The Covid-19 pandemic slowly seems to be waning as several countries have reported a massive slump in new infections but covid cases in china's financial capital shanghai have made the world wary of letting their guards down. In the latest, the US has now ordered all non-essential employees in Shanghai's consulate to evacuate the cities.

US embassy issues warnings about China's covid-19 curbs, asks non-essential employees to evacuate

Even as China faces a drastic rise in the number of reported coronavirus cases, the country continues to stick to its ‘zero Covid’ policy. The US said on Tuesday that it had ordered all non-essential embassy personnel from the US consulate in Shanghai to leave due to China's tight lockdowns.

China’s "zero Covid" policy aims to eliminate infections using rigid lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-shanghai-residents-loot-supermarket-as-covid-lockdown-spurs-food-scarcity-470063">Watch: Shanghai residents loot supermarket as Covid lockdown spurs food scarcity</a>

As per an AFP report, due to a sudden surge of cases in March, the policy has come under a strain in Shanghai.&nbsp;Last month more than 100,000 cases were reported in the city of 25 million population. This led to a lockdown of the city, which in turn led to public panic and outcry over food shortages.

The inflexible policy of sending those who tested positive to quarantine centres also invited criticism, not only from citizens but also from other countries. Nations voiced their concerns about children being separated from their families.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China: Shanghai's covid-19 infections rise by 25,000, authorities shaping an exit plan from lockdown

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A statement by US’s Beijing embassy said that the US State Department has ordered the departure "due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak", and as there was concern among American diplomats “about the safety and welfare of US citizens with People's Republic of China officials."&nbsp;

"It is best for our employees and their families to be reduced in number and our operations to be scaled down as we deal with the changing circumstances on the ground," added the statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-eases-child-separation-under-covid-policy-but-extends-lockdown-468926">Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown</a>

Beijing has responded to the US complaints, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian blasting the US for making "groundless accusations" and stressing that China's strategy is "scientific and effective."

Shanghai officials have said that the city will not relax in the least and that they are preparing tens of thousands of extra beds to accommodate anybody who tests positive for the virus, regardless of whether or not they show symptoms.

According to a Reuters report, despite an increase in instances, Shanghai on Monday began to ease the lockdown since it is becoming increasingly difficult for residents of China's wealthiest city to obtain food and medications.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as China faces a drastic rise in the number of reported coronavirus cases, the country continues to stick to its ‘zero Covid’ policy. The US said on Tuesday that it had ordered all non-essential embassy personnel from the US consulate in Shanghai to leave due to China's tight lockdowns.

Even as China faces a drastic rise in the number of reported coronavirus cases, the country continues to stick to its ‘zero Covid’ policy. The US said on Tuesday that it had ordered all non-essential embassy personnel from the US consulate in Shanghai to leave due to China's tight lockdowns. China’s "zero Covid" policy aims to eliminate infections using rigid lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions. Also read | Watch: Shanghai residents loot supermarket as Covid lockdown spurs food scarcity As per an AFP report, due to a sudden surge of cases in March, the policy has come under a strain in Shanghai. Last month more than 100,000 cases were reported in the city of 25 million population. This led to a lockdown of the city, which in turn led to public panic and outcry over food shortages. The inflexible policy of sending those who tested positive to quarantine centres also invited criticism, not only from citizens but also from other countries. Nations voiced their concerns about children being separated from their families. Watch | China: Shanghai's covid-19 infections rise by 25,000, authorities shaping an exit plan from lockdown A statement by US’s Beijing embassy said that the US State Department has ordered the departure "due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak", and as there was concern among American diplomats “about the safety and welfare of US citizens with People's Republic of China officials." "It is best for our employees and their families to be reduced in number and our operations to be scaled down as we deal with the changing circumstances on the ground," added the statement. Also read | Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown Beijing has responded to the US complaints, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian blasting the US for making "groundless accusations" and stressing that China's strategy is "scientific and effective." Shanghai officials have said that the city will not relax in the least and that they are preparing tens of thousands of extra beds to accommodate anybody who tests positive for the virus, regardless of whether or not they show symptoms. According to a Reuters report, despite an increase in instances, Shanghai on Monday began to ease the lockdown since it is becoming increasingly difficult for residents of China's wealthiest city to obtain food and medications. (With inputs from agencies)

Due to China's hard lockdowns, US orders non-essential staff to leave Shanghai embassy

The surge of covid-19 has taken a toll on China and due to the spiraling number of cases the stringent lockdown restrictions have shown no signs of easing.

