Shanghai began a phased lockdown to contain COVID-19 cases as healthcare workers began mass testing on Monday.

People rushed to buy essentials as authorities said they would close down cross-river bridges and tunnels. The lockdown is set to impact several important services as the city is a major global hub. US automaker Tesla said it was suspending production since its factory is located&nbsp;in the lockdown area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-residents-panic-sleep-in-office-as-lockdown-threats-loom-amid-chinas-biggest-covid-19-outbreak-464923">Also Read:&nbsp;Shanghai residents panic, sleep in office as lockdown threats loom&nbsp;</a>

World oil prices rose sharply as Shanghai's phased lockdown began on Monday with&nbsp;millions of people in China's financial hub confined to their homes. US benchmark oil contract, West Texas Intermediate(WTI) slid&nbsp;five per cent amid energy demand fears.

The eastern half of the city went into lockdown, however, the authorities kept the ports and the city's two airports open.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas:&nbsp;Shanghai lockdown threatens China's economy

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China has been battling against the&nbsp;Omicron wave in the past month with surging coronavirus cases. The country has witnessed the highest number of cases in the past month since the virus first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019.

The country's National Health Commission reported over 4,500 new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday.

Coronavirus cases in China had begun to rise in September last year as the Delta variant began surging as officials lockdown several cities, however, the Omicron wave has engulfed the country in the past two months triggering stricter measures.

Chinese officials are set to lockdown Shanghai's western half on April 1 until April 5 as the city grapples with the virus. China has been following zero-Covid measures however it has failed to halt the coronavirus cases.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Shanghai began a phased lockdown to contain COVID-19 cases as healthcare workers began mass testing on Monday. People rushed to buy essentials as authorities said they would close down cross-river bridges and tunnels.

Shanghai began a phased lockdown to contain COVID-19 cases as healthcare workers began mass testing on Monday. People rushed to buy essentials as authorities said they would close down cross-river bridges and tunnels. The lockdown is set to impact several important services as the city is a major global hub. US automaker Tesla said it was suspending production since its factory is located in the lockdown area. Also Read: Shanghai residents panic, sleep in office as lockdown threats loom World oil prices rose sharply as Shanghai's phased lockdown began on Monday with millions of people in China's financial hub confined to their homes. US benchmark oil contract, West Texas Intermediate(WTI) slid five per cent amid energy demand fears. The eastern half of the city went into lockdown, however, the authorities kept the ports and the city's two airports open. Watch | Gravitas: Shanghai lockdown threatens China's economy China has been battling against the Omicron wave in the past month with surging coronavirus cases. The country has witnessed the highest number of cases in the past month since the virus first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019. The country's National Health Commission reported over 4,500 new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday. Coronavirus cases in China had begun to rise in September last year as the Delta variant began surging as officials lockdown several cities, however, the Omicron wave has engulfed the country in the past two months triggering stricter measures. Chinese officials are set to lockdown Shanghai's western half on April 1 until April 5 as the city grapples with the virus. China has been following zero-Covid measures however it has failed to halt the coronavirus cases. (With inputs from Agencies)

Shanghai lockdown begins as authorities start mass testing

Shanghai will launch a phased lockdown to curb an Omicron-fuelled Covid-19 outbreak that has hit China with its highest caseloads since the early days of the pandemic, the city government said Sunday.

China's biggest city will lock down its eastern half for five days of testing beginning on Monday, the government said, followed by a similar lockdown of its western side beginning on April 1.

The city is using two stadiums as quarantine facilities for mild cases and asymptomatic carriers, said city health official Wu Jinglei.

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New daily COVID-19 cases in the Chinese commercial hub of Shanghai remained close to 1,000 on Sunday as authorities scrambled to identify and isolate asymptomatic infections.

Queues were seen forming at grocers, as the city said more districts would be locked down for mass testing with residents told not to leave home unless strictly necessary. The testing campaign is part of Beijing's national "dynamic clearance" policy to stamp out flare-ups as quickly as possible.

Throughout the city, while some compounds were unsealed, others were shut for several more days to try to eliminate transmission chains. Some residents said they would be sealed off for two weeks after a neighbour tested positive.

Disney Co. said Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park have also been closed until further notice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-hong-kong-says-to-halve-flight-suspension-rule-to-seven-days-465864">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Hong Kong says to halve flight suspension rule to seven days</a>

National authorities have warned local governments against slackening in their virus control efforts and reiterated that infections should be identified and isolated quickly, while acknowledging that officials should minimise the economic and social impact of COVID restrictions.

To contain its biggest coronavirus flareup in two years, bus service into the city has been suspended and visitors are required to show a negative virus test.

China's latest waves of infections and local governments' virus measures have also hit the cultural and entertainment sectors, with the China Association of Performing Arts expecting the cancellation or postponement of about 9,000 performances in the first three months the year.

