In pics: Millions of people travel back home in Indonesia to celebrate Eid al-Fitr

The US economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter amid a resurgence in COVID-19 cases and drop in pandemic relief money from the government, but the decline in output is misleading as domestic demand remained strong.

US economy shrinks in first quarter of 2022

Apple has forecast bigger problems as COVID-19 lockdowns snarl production and demand in China, the war in Ukraine dents sales and growth slows in services, which the iPhone maker sees as its engine for expansion.

Apple sees bigger supply problems after strong start to the year

Apple&nbsp;Inc on Thursday forecast bigger problems as COVID-19 lockdowns snarl production and demand in China, the war in Ukraine dents sales and growth slows in services, which the iPhone maker sees as its engine for expansion.

Shares were down 2.2 per cent&nbsp;in late trade after executives laid out their glum outlook on a conference call. The news outweighed record profit and sales for&nbsp;Apple's fiscal second quarter, which ended in March.

Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri warned in an interview that the war in Ukraine, which led&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;to stop sales in Russia, would cut sales more deeply in the fiscal third quarter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-just-released-ios154-update-with-37-new-emojis-and-netizens-are-not-pleased-471948">Apple just released iOS15.4 update with 37 new emojis, and netizens are not pleased</a>

He told analysts on the call that supply-chain issues would hurt sales in the quarter by $4 billion to $8 billion, "substantially larger" than the hit in the second quarter.

Supply problems were focused on a corridor in Shanghai, China and reflected covid&nbsp;disruptions and chip shortages, he added. The pandemic was also affecting demand in China, he said.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said that almost all of the Chinese factories doing final assembly of&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;products had restarted after recent covid&nbsp;shutdowns, but the company is not forecasting when the chips shortage, mostly affecting older products, would end.

Cook said he hoped covid&nbsp;issues would be "transitory" and "get better over time."

At least one analyst said the outlook lacked clarity.

"We were all looking for just better guidance on what is really going on over there (China) ... and that didn't come out," said Louis Navellier, chief investment officer for Navellier &amp; Associates.

Kim Caughey Forrest, Chief Investment Officer at Bokeh Capital Partners, said that ongoing demand remained a big question, despite&nbsp;Apple's management of supply chain in the March quarter.

Watch |&nbsp;How netizens are reacting to Apple's 'pregnant man' emoji | Tech It Out

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-netizens-are-reacting-to-apples-pregnant-man-emoji-tech-it-out-473150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Indeed, other high-profile tech companies also raised concerns. Amazon on Thursday posted a disappointing outlook as it was swamped by higher costs, sending its shares down 9 per cent&nbsp;after the close, and Intel Corp forecast a bleak quarter based on supply chain issues, and its stock fell 4 per cent.

Both companies, along with&nbsp;Apple, are part of the broader Nasdaq index, which has fallen nearly 19% this year as rising inflation drives investors elsewhere.

March quarter strength&nbsp;

Apple's overall fiscal second-quarter revenue was $97.3 billion, up 8.6 per cent&nbsp;from last year and higher than analysts' average estimate of $93.89 billion, according to Refinitiv data.

Worldwide phone sales revenue was $50.6 billion, a 5.5 per cent&nbsp;increase from a year ago, and services sales rose 17 per cent&nbsp;to $19.8 billion, both ahead of analyst average forecasts.

However, Maestri said that services growth would decelerate from the March quarter, while remaining in double-digits. He cited several factors, including more unfavorable currency exchange rates.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Total profit was $25 billion, or $1.52 per share and easily topped analysts' expectations of $23.2 billion and $1.43.

Apple&nbsp;also raised its dividend 5 per cent&nbsp;to $0.23 per share and the board approved a buyback for an added $90 billion in shares.

Investors have been bracing for drops in consumer spending on tech gadgets and services as the war in Ukraine and other factors drive up the cost of oil, food and other staples.

Cook shrugged off an analyst question on inflation and consumers.

"We're monitoring that closely. But right now, our main focus, frankly speaking, is on the supply side," he said.

Asked about rising inflation, Maestri said demand, particularly for iPhones, had been higher than the company had anticipated at the start of the quarter. But he noted inflation was affecting expenses.

The pandemic, including the shift to hybrid work, has benefited other businesses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-is-internally-testing-new-models-of-macbook-series-report-471251">Apple is internally testing new models of MacBook series: Report</a>

Apple&nbsp;said iPad sales fell 2 per cent&nbsp;to $7.65 billion due to supply-chain constraints, while revenue from Mac computers, also facing supply-chain issues, rose 14.7 per cent&nbsp;to $10.4 billion.

Sales of wearables, home speakers and accessories rose 12 per cent&nbsp;to $8.8 billion, and was the only unit to miss Wall Street targets. Maestri said Watch and AirPods sold well, and attributed the miss to seasonal variability in demand for other accessories.

Apple&nbsp;said it now has 825 million paying subscribers across its at least seven subscription offerings, up by 40 million from 785 million last quarter. Its growth comes as rivals such as Netflix Inc report subscriber losses.

Apple Inc on Thursday forecast bigger problems as COVID-19 lockdowns snarl production and demand in China, the war in Ukraine dents sales and growth slows in services, which the iPhone maker sees as its engine for expansion.

