Shanghai was one of the Chinese cities that went into a very strict lockdown earlier this year, fully in line with the Chinese government’s strict zero-covid policy since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. But in recent weeks the measures have been relaxed a bit. According to the government, this is due to the drop in the number of infections, but according to some analysts it is mainly due to the fierce street protests in Shanghai, among others.
However, after this easing, the number of infections and subsequent hospitalizations and deaths have again risen sharply. That is why the metropolis of Shanghai is tightening the rules again. Distance learning will be reintroduced from Monday in most primary, secondary and higher education schools. In the city’s busy business district, all day care centers will also remain closed.
The measures are intended to allow the virus to circulate in a more controlled way. “Because now he’s screaming at us,” says Shanghai correspondent Eva Rammeloo. By completely abandoning all measures and the blockade, the government has gone from one extreme to the other, explains Rammeloo. Now they are trying to do something about it. But for the moment it is not a question of a new lockdown.