Incomes from performances over that time are expected to fall by more than 35 per cent compared with the same period last year, the association said.

By March 26, mainland China had reported 137,231 cases with confirmed symptoms, including both local ones and those arriving from outside the mainland. There were no new deaths, leaving the death toll at 4,638.

The government said last week it was trying to fine-tune anti-disease controls to reduce their economic cost and impact on society.

(With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai will launch a phased lockdown to curb an Omicron-fuelled Covid-19 outbreak that has hit China with its highest caseloads since the early days of the pandemic, the city government said Sunday.

Shanghai will launch a phased lockdown to curb an Omicron-fuelled Covid-19 outbreak that has hit China with its highest caseloads since the early days of the pandemic, the city government said Sunday. China's biggest city will lock down its eastern half for five days of testing beginning on Monday, the government said, followed by a similar lockdown of its western side beginning on April 1. The city is using two stadiums as quarantine facilities for mild cases and asymptomatic carriers, said city health official Wu Jinglei. New daily COVID-19 cases in the Chinese commercial hub of Shanghai remained close to 1,000 on Sunday as authorities scrambled to identify and isolate asymptomatic infections. Queues were seen forming at grocers, as the city said more districts would be locked down for mass testing with residents told not to leave home unless strictly necessary. The testing campaign is part of Beijing's national "dynamic clearance" policy to stamp out flare-ups as quickly as possible. Throughout the city, while some compounds were unsealed, others were shut for several more days to try to eliminate transmission chains. Some residents said they would be sealed off for two weeks after a neighbour tested positive. Disney Co. said Shanghai Disneyland, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park have also been closed until further notice. Also read | COVID-19: Hong Kong says to halve flight suspension rule to seven days National authorities have warned local governments against slackening in their virus control efforts and reiterated that infections should be identified and isolated quickly, while acknowledging that officials should minimise the economic and social impact of COVID restrictions. To contain its biggest coronavirus flareup in two years, bus service into the city has been suspended and visitors are required to show a negative virus test. China's latest waves of infections and local governments' virus measures have also hit the cultural and entertainment sectors, with the China Association of Performing Arts expecting the cancellation or postponement of about 9,000 performances in the first three months the year. Incomes from performances over that time are expected to fall by more than 35 per cent compared with the same period last year, the association said. By March 26, mainland China had reported 137,231 cases with confirmed symptoms, including both local ones and those arriving from outside the mainland. There were no new deaths, leaving the death toll at 4,638. The government said last week it was trying to fine-tune anti-disease controls to reduce their economic cost and impact on society. (With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai announces phased lockdown to curb an Omicron-fuelled COVID-19 outbreak

Hundreds are dancing away the lockdown blues in Shanghai after the city's nighclubs were allowed to re-open in mid-March.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The parties have finally regained their groove, after two months. 
&nbsp; 
People flocking&nbsp;to the clubs are being greeting by new party rules including&nbsp;disposable cups, disinfectants and&nbsp;masks.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/post-pandemic-nightclub-experience-in-china-gives-a-glimpse-of-the-future-300883" hreflang="en">Post-pandemic nightclub experience in China gives a glimpse of the future</a> 
&nbsp; 
Clubs across Shanghai are not willing to compromise on safety and have taken elaborate measures to avoid infection.

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Photo booths or props counters have been replaced by sanitizer dispensers and temperature checks are mandatory for all guests.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
They also require to fill a lengthy form mentioning all personal details. 
&nbsp; 
The staff is has also been issued guidelines to be followed. Bouncers, bartenders and waiters need to wear masks and gloves all the time. While, door handles and washrooms need to be disinfected every hour.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Nightclubs have been a part of the recent headlines because of being breeding grounds for the deadly virus. 
&nbsp; 
In South Korea's capital Seoul, several clubs were linked to a cluster outbeak earlier in May.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
But approximately 900 kilometers away, party-goers in Shanghai are confident that partying is not unsafe. 
&nbsp; 
Compromising&nbsp;on social distancing measures, could become turn out be&nbsp;very expensive.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Half-way across the world, hundreds of the ozarks courted trouble in Missouri, US&nbsp;as they jumped into a summer pool party as they social distancing out of the pool. 
&nbsp; 
The Memorial day weekend was celebrated by breaching all safety protocols.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/americans-spend-memorial-day-weekend-at-beaches-and-parks-amid-pandemic-rage-300896" hreflang="en">Americans spend Memorial Day weekend at beaches and parks amid pandemic rage</a> 
&nbsp; 
However, the good news, is that rules aren't being broken everywhere. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
A new form of beach life has emerged in Larnaca, Cyprus in which there are sunbeds, parasols and water-sports but no compromise on social distancing. 
&nbsp; 
Sunbathers displayed how safety and party can very well go hand-in-hand as they returned to the beach this weekend.