Apple Inc on Thursday forecast bigger problems as COVID-19 lockdowns snarl production and demand in China, the war in Ukraine dents sales and growth slows in services, which the iPhone maker sees as its engine for expansion. Shares were down 2.2 per cent in late trade after executives laid out their glum outlook on a conference call. The news outweighed record profit and sales for Apple's fiscal second quarter, which ended in March. Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri warned in an interview that the war in Ukraine, which led Apple to stop sales in Russia, would cut sales more deeply in the fiscal third quarter. Also read | Apple just released iOS15.4 update with 37 new emojis, and netizens are not pleased He told analysts on the call that supply-chain issues would hurt sales in the quarter by $4 billion to $8 billion, "substantially larger" than the hit in the second quarter. Supply problems were focused on a corridor in Shanghai, China and reflected covid disruptions and chip shortages, he added. The pandemic was also affecting demand in China, he said. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said that almost all of the Chinese factories doing final assembly of Apple products had restarted after recent covid shutdowns, but the company is not forecasting when the chips shortage, mostly affecting older products, would end. Cook said he hoped covid issues would be "transitory" and "get better over time." At least one analyst said the outlook lacked clarity. "We were all looking for just better guidance on what is really going on over there (China) ... and that didn't come out," said Louis Navellier, chief investment officer for Navellier & Associates. Kim Caughey Forrest, Chief Investment Officer at Bokeh Capital Partners, said that ongoing demand remained a big question, despite Apple's management of supply chain in the March quarter. Watch | How netizens are reacting to Apple's 'pregnant man' emoji | Tech It Out Indeed, other high-profile tech companies also raised concerns. Amazon on Thursday posted a disappointing outlook as it was swamped by higher costs, sending its shares down 9 per cent after the close, and Intel Corp forecast a bleak quarter based on supply chain issues, and its stock fell 4 per cent. Both companies, along with Apple, are part of the broader Nasdaq index, which has fallen nearly 19% this year as rising inflation drives investors elsewhere. March quarter strength Apple's overall fiscal second-quarter revenue was $97.3 billion, up 8.6 per cent from last year and higher than analysts' average estimate of $93.89 billion, according to Refinitiv data. Worldwide phone sales revenue was $50.6 billion, a 5.5 per cent increase from a year ago, and services sales rose 17 per cent to $19.8 billion, both ahead of analyst average forecasts. However, Maestri said that services growth would decelerate from the March quarter, while remaining in double-digits. He cited several factors, including more unfavorable currency exchange rates. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Total profit was $25 billion, or $1.52 per share and easily topped analysts' expectations of $23.2 billion and $1.43. Apple also raised its dividend 5 per cent to $0.23 per share and the board approved a buyback for an added $90 billion in shares. Investors have been bracing for drops in consumer spending on tech gadgets and services as the war in Ukraine and other factors drive up the cost of oil, food and other staples. Cook shrugged off an analyst question on inflation and consumers. "We're monitoring that closely. But right now, our main focus, frankly speaking, is on the supply side," he said. Asked about rising inflation, Maestri said demand, particularly for iPhones, had been higher than the company had anticipated at the start of the quarter. But he noted inflation was affecting expenses. The pandemic, including the shift to hybrid work, has benefited other businesses. Also read | Apple is internally testing new models of MacBook series: Report Apple said iPad sales fell 2 per cent to $7.65 billion due to supply-chain constraints, while revenue from Mac computers, also facing supply-chain issues, rose 14.7 per cent to $10.4 billion. Sales of wearables, home speakers and accessories rose 12 per cent to $8.8 billion, and was the only unit to miss Wall Street targets. Maestri said Watch and AirPods sold well, and attributed the miss to seasonal variability in demand for other accessories. Apple said it now has 825 million paying subscribers across its at least seven subscription offerings, up by 40 million from 785 million last quarter. Its growth comes as rivals such as Netflix Inc report subscriber losses.

Apple sees bigger supply problems after strong start to year

China has sharpened Covid screening in Beijing to prevent chaos like what we saw in Shanghai but many commuters are not happy about the restrictions. For Chinese commuter workers, waking up in the early mornings to travel miles away for work has gotten even tougher than before.

China: Commuter workers unable to go home or find other work

Visitors trickle back, but climbing mecca Nepal seeks more - see pics

According to a new study, unvaccinated people are a threat to the safety of those who are vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19). Researchers explored the effect of mixing between unvaccinated and vaccinated people to understand the dynamics of an infectious disease. When vaccinated and unvaccinated people were mixed, a substantial number of new infections would occur in the vaccinated people. Read details here: https://www.wionews.com/science/unvaccinated-people-pose-a-threat-to-those-inoculated-against-covid-19-study-473685

If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed

In pics: Brazil holds first carnival after two years of pandemic

Venice imposes tax and reservation system for travellers

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;reopened gyms, beauty parlours, theme parks and cinemas for the first time in more than four months on Thursday, as authorities relax some of the world's most stringent covid&nbsp;restrictions that have weighed on residents and businesses.

Many restaurants reported full bookings for the coming weeks as&nbsp;dining&nbsp;out has been extended until 10 p.m. (1400 GMT) from 6 p.m. and group gatherings have been expanded to four people, from two previously. Many schools have also resumed in-person learning after months of online classes.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has eased the measures as Shanghai authorities said tough coronavirus restrictions would remain in place for now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/plastic-everywhere-chinas-zero-covid-facilities-causing-environmental-problems-472088">Plastic everywhere: Hong Kong's zero-Covid facilities have become an environmental nightmare</a>

Residents flocked to gyms, salons and massage parlours, while others visited temples and churches which had also been shut.

"Everyone has things to do and be able to make money. It's excellent and people can come out for activities again, everyone is happy," said Idy Lee, 44, who owns a hair salon in the city's bustling Mong Kok district.

The easing comes as the number of daily&nbsp;COVID-19 infections in the global financial hub dropped below 1,000 for the past six days from a peak of more than 70,000 on March 3.

While many residents are relieved at the relaxation of rules, scores of businesses have already closed and tens of thousands of people have fled the city as authorities re-imposed measures in January that were first implemented in 2020.

Watch |&nbsp;Plastic waste surges amid COVID crisis: Hong Kong landfills run out of space

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Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has grappled to impose a "dynamic zero" covid&nbsp;policy similar to mainland China, which aims to quash all outbreaks versus living with the virus as many countries are doing.

Hong&nbsp;Kong's borders have been effectively sealed since 2020 with few flights able to land and hardly any passengers allowed to transit, isolating a city that had built a reputation as a global hub.

Swimming pools and beaches remain shut, frustrating many athletes and residents. Bars, nightclubs and saunas are also still closed, with many unable to stay afloat and others on borrowed time.

"The reopening of gyms is a happy thing, but I hope the government will give us some subsidies because we have been closed on and off for a year and a half and lost a lot of customers," Parker Chan, a 25-year-old coach at Fitness Formula.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-ease-covid-19-restrictions-as-infections-fall-470984">Hong Kong to ease COVID-19 restrictions as infections fall</a>

While&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;managed to keep the coronavirus at bay for much of 2021, a surge of the highly contagious Omicron variant brought the former British colony to its knees in February, swamping its world-class medical system as&nbsp;cases&nbsp;ripped through the densely-packed city.

It has recorded more than 1.1 million infections and 8,963 deaths.

Hong Kong reopened gyms, beauty parlours, theme parks and cinemas for the first time in more than four months on Thursday, as authorities relax some of the world's most stringent covid restrictions that have weighed on residents and businesses.