Shanghai logs 24,943 new covid-19 cases, China says confident about 'zero covid' strategy

China looks nowhere close to winning the battle to contain its biggest covid-19 outbreak. The covid situation in China's financial center of Shanghai is worsening as authorities are shaping an exit plan from Lockdown; On Sunday Shanghai reported more than 25,000 new covid-19 infections.

China: Shanghai's covid-19 infections rise by 25,000, authorities shaping an exit plan from lockdown

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

China blasted the United States for making "groundless accusations" about its Covid-19 policy, after surging cases in Shanghai prompted the American consulate to let some staff leave the locked-down megacity.

Beijing's zero-Covid strategy has come under strain since March as over 100,000 cases in Shanghai have seen its 25 million inhabitants locked down in phases, inciting complaints of food shortages and clashes with health workers.

The US embassy said Saturday it would permit non-essential employees to leave its consulate in Shanghai due to the case surge, warning citizens in China they may face "arbitrary enforcement" of virus curbs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-vows-to-improve-food-deliveries-as-discontent-grows-over-covid-curbs-469021">Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs</a>

In response, Beijing expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US side's groundless accusations about China's epidemic control policy", according to a statement issued Saturday on the foreign ministry's website.

"This is the US's own decision. However, it must be pointed out that China's epidemic control policy is scientific and effective," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, adding that Beijing had lodged "solemn representations" with American counterparts.

"We have full confidence that Shanghai and other places will overcome this round of the epidemic."

China is sticking fast to a policy of snap lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions to staunch the spread of the virus even as Shanghai's daily case numbers have spiralled under an Omicron-fuelled wave.

The business hub reported a record 24,943 new infections on Sunday -- mostly asymptomatic, accounting for over 90 percent of the national total.

Watch |&nbsp;Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents

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Authorities have readied tens of thousands of new beds in over 100 makeshift hospitals as part of a policy of isolating every person who tests positive for the virus -- whether or not they show any symptoms.

Locals have begun to chafe at lockdown restrictions with many taking to social media to vent anger at food shortages and heavy-handed controls -- including the recent killing of a pet corgi by a health worker.

An unpopular policy of separating infected children from their virus-free parents -- now softened -- also triggered a rare show of public anger this week.

But officials are not budging on their zero-tolerance approach.&nbsp;

City health official Wu Qianyu said during a Sunday press conference the city "would not relax in the slightest".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-moves-a-number-of-covid-19-patients-to-neighbouring-province-of-zhejiang-469095">Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang&nbsp;</a>

Major online delivery platforms said they would bolster food stocks and draft in thousands of drivers to strengthen the supply of basic goods.

In an interview with a local news outlet on Saturday, Zhang Wenhong -- a top doctor in Shanghai's pandemic fight -- acknowledged the impact on the healthcare system but said "realising dynamic zero ... will help to resume normal medical order as early as possible".

China blasted the United States for making "groundless accusations" about its Covid-19 policy, after surging cases in Shanghai prompted the American consulate to let some staff leave the locked-down megacity.

