China Extends , Shanghai , COVID Lockdown.
'The Independent' reports that Shanghai has extended its lockdown of most of its 26 million residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The broad lockdown is specifically meant
to stop the spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron subvariant, BA.2.
According to official guidance,
citizens of Shanghai will be required to stay home
for as long as the outbreak remains a concern. .
Many of these citizens have reportedly
been told to not cross their doorsteps
even to take out garbage or walk pets. .
'The Independent' reports that public transport
has been suspended in most of the city. .
Non-essential businesses, such as
shopping malls and restaurants,
have been forced to close. .
The lockdown began on March 28
and was originally meant to
be in place for 10 days. .
According to 'The Independent,' Shanghai has become
the testing grounds for the government's handling of
a "dynamic clearance" approach to a COVID-19 outbreak. .
This approach reportedly aims to test for,
trace and quarantine all positive cases. .
Residents are required to
undergo nucleic acid tests carried out
by healthcare workers wearing hazmat suits. .
On April 1, the city said that the
daily tally of infections had fallen
for the second day in a row.