Hong Kong reopened gyms, beauty parlours, theme parks and cinemas for the first time in more than four months on Thursday, as authorities relax some of the world's most stringent covid restrictions that have weighed on residents and businesses. Many restaurants reported full bookings for the coming weeks as dining out has been extended until 10 p.m. (1400 GMT) from 6 p.m. and group gatherings have been expanded to four people, from two previously. Many schools have also resumed in-person learning after months of online classes. Hong Kong has eased the measures as Shanghai authorities said tough coronavirus restrictions would remain in place for now. Also read | Plastic everywhere: Hong Kong's zero-Covid facilities have become an environmental nightmare Residents flocked to gyms, salons and massage parlours, while others visited temples and churches which had also been shut. "Everyone has things to do and be able to make money. It's excellent and people can come out for activities again, everyone is happy," said Idy Lee, 44, who owns a hair salon in the city's bustling Mong Kok district. The easing comes as the number of daily COVID-19 infections in the global financial hub dropped below 1,000 for the past six days from a peak of more than 70,000 on March 3. While many residents are relieved at the relaxation of rules, scores of businesses have already closed and tens of thousands of people have fled the city as authorities re-imposed measures in January that were first implemented in 2020. Watch | Plastic waste surges amid COVID crisis: Hong Kong landfills run out of space Hong Kong has grappled to impose a "dynamic zero" covid policy similar to mainland China, which aims to quash all outbreaks versus living with the virus as many countries are doing. Hong Kong's borders have been effectively sealed since 2020 with few flights able to land and hardly any passengers allowed to transit, isolating a city that had built a reputation as a global hub. Swimming pools and beaches remain shut, frustrating many athletes and residents. Bars, nightclubs and saunas are also still closed, with many unable to stay afloat and others on borrowed time. "The reopening of gyms is a happy thing, but I hope the government will give us some subsidies because we have been closed on and off for a year and a half and lost a lot of customers," Parker Chan, a 25-year-old coach at Fitness Formula. Also read | Hong Kong to ease COVID-19 restrictions as infections fall While Hong Kong managed to keep the coronavirus at bay for much of 2021, a surge of the highly contagious Omicron variant brought the former British colony to its knees in February, swamping its world-class medical system as cases ripped through the densely-packed city. It has recorded more than 1.1 million infections and 8,963 deaths.

Hong Kong reopens venues, extends dining hours as covid cases fall

The Indian government’s insurance policy for COVID-19 fighting health staff has been extended for another 180 days.

The central government stated in an order, "The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Healthcare Workers Fighting COVID-19 has been extended for a further period of 180 days from April 19, 2022."

It has been decided to extend the policy so as to continue to provide a safety net for the dependents of health workers who are deputed to take care of COVID-19 patients. 
 
The insurance policy PMGKP was launched on March 30, 2020 to give assistance of Rs 5 million in complete personal accident insurance to 2.1 million health care providers, including all health workers who might have direct contact and treatment of a COVID patient and are at risk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/delhi-records-over-500-covid-19-cases-no-mandatory-rtpcr-required-for-domestic-air-travel-472034">Delhi records over 500 COVID-19 cases; no mandatory RT-PCR required for domestic air travel</a>

A letter to this effect was sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries (Health), Principal Secretaries (Health) and Health Secretaries of all state and Union territories on April 19,2022, requesting widespread exposure among health personnel in their own respective states and Union territories.

The government said, private hospital staffs, volunteers, local urban bodies, daily wages outsourced staff requisitioned by state or central hospitals, AIIMS and Institute of National Importance (INI) of the central ministries specifically drafted for the care of covid patients.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/what-caused-90-jump-in-covid-cases-in-india-kerala-govt-reacts-to-data-discrepancies-reports-472103">What caused 90% jump in Covid cases in India? Central, Kerala state govts in tussle over 'late reporting'</a> 
 
So far, 1905 claims of health workers who died during COVID-related duties have been settled since the scheme’s inception.

However, the country has recently reported 1247 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, which is roughly 43 per cent down from the previous day. As per the ministry, 928 patients have recovered from the last 24 hours.

The Indian government’s insurance policy for COVID-19 fighting health staff has been extended for another 180 days. The central government stated in an order, "The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Healthcare Workers Fighting COVID-19 has been extended for a further period of 180 days from April 19, 2022.

The Indian government’s insurance policy for COVID-19 fighting health staff has been extended for another 180 days. The central government stated in an order, "The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP): Insurance Scheme for Healthcare Workers Fighting COVID-19 has been extended for a further period of 180 days from April 19, 2022." It has been decided to extend the policy so as to continue to provide a safety net for the dependents of health workers who are deputed to take care of COVID-19 patients. The insurance policy PMGKP was launched on March 30, 2020 to give assistance of Rs 5 million in complete personal accident insurance to 2.1 million health care providers, including all health workers who might have direct contact and treatment of a COVID patient and are at risk. Also read | Delhi records over 500 COVID-19 cases; no mandatory RT-PCR required for domestic air travel A letter to this effect was sent to all Additional Chief Secretaries (Health), Principal Secretaries (Health) and Health Secretaries of all state and Union territories on April 19,2022, requesting widespread exposure among health personnel in their own respective states and Union territories. The government said, private hospital staffs, volunteers, local urban bodies, daily wages outsourced staff requisitioned by state or central hospitals, AIIMS and Institute of National Importance (INI) of the central ministries specifically drafted for the care of covid patients. Also read | What caused 90% jump in Covid cases in India? Central, Kerala state govts in tussle over 'late reporting' So far, 1905 claims of health workers who died during COVID-related duties have been settled since the scheme’s inception. However, the country has recently reported 1247 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours, which is roughly 43 per cent down from the previous day. As per the ministry, 928 patients have recovered from the last 24 hours.

India extends Covid medical insurance policy for health workers for 6 months

The COVID-19 mask mandates for public transit enforced by the Joe Biden administration were struck down by a US Judge on Monday, saying that these mask mandates exceed the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statutory authority.

CDC has extended the regulation of mask mandates on flights, trains, buses, taxis or any other mode of transportation until May 3, due to an increase in the number of covid cases.

This regulation was originally issued on February 3, 2021 by the CDC shortly after President Biden took office. The mandate has been criticised by US airlines and number of republican senators, who have called for its end.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-rejects-biden-administrations-mask-mandate-for-public-transport-472024">US judge rejects Biden administration's mask mandate for public transport</a>

Following this court's ruling, United Airlines removed the mask mandates from domestic flights and select international flights, depending on the rules of the destination country.

Soon United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines followed suit, making masks optional for employees and passengers on domestic and international flights.