China blasted the United States for making "groundless accusations" about its Covid-19 policy, after surging cases in Shanghai prompted the American consulate to let some staff leave the locked-down megacity. Beijing's zero-Covid strategy has come under strain since March as over 100,000 cases in Shanghai have seen its 25 million inhabitants locked down in phases, inciting complaints of food shortages and clashes with health workers. The US embassy said Saturday it would permit non-essential employees to leave its consulate in Shanghai due to the case surge, warning citizens in China they may face "arbitrary enforcement" of virus curbs. Also read | Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs In response, Beijing expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US side's groundless accusations about China's epidemic control policy", according to a statement issued Saturday on the foreign ministry's website. "This is the US's own decision. However, it must be pointed out that China's epidemic control policy is scientific and effective," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, adding that Beijing had lodged "solemn representations" with American counterparts. "We have full confidence that Shanghai and other places will overcome this round of the epidemic." China is sticking fast to a policy of snap lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions to staunch the spread of the virus even as Shanghai's daily case numbers have spiralled under an Omicron-fuelled wave. The business hub reported a record 24,943 new infections on Sunday -- mostly asymptomatic, accounting for over 90 percent of the national total. Watch | Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents Authorities have readied tens of thousands of new beds in over 100 makeshift hospitals as part of a policy of isolating every person who tests positive for the virus -- whether or not they show any symptoms. Locals have begun to chafe at lockdown restrictions with many taking to social media to vent anger at food shortages and heavy-handed controls -- including the recent killing of a pet corgi by a health worker. An unpopular policy of separating infected children from their virus-free parents -- now softened -- also triggered a rare show of public anger this week. But officials are not budging on their zero-tolerance approach. City health official Wu Qianyu said during a Sunday press conference the city "would not relax in the slightest". Also read | Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang Major online delivery platforms said they would bolster food stocks and draft in thousands of drivers to strengthen the supply of basic goods. In an interview with a local news outlet on Saturday, Zhang Wenhong -- a top doctor in Shanghai's pandemic fight -- acknowledged the impact on the healthcare system but said "realising dynamic zero ... will help to resume normal medical order as early as possible".

China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on

The outrage against pandemic curbs is growing in Shanghai. Health workers are resorting to inhumane measures to contain the outbreak. Children were separated from their parents. A dog was beaten to death by a healthcare worker. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters

At a time when hypersonic missiles are being developed for potential war this Chinese company is leveraging this technology for faster travel. Space Transportation, aka Lingkong Tianxing in China, aims to make this a reality.

Shanghai to New York in two hours? This firm aims to make hypersonic passenger flights a reality

Videos of&nbsp;a pet dog killed in the name of Covid controls, expletive-strewn songs aimed at Communist authorities and scuffles with hazmat-suited officials –- seething, locked-down&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;residents are pouring scorn on China's hardline virus measures via social media.

The world's most populous country is glued to an aggressive "zero-Covid" strategy, with Beijing extracting political value from China's relatively low death rates since the pandemic began and gloating over its handling of the virus compared to Western rivals.

But well over two years since the virus first emerged,&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;now simmers under an Omicron-fulled outbreak that has 25 million city residents locked down.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-moves-a-number-of-covid-19-patients-to-neighbouring-province-of-zhejiang-469095">Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang</a>

Record caseloads have topped 20,000 a day and the lockdown -- initially billed as a phased, localised measure -- appears set to drag on, even as much of the world learns to live with Covid.

Many residents have tired of the government's grandstanding and social media has opened a window into their fury at food shortages, strict quarantines and overzealous officialdom.

In one particularly egregious video clip verified by AFP, a person in a hazmat suit is seen bludgeoning a corgi dog to death in the street.

A state-run&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;media outlet said Thursday the local neighbourhood committee had admitted culling the creature because they were "afraid of being infected", but conceded the act was "thoughtless".

The video has zipped across social media despite China's strict internet censorship.

Watch |&nbsp;China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official

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"That post about the corgi just keeps getting reshared on my WeChat moments," a&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;resident told AFP, requesting anonymity.

"I think a lot of people are going to be trying to be taking action through petitions and talking to their community... so hopefully the anger and fear turns into something more positive."