Hundreds are dancing away the lockdown blues in Shanghai after the city's nighclubs were allowed to re-open in mid-March. The parties have finally regained their groove, after two months.

Hundreds are dancing away the lockdown blues in Shanghai after the city's nighclubs were allowed to re-open in mid-March. The parties have finally regained their groove, after two months. People flocking to the clubs are being greeting by new party rules including disposable cups, disinfectants and masks. Also see: Post-pandemic nightclub experience in China gives a glimpse of the future Clubs across Shanghai are not willing to compromise on safety and have taken elaborate measures to avoid infection. × Photo booths or props counters have been replaced by sanitizer dispensers and temperature checks are mandatory for all guests. They also require to fill a lengthy form mentioning all personal details. The staff is has also been issued guidelines to be followed. Bouncers, bartenders and waiters need to wear masks and gloves all the time. While, door handles and washrooms need to be disinfected every hour. Nightclubs have been a part of the recent headlines because of being breeding grounds for the deadly virus. In South Korea's capital Seoul, several clubs were linked to a cluster outbeak earlier in May. But approximately 900 kilometers away, party-goers in Shanghai are confident that partying is not unsafe. Compromising on social distancing measures, could become turn out be very expensive. Half-way across the world, hundreds of the ozarks courted trouble in Missouri, US as they jumped into a summer pool party as they social distancing out of the pool. The Memorial day weekend was celebrated by breaching all safety protocols. Also see: Americans spend Memorial Day weekend at beaches and parks amid pandemic rage However, the good news, is that rules aren't being broken everywhere. A new form of beach life has emerged in Larnaca, Cyprus in which there are sunbeds, parasols and water-sports but no compromise on social distancing. Sunbathers displayed how safety and party can very well go hand-in-hand as they returned to the beach this weekend.

Much needed break or threat to life? Significance of following social distancing norms

Walt Disney Co reopened its Shanghai Disneyland park on Monday to a reduced number of visitors, ending a roughly three-month closure caused by the coronavirus outbreak. 
 
This marks a milestone for Walt Disney and provides a glimpse of how it might recover from the pandemic that has forced it to shut parks in Asia, the United States, and France, as well as operations at its retail stores and cruise ships. 
 
At the Shanghai park, Walt Disney has put in place measures, including social distancing, masks and temperature screenings for visitors and employees, and is for now keeping visitor numbers "far below" 24,000 people, or 30% of the daily capacity, a level requested by the Chinese government. 
 
Tickets for the earliest days of Shanghai Disneyland`s re-opening sold out rapidly on Friday. 
 
"We hope that today`s reopening can serve as a beacon of light across the globe, providing hope and inspiration for everyone, and can demonstrate that we can overcome any challenge together," Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, said at a ceremony. 
 
Prior to the park`s reopening, roughly thirty annual pass holders in Mickey Mouse outfits waited outside its gates where, to enforce social distancing, yellow squares had been drawn on the ground for people queuing to stand in. 
 
One of them, who gave her English name as Kaira, said prior to the outbreak she typically visited Disneyland once every week. "It`s relaxing here, it`s kind of magical," she said. 
 
Disney executives estimated last week the global closures will cost the company $1.4 billion in profits.

Walt Disney Co reopened its Shanghai Disneyland park on Monday to a reduced number of visitors, ending a roughly three-month closure caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Walt Disney Co reopened its Shanghai Disneyland park on Monday to a reduced number of visitors, ending a roughly three-month closure caused by the coronavirus outbreak. This marks a milestone for Walt Disney and provides a glimpse of how it might recover from the pandemic that has forced it to shut parks in Asia, the United States, and France, as well as operations at its retail stores and cruise ships. At the Shanghai park, Walt Disney has put in place measures, including social distancing, masks and temperature screenings for visitors and employees, and is for now keeping visitor numbers "far below" 24,000 people, or 30% of the daily capacity, a level requested by the Chinese government. Tickets for the earliest days of Shanghai Disneyland`s re-opening sold out rapidly on Friday. "We hope that today`s reopening can serve as a beacon of light across the globe, providing hope and inspiration for everyone, and can demonstrate that we can overcome any challenge together," Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, said at a ceremony. Prior to the park`s reopening, roughly thirty annual pass holders in Mickey Mouse outfits waited outside its gates where, to enforce social distancing, yellow squares had been drawn on the ground for people queuing to stand in. One of them, who gave her English name as Kaira, said prior to the outbreak she typically visited Disneyland once every week. "It`s relaxing here, it`s kind of magical," she said. Disney executives estimated last week the global closures will cost the company $1.4 billion in profits.

Shanghai Disneyland re-opens after three-month closure due to coronavirus