However,&nbsp;they along with United Airlines have&nbsp;warned that the travellers would still have to be subjected to local mask restrictions&nbsp;when they arrive&nbsp;at their respective destinations.

As a result of the court's decision, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees airport security, has also decided not to implement guidelines "requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time," according to an administration official.

Watch |&nbsp;US judge strikes down CDC mask mandate amid Covid-19 surge

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-judge-strikes-down-cdc-mask-mandate-amid-covid-19-surge-472036/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Alaska Airlines, this reversal of the mask mandates, however, did not invalidate any passenger bans made while the measure was till on. Customers who were already excluded for failing to comply with mask rule will be continued to be barred from the airline.

"We will have some guests whose behaviour was particularly egregious who will remain banned, even after the mask policy is rescinded," said the airline.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ba2-covid-variant-driving-new-infections-in-some-parts-of-us-471264">BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US</a>

This comes as officials in some parts of the United States are still reporting a new surge in COVID-19 infections which is a matter of concern.

Last week the country recorded at least 126 new cases per 10,000 persons, more than twice the rate from a month earlier.

(with input from agencies)US

The COVID-19 mask mandates for public transit enforced by the Joe Biden administration were struck down by a US Judge on Monday, saying that these mask mandates exceed the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statutory authority.

The COVID-19 mask mandates for public transit enforced by the Joe Biden administration were struck down by a US Judge on Monday, saying that these mask mandates exceed the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statutory authority. CDC has extended the regulation of mask mandates on flights, trains, buses, taxis or any other mode of transportation until May 3, due to an increase in the number of covid cases. This regulation was originally issued on February 3, 2021 by the CDC shortly after President Biden took office. The mandate has been criticised by US airlines and number of republican senators, who have called for its end. Also read | US judge rejects Biden administration's mask mandate for public transport Following this court's ruling, United Airlines removed the mask mandates from domestic flights and select international flights, depending on the rules of the destination country. Soon United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines followed suit, making masks optional for employees and passengers on domestic and international flights. However, they along with United Airlines have warned that the travellers would still have to be subjected to local mask restrictions when they arrive at their respective destinations. As a result of the court's decision, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees airport security, has also decided not to implement guidelines "requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs at this time," according to an administration official. Watch | US judge strikes down CDC mask mandate amid Covid-19 surge According to Alaska Airlines, this reversal of the mask mandates, however, did not invalidate any passenger bans made while the measure was till on. Customers who were already excluded for failing to comply with mask rule will be continued to be barred from the airline. "We will have some guests whose behaviour was particularly egregious who will remain banned, even after the mask policy is rescinded," said the airline. Also read | BA.2 Covid variant driving new infections in some parts of US This comes as officials in some parts of the United States are still reporting a new surge in COVID-19 infections which is a matter of concern. Last week the country recorded at least 126 new cases per 10,000 persons, more than twice the rate from a month earlier. (with input from agencies)US

US airlines announce plan to drop mask mandates

Plastic everywhere: Hong Kong's zero-Covid facilities have become an environmental nightmare

Shanghai reported seven more Covid deaths on Tuesday. This comes after&nbsp;hundreds of thousands of cases were reported in the city during its week-long lockdown.

It doesn’t end here, the city reported more than 20,000 mostly asymptomatic cases on Tuesday, defying officials’ efforts to eradicate the virus, the AFP reported.

Even while the virus still continues to spread, the city officials announced the first deaths of this outbreak on Monday (April 18) with Tuesday's death toll&nbsp;bringing the total&nbsp;to an unbelievable low of 10 as per official figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economic-data-hints-at-cost-of-zero-covid-strategy-471860">China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy</a>

According to Shanghai’s health official Wu Qianyu, who spoke at a press conference on Tuesday, the recent seven deaths were all the unvaccinated patients aged between 60 and 101 with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and heart-related problems.

As per&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;Municipal Health Commission, the patients "became severely ill after admission to hospital, and died after ineffective rescue efforts, with the direct cause of death being underlying diseases".

Earlier on Sunday, Shanghai’s health officials said&nbsp;that less than two-thirds of residents have received their covid jabs and nearly 40 per cent have received their booster.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Beijing claims its zero-covid policy of tight lockdowns and mass testing has prevented deaths and public health disasters that much of the rest of the world is battling with.

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai reports first covid deaths since start of covid-19 lockdown

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However, China has a massive senior population with a poor vaccination rate, which has raised questions over official&nbsp;figures.

AFP reports, unverified social media posts claimed that the fatalities in Shanghai were going unnoticed, but the messages were swiftly removed from the internet.

Since March 2022, many of the 25 million residents who have been restricted to their homes have been complaining about food shortages, harsh quarantine conditions and strict police&nbsp;handling&nbsp;policing on the internet.&nbsp;

The country's social media was flooded with protest footage that spread faster than the Chinese government’s ability to remove them.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-covid-19-deaths-in-shanghai-russia-ukraine-updates-and-more-471767">&nbsp;Morning news brief: COVID-19 deaths in Shanghai, Russia-Ukraine updates, and more</a>

Since the virus first emerged in late 2019 in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the country’s zero-tolerance approach to covid has limited new cases to a trickle.

Nearly 350 million people in at least 44 cities in the country are in some sort of lockdown as per one estimate released on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai reported seven more Covid deaths on Tuesday. This comes after hundreds of thousands of cases were reported in the city during its week-long lockdown. It doesn’t end here, the city reported more than 20,000 mostly asymptomatic cases on Tuesday, defying officials’ efforts to eradicate the virus, the AFP reported.