Shortages

In another dystopia-tinged viral video, a drone whirrs through a housing compound at night broadcasting a message urging residents to "control your soul's desire for freedom".&nbsp;

The video is unverified, but was billed as a local government reaction to a&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;neighbourhood, which serenaded officials with swear-word laden chants in a widely-shared clip.

Other viral videos -- whose locations have been verified by AFP -- appear to show residents scuffling with hazmat-clad officials and bursting through a barricade onto a street, yelling "we want to eat cheap vegetables!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-chinese-people-claim-quarantine-facilities-in-shanghai-have-insufficient-staff-shortage-of-food-468545">Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food</a>

Sudden stay-at-home orders have left residents short of fresh food, while delivery apps are overwhelmed each morning as demand surges and many drivers are reportedly off work fearing a positive Covid test could send them into state quarantine.

Taken together, the videos form a rare montage of public anger and a riposte to the government's narrative that it is in complete control of the pandemic.

Covid conundrum&nbsp;

China has refused to abandon its "dynamic zero" Covid strategy of border restrictions, lengthy quarantines and targeted lockdowns, even as new variants test the limits of the policy.

Any shift is unlikely while Beijing touts its pandemic controls as vindication of its right to rule, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London.&nbsp;

"Zero-Covid is not just a Party policy, but ... a Xi policy", he said, referring to China's President Xi Jinping.

"As such it cannot be wrong and cannot be abandoned -- at least not until Xi sees its continuation will harm himself or his hold on power."

Official figures show the vast majority of the more than 100,000 cases in&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;in the past month show no symptoms of Covid-19.

Yet tens of thousands of beds have been set up in centres to quarantine the infected.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-might-have-longer-impacts-on-your-brain-study-468522">Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study</a>

Officials only softened a policy of splitting Covid-positive children and babies from their virus-free parents after videos of wards full of young kids stoked public outrage.

For experts, what is happening in&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;-- and the social media backlash -- is exposing the conundrum at the heart of the central policy.

"In terms of ... balancing the need to protect health against the need to protect socioeconomic stability, I'm not sure that this is the right approach," said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Videos of a pet dog killed in the name of Covid controls, expletive-strewn songs aimed at Communist authorities and scuffles with hazmat-suited officials –- seething, locked-down Shanghai residents are pouring scorn on China's hardline virus measures via social media.

Videos of a pet dog killed in the name of Covid controls, expletive-strewn songs aimed at Communist authorities and scuffles with hazmat-suited officials –- seething, locked-down Shanghai residents are pouring scorn on China's hardline virus measures via social media. The world's most populous country is glued to an aggressive "zero-Covid" strategy, with Beijing extracting political value from China's relatively low death rates since the pandemic began and gloating over its handling of the virus compared to Western rivals. But well over two years since the virus first emerged, Shanghai now simmers under an Omicron-fulled outbreak that has 25 million city residents locked down. Also read | Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang Record caseloads have topped 20,000 a day and the lockdown -- initially billed as a phased, localised measure -- appears set to drag on, even as much of the world learns to live with Covid. Many residents have tired of the government's grandstanding and social media has opened a window into their fury at food shortages, strict quarantines and overzealous officialdom. In one particularly egregious video clip verified by AFP, a person in a hazmat suit is seen bludgeoning a corgi dog to death in the street. A state-run Shanghai media outlet said Thursday the local neighbourhood committee had admitted culling the creature because they were "afraid of being infected", but conceded the act was "thoughtless". The video has zipped across social media despite China's strict internet censorship. Watch | China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official "That post about the corgi just keeps getting reshared on my WeChat moments," a Shanghai resident told AFP, requesting anonymity. "I think a lot of people are going to be trying to be taking action through petitions and talking to their community... so hopefully the anger and fear turns into something more positive." Shortages In another dystopia-tinged viral video, a drone whirrs through a housing compound at night broadcasting a message urging residents to "control your soul's desire for freedom". The video is unverified, but was billed as a local government reaction to a Shanghai neighbourhood, which serenaded officials with swear-word laden chants in a widely-shared clip. Other viral videos -- whose locations have been verified by AFP -- appear to show residents scuffling with hazmat-clad officials and bursting through a barricade onto a street, yelling "we want to eat cheap vegetables!" Also read | Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food Sudden stay-at-home orders have left residents short of fresh food, while delivery apps are overwhelmed each morning as demand surges and many drivers are reportedly off work fearing a positive Covid test could send them into state quarantine. Taken together, the videos form a rare montage of public anger and a riposte to the government's narrative that it is in complete control of the pandemic. Covid conundrum China has refused to abandon its "dynamic zero" Covid strategy of border restrictions, lengthy quarantines and targeted lockdowns, even as new variants test the limits of the policy. Any shift is unlikely while Beijing touts its pandemic controls as vindication of its right to rule, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London. "Zero-Covid is not just a Party policy, but ... a Xi policy", he said, referring to China's President Xi Jinping. "As such it cannot be wrong and cannot be abandoned -- at least not until Xi sees its continuation will harm himself or his hold on power." Official figures show the vast majority of the more than 100,000 cases in Shanghai in the past month show no symptoms of Covid-19. Yet tens of thousands of beds have been set up in centres to quarantine the infected. Also read | Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study Officials only softened a policy of splitting Covid-positive children and babies from their virus-free parents after videos of wards full of young kids stoked public outrage. For experts, what is happening in Shanghai -- and the social media backlash -- is exposing the conundrum at the heart of the central policy. "In terms of ... balancing the need to protect health against the need to protect socioeconomic stability, I'm not sure that this is the right approach," said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations.

