Covid-19 deaths in Shanghai rise as city enforces strict lockdown measures
Shanghai (China), April 23: The death toll from Covid-19 continues to rise in China's economic hub of Shanghai, even as severe lockdown measures disrupt ordinary people's lives.
Following an increase in Covid-19 cases in Shanghai in March, officials sealed off the entire city in early April. The authorities initially described it as a four-day "temporary pause," stating that they would promptly test the entire population, isolate positive individuals, and reopen the city. As a result, according to CNN, many households never bothered to stock up on supplies.
With tens of thousands of new infections reported every day, the government has extended the lockdown, requiring that any residential community with a single new positive case be sealed for additional 14 days.
Meanwhile, the city recorded 12 deaths from Covid-19 infections on Friday, taking the total count to over 40 in the past few weeks.
China imposed a strict "zero Covid" policy that requires the spread of coronavirus infection in any area to be contained to lift restrictions.
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Authorities have made it clear the policy has the personal stamp of approval from the country's strongman leader, Xi Jinping, who has yet to visit Shanghai - a city he once led - in midst of the deepening crisis. Xi is anticipated to assume an almost unprecedented third term later this year, paving the way for him to rule for life.
Jorg Wuttke, head of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, estimates that China has lost approximately half of all European expatriates since the pandemic began, and he warns that another exodus of families is possible this summer when the school year ends.
According to the Global Times, Shanghai authorities announced on Friday that the city has launched a "decisive battle" to eradicate coronavirus infections within communities.
Officials stated that the quarantine would be lifted in batches once virus transmissions outside quarantined areas are eliminated. A fresh round of testing has also been announced, with different districts being tested.
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-PTC News