Shanghai reported seven more Covid deaths on Tuesday. This comes after hundreds of thousands of cases were reported in the city during its week-long lockdown. It doesn’t end here, the city reported more than 20,000 mostly asymptomatic cases on Tuesday, defying officials’ efforts to eradicate the virus, the AFP reported. Even while the virus still continues to spread, the city officials announced the first deaths of this outbreak on Monday (April 18) with Tuesday's death toll bringing the total to an unbelievable low of 10 as per official figures. Also read | China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy According to Shanghai’s health official Wu Qianyu, who spoke at a press conference on Tuesday, the recent seven deaths were all the unvaccinated patients aged between 60 and 101 with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and heart-related problems. As per Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, the patients "became severely ill after admission to hospital, and died after ineffective rescue efforts, with the direct cause of death being underlying diseases". Earlier on Sunday, Shanghai’s health officials said that less than two-thirds of residents have received their covid jabs and nearly 40 per cent have received their booster. On the other hand, Beijing claims its zero-covid policy of tight lockdowns and mass testing has prevented deaths and public health disasters that much of the rest of the world is battling with. Watch | Shanghai reports first covid deaths since start of covid-19 lockdown However, China has a massive senior population with a poor vaccination rate, which has raised questions over official figures. AFP reports, unverified social media posts claimed that the fatalities in Shanghai were going unnoticed, but the messages were swiftly removed from the internet. Since March 2022, many of the 25 million residents who have been restricted to their homes have been complaining about food shortages, harsh quarantine conditions and strict police handling policing on the internet. The country's social media was flooded with protest footage that spread faster than the Chinese government’s ability to remove them. Also read | Morning news brief: COVID-19 deaths in Shanghai, Russia-Ukraine updates, and more Since the virus first emerged in late 2019 in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, the country’s zero-tolerance approach to covid has limited new cases to a trickle. Nearly 350 million people in at least 44 cities in the country are in some sort of lockdown as per one estimate released on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Shanghai reports seven deaths as the virus toll rises

Last year, India was at the centre of the global Covid outbreak, but the situation&nbsp;has seen significant improvement since then, as most of the precautions have now been lifted.

But on Monday, India's daily COVID-19 cases nearly doubled compared to the previous day. On Monday, more than 2,000 cases were registered for the first time this month with southern Kerala state recording&nbsp;a spike in mortality.

With the Covid marking a slight return in India,&nbsp;here are some of the techniques that you can follow if you get infected with COVID-19 and also ensure that others around you are safe.

1. Distance yourself from everyone:&nbsp;Keep your belongings away. Prefer to wear an N95 mask even if you are alone in the room, use gloves and disposables as it reduces the chances of transmission to others.

2. Stay hydrated:&nbsp;Drinking plenty of water is very essential for the body but it’s even more important when you’re sick. Your body loses water as a result of symptoms like fever, sweating, vomiting, which leads to dehydration. It's okay to hydrate yourself with water, but your body will absorb the fluid better if either salt or sugar is added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reports-increase-in-covid-19-cases-weekly-cases-rise-in-haryana-kerala-and-gujarat-471815">Delhi reports increase in COVID-19 cases; weekly cases rise in Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat</a>

3. It’s very common that when you’re sick, especially during an upset stomach, you may not feel like having anything. During Covid, there are high chances of passing out. So, your body needs proper nourishment to feel great. Eat nutritious foods&nbsp;that help in boosting your immunity. Incorporate fresh citrus fruits and vegetables like spinach into your diet. Even intake of vitamin supplements can help in building immunity.

4. It is strongly advised to lie face down if faced with shortness of breath,&nbsp;as it helps improve&nbsp;oxygen levels in the blood.

5. Keep a regular check on your oxygen level using a pulse oximeter.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-covid-19-more-dangerous-than-driving-how-scientists-are-parsing-coronavirus-risks-471747">Is COVID-19 more dangerous than driving? How scientists are parsing coronavirus risks.</a>

6. Practice breathing exercises.&nbsp;

7. Taking medicines like paracetamol might help you in alleviating symptoms like body aches, fever, but if you are at a higher risk of developing severe infection, such as those who are unvaccinated, ages or people with medical issues, doctors might prescribe you oral antiviral medicines.

Last year, India was at the centre of the global Covid outbreak, but the situation has seen significant improvement since then, as most of the precautions have now been lifted.

Last year, India was at the centre of the global Covid outbreak, but the situation has seen significant improvement since then, as most of the precautions have now been lifted. But on Monday, India's daily COVID-19 cases nearly doubled compared to the previous day. On Monday, more than 2,000 cases were registered for the first time this month with southern Kerala state recording a spike in mortality. With the Covid marking a slight return in India, here are some of the techniques that you can follow if you get infected with COVID-19 and also ensure that others around you are safe. 1. Distance yourself from everyone: Keep your belongings away. Prefer to wear an N95 mask even if you are alone in the room, use gloves and disposables as it reduces the chances of transmission to others. 2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is very essential for the body but it’s even more important when you’re sick. Your body loses water as a result of symptoms like fever, sweating, vomiting, which leads to dehydration. It's okay to hydrate yourself with water, but your body will absorb the fluid better if either salt or sugar is added. Also read | Delhi reports increase in COVID-19 cases; weekly cases rise in Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat 3. It’s very common that when you’re sick, especially during an upset stomach, you may not feel like having anything. During Covid, there are high chances of passing out. So, your body needs proper nourishment to feel great. Eat nutritious foods that help in boosting your immunity. Incorporate fresh citrus fruits and vegetables like spinach into your diet. Even intake of vitamin supplements can help in building immunity. 4. It is strongly advised to lie face down if faced with shortness of breath, as it helps improve oxygen levels in the blood. 5. Keep a regular check on your oxygen level using a pulse oximeter. Also read | Is COVID-19 more dangerous than driving? How scientists are parsing coronavirus risks. 6. Practice breathing exercises. 7. Taking medicines like paracetamol might help you in alleviating symptoms like body aches, fever, but if you are at a higher risk of developing severe infection, such as those who are unvaccinated, ages or people with medical issues, doctors might prescribe you oral antiviral medicines.

Here are some simple tips to help you ease your Covid symptoms at home

Almost&nbsp;all residents of&nbsp;Indonesia's&nbsp;most&nbsp;populous&nbsp;island&nbsp;of Java&nbsp;have&nbsp;antibodies&nbsp;against&nbsp;COVID-19, owing to a combination of prior infection and vaccination against the virus, a government-commissioned survey showed.

The March&nbsp;study&nbsp;of 2,100 people, conducted on Java, home to 150 million people, and Bali,&nbsp;Indonesia's&nbsp;top tourism destination, revealed 99.2 per cent&nbsp;of people had covid&nbsp;antibodies, a 6 per cent&nbsp;point increase from a December survey.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-vignettes-covid-cases-are-soaring-in-china-so-is-its-inflation-471872">Chinese vignettes | Covid cases are soaring in China, so is its inflation</a>

Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist at the University of Indonesia, which conducted the survey with the health ministry, on Monday told Reuters the antibody levels in the latest survey were higher due to a wider booster shot rollout, as recipients had stronger protection.

Indonesia's&nbsp;daily case numbers&nbsp;have&nbsp;decreased significantly since a spike in February driven by the Omicron variant. About 60 per cent&nbsp;of its 270 million people&nbsp;have&nbsp;been vaccinated against covid.