COVID-19: Shanghai social media unpicks China's Covid lockdown story

Shanghai has sent 12,111 people who were close contacts or people who had come in contact with COVID-19 positive patients to the province of Zhejiang, according to Xinhua press agency. <o:p></o:p>

The two neighbouring Chinese provinces reached an arrangement in the wake of the rise in cases in Shanghai recently to transfer and isolate almost 30,000 potentially infected people in the cities of Taizhou, Huzhou, Hangzhou, Jinhua and Ningbo, according to the report by Xinhua.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-backed-hackers-waged-cyberattacks-on-indian-power-grid-system-near-ladakh-report-468983">China-backed hackers waged cyberattacks on Indian power grid system: Report</a>

The move is targeted towards decreasing the pressure on the Shanghai health workers and to focus on the medical and mental health conditions in the isolation sites in both provinces.<o:p></o:p>

The supply system in Shanghai – the financial hub of China – has taken a considerable hit due to the tough restrictions due to the rising COVID-19 cases. According to the new rules, only the health workers, delivery people and individuals with special permission are allowed to move in the city.<o:p></o:p>

This has resulted in a severe crisis of distribution despite the city having a good reserve of both rice and meat, Shanghai's vice mayor Chen Tong said at a news conference on Thursday.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-covid-xe-variant-in-india-yet-government-clarifies-469066" hreflang="en">No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies</a>

According to Reuters, Tong also said that the city is looking to reopen a number of wholesale markets and food shops with the help of more people to take care of the delivery. <o:p></o:p>

"In response to the various problems reported by the public, we have been holding meetings overnight to try and figure out solutions," he was quoted as saying by the Reuters report.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;</o:p>China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-reports-highest-ever-daily-cases-shanghai-insufficiently-prepared-says-top-official-468761/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai has sent 12,111 people who were close contacts or people who had come in contact with COVID-19 positive patients to the province of Zhejiang, according to Xinhua press agency.

