'Lockdown Lifted' Shanghai Sees Sharp Drop to 31 COVID-19 Cases

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] As Shanghai, the economic capital of China, announced the easing of city lockdown measures, the number of new infections has significantly decreased.

On the 31st, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post reported that the number of new infections in Shanghai the previous day dropped by 53.7% compared to the day before, totaling 31 cases, marking the largest decline since March 6. Symptomatic cases increased by 50% to 9, maintaining single digits for two consecutive days, and there were zero deaths for the fourth consecutive day.

Shanghai city stated in a press release the day before that it would allow vehicle operation in low-risk COVID-19 areas and resume ride-hailing services, while bus, subway, and ferry operations will gradually restart from the 1st of next month, promoting a "full normalization." The city lockdown, which was notified on March 28 to last for four days, is now moving toward normalization after more than two months. According to the announcement on the 29th, 2.67 million registered companies in Shanghai can resume operations from the 1st of next month without prior approval from health authorities.

Following the announcement, Wang Xueling, who operates a restaurant chain based in Shanghai, told the Post, "I cried upon receiving the order from local authorities to resume business," adding, "Now we can operate again."

Approximately 90% of Shanghai's 25 million population currently reside in low-risk prevention zones where no infections have occurred for 14 days. These residents can now leave their accommodations and use public transportation. The Chinese government has also announced about 300 billion yuan in tax cuts and financial support measures to address supply chain issues and the risk of corporate bankruptcies.

Angel investor Ying Lan, based in Shanghai, said, "Ultimately, it is the millions of small companies in this city that provide most of the jobs," adding, "Many companies are on the verge of bankruptcy, and strong incentives from local authorities will be necessary to sustain their businesses."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.