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai reports first covid deaths since start of covid-19 lockdown

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shanghai-reports-first-covid-deaths-since-start-of-covid-19-lockdown-471768/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pandu said the stronger&nbsp;antibodies&nbsp;may explain the faster rate at which Omicron variant infections declined in Indonesia.

The December&nbsp;study, of 22,000 people, was conducted nationwide and showed 86 per cent&nbsp;of Indonesians had&nbsp;antibodies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economic-data-hints-at-cost-of-zero-covid-strategy-471860">China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy</a>

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation has recently loosened many of its pandemic restrictions, including waiving quarantine for foreign tourists and lifting a two-year ban on the mass exodus tradition during the Muslim holiday season of Eid al-Fitr.

Health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Monday said the survey was a factor in the government's assessment that the holiday "can go smoothly without bringing negative impacts on our people".

The&nbsp;study&nbsp;closely tracks recent data in Britain, where the percentage of adults with&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;antibodies&nbsp;in the middle of March was nearly&nbsp;99 per cent, according to its Office for National Statistics.

Almost all residents of Indonesia's most populous island of Java have antibodies against COVID-19, owing to a combination of prior infection and vaccination against the virus, a government-commissioned survey showed.

Almost all residents of Indonesia's most populous island of Java have antibodies against COVID-19, owing to a combination of prior infection and vaccination against the virus, a government-commissioned survey showed. The March study of 2,100 people, conducted on Java, home to 150 million people, and Bali, Indonesia's top tourism destination, revealed 99.2 per cent of people had covid antibodies, a 6 per cent point increase from a December survey. Also read | Chinese vignettes | Covid cases are soaring in China, so is its inflation Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist at the University of Indonesia, which conducted the survey with the health ministry, on Monday told Reuters the antibody levels in the latest survey were higher due to a wider booster shot rollout, as recipients had stronger protection. Indonesia's daily case numbers have decreased significantly since a spike in February driven by the Omicron variant. About 60 per cent of its 270 million people have been vaccinated against covid. Watch | Shanghai reports first covid deaths since start of covid-19 lockdown Pandu said the stronger antibodies may explain the faster rate at which Omicron variant infections declined in Indonesia. The December study, of 22,000 people, was conducted nationwide and showed 86 per cent of Indonesians had antibodies. Also read | China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy The world's largest Muslim-majority nation has recently loosened many of its pandemic restrictions, including waiving quarantine for foreign tourists and lifting a two-year ban on the mass exodus tradition during the Muslim holiday season of Eid al-Fitr. Health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Monday said the survey was a factor in the government's assessment that the holiday "can go smoothly without bringing negative impacts on our people". The study closely tracks recent data in Britain, where the percentage of adults with COVID antibodies in the middle of March was nearly 99 per cent, according to its Office for National Statistics.

Study shows 99% on Indonesia's most populous island have COVID-19 antibodies

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite.

The world's second-biggest&nbsp;economy&nbsp;had lost steam in the latter half of last year with a property slump and regulatory crackdowns, pulling down growth.

But it exceeded expectations in the first three months of 2022, growing 4.8 per cent on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, with Lunar New Year spending and factory production cajoling growth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-first-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-shanghai-since-start-of-lockdown-471757">China: First COVID-19 deaths reported in Shanghai since start of lockdown</a>

The weeks ahead, however, appear treacherous for the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;with Beijing's unrelenting zero-Covid approach to outbreaks clogging supply chains and locking down tens of millions of people -- including in the economic dynamos of Shanghai and Shenzhen as well as the northeastern grain basket of Jilin.

Virus restrictions in March have already gouged at retail sales, as consumers shied away from shopping, and drove up unemployment.

"With the domestic and international environment becoming increasingly complicated and uncertain, economic development is facing significant difficulties and challenges," NBS spokesman Fu Linghui said on Monday.

The pandemic rebound -- as well as the sanctions binding Russia's&nbsp;economy&nbsp;-- ups the ante on officials to deliver Beijing's full-year growth target of around 5.5 per cent.

The target comes in a pivotal political year for President Xi Jinping who is eyeing another term in power at the Party Congress to be held this autumn.

Watch |&nbsp;China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades

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The current virus outbreak is the worst since the peak of the first wave which emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;is beginning to weaken.&nbsp;

Industrial production growth eased to 5.0 per cent in March, NBS data showed, down from the January-February period.

Meanwhile, retail sales sank 3.5 per cent and the urban unemployment rate ticked up to a 22-month high of 5.8 per cent last month.

"March activity data suggests that&nbsp;China's&nbsp;economy&nbsp;slowed, especially in household consumption," Tommy Wu, lead&nbsp;China&nbsp;economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note.

Worse to come

China's government is trying to balance "minimising disruption against controlling the latest wave of Covid infections", Wu said, but he warned of a drag on economic activity into May or beyond.

Last week, carmakers including XPeng and Volkswagen warned of severe disruptions to supply chains and possibly even a halt on production completely if the lockdown on Shanghai's 25 million inhabitants persisted.

Already, goods are piling up at the world's busiest container port in Shanghai, prompting shipping giant Maersk to say it will stop taking new bookings for refrigerated containers into the city.

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"Further impacts&nbsp;from lockdowns are imminent," said Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater&nbsp;China&nbsp;at ING.

As Shanghai struggles to rein in an outbreak that has seen tens of thousands of daily cases, Pang said other cities may attempt to replicate Shenzhen's success in reopening swiftly by resorting to strict measures with just a few Covid patients.

The southern tech powerhouse went into full lockdown for almost a week in March, but has since eased restrictions.

Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics cautioned that "the worst is still to come".

Fu of the NBS warned of high commodity prices on Monday with the Russia-Ukraine conflict leading to a decline in the availability of commodities such as corn and wheat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-begins-sending-its-most-advanced-fighter-plane-to-patrol-disputed-seas-471337">China begins sending its most advanced fighter plane to patrol disputed seas</a>

Although&nbsp;China's central bank has announced a reserve ratio cut, lowering the amount of cash banks must hold in a push to support small businesses, experts say officials were taking a restrained approach to stimulus.

But economists expect officials will eventually publish a growth figure consistent with official targets, as part of doubts that the numbers may be massaged for political reasons.

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite.

