lockdown. “I’m worried about how I’m going to make a living,” he said. “Many businesses are still closed, and there are not many jobs available.”.
The Shanghai government is aware of the challenges facing the city and is taking steps to address them. Authorities have announced a series of measures to support businesses and workers, including tax breaks, subsidies, and low-interest loans..
The government is also working to improve the city’s public transportation system and to increase the supply of food and other essential goods..
Despite the challenges, there is a sense of optimism among Shanghai residents that the city will eventually recover from the pandemic..
“We’ve been through a lot,” said one resident, who gave only her surname, Wang. “But we’re a strong city, and we’ll get through this together.”.