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite. The world's second-biggest economy had lost steam in the latter half of last year with a property slump and regulatory crackdowns, pulling down growth. But it exceeded expectations in the first three months of 2022, growing 4.8 per cent on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, with Lunar New Year spending and factory production cajoling growth. Also read | China: First COVID-19 deaths reported in Shanghai since start of lockdown The weeks ahead, however, appear treacherous for the economy with Beijing's unrelenting zero-Covid approach to outbreaks clogging supply chains and locking down tens of millions of people -- including in the economic dynamos of Shanghai and Shenzhen as well as the northeastern grain basket of Jilin. Virus restrictions in March have already gouged at retail sales, as consumers shied away from shopping, and drove up unemployment. "With the domestic and international environment becoming increasingly complicated and uncertain, economic development is facing significant difficulties and challenges," NBS spokesman Fu Linghui said on Monday. The pandemic rebound -- as well as the sanctions binding Russia's economy -- ups the ante on officials to deliver Beijing's full-year growth target of around 5.5 per cent. The target comes in a pivotal political year for President Xi Jinping who is eyeing another term in power at the Party Congress to be held this autumn. Watch | China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades The current virus outbreak is the worst since the peak of the first wave which emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and the economy is beginning to weaken. Industrial production growth eased to 5.0 per cent in March, NBS data showed, down from the January-February period. Meanwhile, retail sales sank 3.5 per cent and the urban unemployment rate ticked up to a 22-month high of 5.8 per cent last month. "March activity data suggests that China's economy slowed, especially in household consumption," Tommy Wu, lead China economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note. Worse to come China's government is trying to balance "minimising disruption against controlling the latest wave of Covid infections", Wu said, but he warned of a drag on economic activity into May or beyond. Last week, carmakers including XPeng and Volkswagen warned of severe disruptions to supply chains and possibly even a halt on production completely if the lockdown on Shanghai's 25 million inhabitants persisted. Already, goods are piling up at the world's busiest container port in Shanghai, prompting shipping giant Maersk to say it will stop taking new bookings for refrigerated containers into the city. Also read | Japan scrambled jets over 1,000 times amid Chinese, Russian air activity "Further impacts from lockdowns are imminent," said Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater China at ING. As Shanghai struggles to rein in an outbreak that has seen tens of thousands of daily cases, Pang said other cities may attempt to replicate Shenzhen's success in reopening swiftly by resorting to strict measures with just a few Covid patients. The southern tech powerhouse went into full lockdown for almost a week in March, but has since eased restrictions. Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics cautioned that "the worst is still to come". Fu of the NBS warned of high commodity prices on Monday with the Russia-Ukraine conflict leading to a decline in the availability of commodities such as corn and wheat. Also read | China begins sending its most advanced fighter plane to patrol disputed seas Although China's central bank has announced a reserve ratio cut, lowering the amount of cash banks must hold in a push to support small businesses, experts say officials were taking a restrained approach to stimulus. But economists expect officials will eventually publish a growth figure consistent with official targets, as part of doubts that the numbers may be massaged for political reasons.

China economy accelerates in Q1 but virus stalks outlook

China's zero-covid policy is impacting the economy. Lockdown has adversely impacted manufacturing in China and analysts have predicted the lowest GDP in decades.

China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades

While Covid restrictions are being lifted across the world, China and South Korea have reported a spike in infections. Should we be worried as cases rise? Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life? Watch this special discussion to know more!

Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life?

China looks nowhere close to winning the battle to contain its biggest covid-19 outbreak. Shanghai is converting residential buildings into quarantine centers to house a mounting number of COVID-19 cases but the move is sparking anger to protest among residents. To get more details, we're joined by Peter Catterall, Journalist from Beijing.

China's strict 'zero Covid policy' backfires, record surge in Covid cases in Shanghai

In Shanghai, residents are screaming for help from their balconies. Chinese health officials are now admitting the situation in the city is grim. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Shanghai Covid Outbreak: Indian consulate "inaccessible"

China's&nbsp;factory-gate&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;was&nbsp;higher&nbsp;than&nbsp;expected&nbsp;in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices&nbsp;while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs.

The producer price index (PPI) -- measuring the cost of goods at the&nbsp;factory&nbsp;gate -- grew 8.3 per cent on-year, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures showed.

This was slightly more&nbsp;than&nbsp;a Bloomberg poll of economists&nbsp;expected, while PPI also rose on-month.

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"Geopolitical and other factors have pushed global commodity&nbsp;prices&nbsp;to continue increasing, driving the&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of&nbsp;oil, non-ferrous metals and other related industries to rise further domestically," NBS senior statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement.

China's consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of retail&nbsp;inflation, rose more&nbsp;than&nbsp;expected&nbsp;as well, by 1.5 per cent on-year in March, the NBS said.

Although consumer demand eased after festive periods earlier in the year, some food&nbsp;prices&nbsp;have picked up due to "rising international&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of wheat, corn and soybeans" and domestic COVID-19 outbreaks, Dong said.

This comes as world food&nbsp;prices&nbsp;hit an all-time high in March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an agricultural powerhouse, according to a UN agency.

Watch |&nbsp;US: China to impose arbitrary COVID rules amid record rise in COVID cases

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-china-to-impose-arbitrary-covid-rules-amid-record-rise-in-covid-cases-470027/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia and Ukraine make up a massive share of exports in major commodities such as wheat, vegetable&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and corn.

Zhaopeng Xing of ANZ Research said energy&nbsp;prices&nbsp;had "become the major driver for both CPI and PPI".

"CPI&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;could rise further in April as households across&nbsp;China&nbsp;have been stocking up on food and other necessities after taking lessons from the fallout of Shanghai's lockdown," Nomura's chief&nbsp;China&nbsp;economist Ting Lu told AFP.

As the financial hub locked down almost entirely in recent weeks, residents had trouble getting groceries while Covid controls snarled supply chains to the rest of the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-virus-accusations-as-shanghai-lockdown-drags-on-469971">China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on</a>

"Due to lockdowns and transport disruptions in northeast&nbsp;China, the largest grain production base in&nbsp;China, this year's spring farming may have been delayed and the risk of food shortage may rise in the second half," Lu added.

This piles pressure on the worsening global food shortage caused by the military conflict in Ukraine, he said.

China's factory-gate inflation was higher than expected in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up oil prices while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs.

China's factory-gate inflation was higher than expected in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up oil prices while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs. The producer price index (PPI) -- measuring the cost of goods at the factory gate -- grew 8.3 per cent on-year, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures showed. This was slightly more than a Bloomberg poll of economists expected, while PPI also rose on-month. Also read | China makes secret delivery of anti-aircraft missiles to Serbia: Report "Geopolitical and other factors have pushed global commodity prices to continue increasing, driving the prices of oil, non-ferrous metals and other related industries to rise further domestically," NBS senior statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement. China's consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of retail inflation, rose more than expected as well, by 1.5 per cent on-year in March, the NBS said. Although consumer demand eased after festive periods earlier in the year, some food prices have picked up due to "rising international prices of wheat, corn and soybeans" and domestic COVID-19 outbreaks, Dong said. This comes as world food prices hit an all-time high in March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an agricultural powerhouse, according to a UN agency. Watch | US: China to impose arbitrary COVID rules amid record rise in COVID cases Russia and Ukraine make up a massive share of exports in major commodities such as wheat, vegetable oil and corn. Zhaopeng Xing of ANZ Research said energy prices had "become the major driver for both CPI and PPI". "CPI inflation could rise further in April as households across China have been stocking up on food and other necessities after taking lessons from the fallout of Shanghai's lockdown," Nomura's chief China economist Ting Lu told AFP. As the financial hub locked down almost entirely in recent weeks, residents had trouble getting groceries while Covid controls snarled supply chains to the rest of the country. Also read | China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on "Due to lockdowns and transport disruptions in northeast China, the largest grain production base in China, this year's spring farming may have been delayed and the risk of food shortage may rise in the second half," Lu added. This piles pressure on the worsening global food shortage caused by the military conflict in Ukraine, he said.

China factory inflation higher than expected as oil prices bite

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities.

Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms.

The city of 26 million is under a tight lockdown, with many residents confined to their homes for up to three weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-releases-thousands-of-recovered-covid-patients-but-new-cases-continue-to-rise-470006">Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise</a>

No such lockdown has yet been announced for Guangzhou, a metropolis of 18 million northwest of Hong Kong that is home to many top companies and China's busiest airport. Just 27 cases were reported in the city on Monday.

However, primary and middle schools have been switched to online after an initial 23 local infections were detected last week. An exhibition center was being converted into a makeshift hospital after authorities said earlier they would begin citywide mass testing.

Only citizens with a "definite need" to leave Guangzhou can do so, and only if they test negative for the virus within 48 hours of departure, city spokesperson Chen Bin said in a social media announcement.

China has stuck to its zero-covid strategy of handling outbreaks with strict isolation and mass testing, despite complaints in Shanghai over shortages of food and medical services.

China's government and the entirely state-controlled media are growing increasingly defensive about complaints over the COVID-19 prevention measures, censoring content online and rebuking foreign critics.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Sunday said China had lodged solemn representations with the US&nbsp;after the State Department advised Americans to reconsider travelling to China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. US&nbsp;Officials cited a risk of parents and children being separated.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters

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China was strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the US&nbsp;Side's groundless accusation against China's epidemic response, Zhao said.

Despite that, and indications the hardline policy is being dictated by the head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping, China has rejected any notion that its response is political in nature. Xi has demanded social stability above all else in the runup to a key party congress later this year at which he is expected to bestow on himself an unprecedented third term as party leader.

The English-language China Daily acknowledged that Shanghai's measures are far from perfect," and pointed to the firing last week of three local officials for failing in their duties. But it said that shouldn't become an excuse to politicise the event and blame China.

Despite the large number of cases, no new deaths have been reported in the Shanghai wave, possibly because the omicron variant is less deadly than older variants.

City authorities also say they have secured daily supplies for residents, following complaints about deliveries of food and other necessities.

Residents have resorted to group buying of groceries because they are not allowed to leave their buildings, with only partial success in obtaining needed items.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-virus-accusations-as-shanghai-lockdown-drags-on-469971">China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on</a>

The capital Beijing has seen relatively few restrictions, although the Erjiefang neighborhood including the famed 798 art district has been cordoned off and classified as high risk after eight infections were reported there over the past two weeks.

China is facing one of its worst local outbreaks since the pandemic began. China is still mostly closed to international travel, even as most of the world has sought ways to live with the virus.

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities. Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms.

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities. Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms. The city of 26 million is under a tight lockdown, with many residents confined to their homes for up to three weeks. Also read | Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise No such lockdown has yet been announced for Guangzhou, a metropolis of 18 million northwest of Hong Kong that is home to many top companies and China's busiest airport. Just 27 cases were reported in the city on Monday. However, primary and middle schools have been switched to online after an initial 23 local infections were detected last week. An exhibition center was being converted into a makeshift hospital after authorities said earlier they would begin citywide mass testing. Only citizens with a "definite need" to leave Guangzhou can do so, and only if they test negative for the virus within 48 hours of departure, city spokesperson Chen Bin said in a social media announcement. China has stuck to its zero-covid strategy of handling outbreaks with strict isolation and mass testing, despite complaints in Shanghai over shortages of food and medical services. China's government and the entirely state-controlled media are growing increasingly defensive about complaints over the COVID-19 prevention measures, censoring content online and rebuking foreign critics. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Sunday said China had lodged solemn representations with the US after the State Department advised Americans to reconsider travelling to China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. US Officials cited a risk of parents and children being separated. Watch | Gravitas | Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters China was strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the US Side's groundless accusation against China's epidemic response, Zhao said. Despite that, and indications the hardline policy is being dictated by the head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping, China has rejected any notion that its response is political in nature. Xi has demanded social stability above all else in the runup to a key party congress later this year at which he is expected to bestow on himself an unprecedented third term as party leader. The English-language China Daily acknowledged that Shanghai's measures are far from perfect," and pointed to the firing last week of three local officials for failing in their duties. But it said that shouldn't become an excuse to politicise the event and blame China. Despite the large number of cases, no new deaths have been reported in the Shanghai wave, possibly because the omicron variant is less deadly than older variants. City authorities also say they have secured daily supplies for residents, following complaints about deliveries of food and other necessities. Residents have resorted to group buying of groceries because they are not allowed to leave their buildings, with only partial success in obtaining needed items. Also read | China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on The capital Beijing has seen relatively few restrictions, although the Erjiefang neighborhood including the famed 798 art district has been cordoned off and classified as high risk after eight infections were reported there over the past two weeks. China is facing one of its worst local outbreaks since the pandemic began. China is still mostly closed to international travel, even as most of the world has sought ways to live with the virus.

COVID-19: China closes Guangzhou to most arrivals as outbreak spreads

The government has decided to lift the lockdown in Shanghai after the number of positive cases were found in the last two weeks to have decreased substantially. Shanghai was under a very strict lockdown since the 28th of march.

Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents

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