Shanghai has sent 12,111 people who were close contacts or people who had come in contact with COVID-19 positive patients to the province of Zhejiang, according to Xinhua press agency. The two neighbouring Chinese provinces reached an arrangement in the wake of the rise in cases in Shanghai recently to transfer and isolate almost 30,000 potentially infected people in the cities of Taizhou, Huzhou, Hangzhou, Jinhua and Ningbo, according to the report by Xinhua. Also read | China-backed hackers waged cyberattacks on Indian power grid system: Report The move is targeted towards decreasing the pressure on the Shanghai health workers and to focus on the medical and mental health conditions in the isolation sites in both provinces. The supply system in Shanghai – the financial hub of China – has taken a considerable hit due to the tough restrictions due to the rising COVID-19 cases. According to the new rules, only the health workers, delivery people and individuals with special permission are allowed to move in the city. This has resulted in a severe crisis of distribution despite the city having a good reserve of both rice and meat, Shanghai's vice mayor Chen Tong said at a news conference on Thursday. Also read | No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies According to Reuters, Tong also said that the city is looking to reopen a number of wholesale markets and food shops with the help of more people to take care of the delivery. "In response to the various problems reported by the public, we have been holding meetings overnight to try and figure out solutions," he was quoted as saying by the Reuters report. Watch | China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official (With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang

China is said to be responsible for the origin of covid-19 and has reported 20,000 fresh cases on Wednesday. This is the highest daily rise recorded in China since the beginning of the pandemic the city of shanghai has emerged as the heart of the virus surge despite being in the lockdown.

China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official

Shanghai on Wednesday made concessions on an unpopular COVID isolation policy that has separated children from their parents and sparked a public outcry, but extended a citywide lockdown that has left some residents struggling to buy food.

The lockdown of China's most populous city, which started in parts of Shanghai 10 days ago and has now confined nearly all of its 26 million residents at home, has massively disrupted daily life and business.

Public criticisms of the curbs, part of Beijing's COVID elimination strategy, have ranged from complaints over crowded and unsanitary quarantine centres to difficulties in buying food or accessing medical treatment.

While Shanghai's case numbers remain small by global standards, the city has emerged as a test bed for China's "dynamic clearance" anti-COVID strategy, which seeks to test, trace and centrally quarantine all positive cases and their close contacts.

Analysts say the restrictions' impact on the economy is mounting, especially for small businesses, with nearly 200 million people across China under some sort of lockdown, according to estimates by Nomura.

The most controversial of Shanghai's practices has been separating COVID-positive children from their parents, which came to the fore on Saturday and triggered widespread anger across the country.

The Shanghai government responded two days ago by allowing parents who were also infected to accompany their children to COVID isolation centres. But complaints persisted over children separated from parents who were not COVID-positive.

FURTHER CONCESSION

In a further concession on Wednesday, a Shanghai health official said guardians of children with special requirements who are infected with COVID could now apply to escort them, but would need to comply with certain rules and sign a letter saying they were aware of the risks.

When pressed for further information, the Shanghai government said they had issued guidelines to relevant medical institutions and that parents who wanted to accompany their children could consult those institutions.

The comments brought widespread public relief, especially among parents, although some questioned why there was still a need to apply. A hashtag on the subject on China's Weibo social media platform drew more than 40 million views by Wednesday afternoon.

"This is the right thing to do, carry out management in a humane way," said one widely liked Weibo comment.

Shanghai also said on Wednesday that it would conduct another round of citywide tests, a mix of antigen and nucleic acid testing. Curbs on residents' movements will continue until they can evaluate testing results, officials said.

There are signs that the curbs, which were initially scheduled to last about five days for most, are fraying residents' nerves. Many are beginning to worry about food and drinking water, as supermarkets remain shut and deliveries are restricted.

Some have complained in posts on social media of having to wake up at dawn for a chance at booking a grocery delivery, and finding them sold out within seconds. Others have turned to community WeChat groups to try to bulk-buy fruit and vegetables.

STRUGGLING TO BUY FOOD

Liu Min, vice-head of Shanghai's commerce commission, told reporters that authorities were working to resolve bottlenecks and take care of the basic needs of the population.

She said efforts would be made to ship food and other necessities to Shanghai from other provinces, and to build emergency supply stations in and around the city to ensure vegetable supplies. But she said the biggest challenge was getting deliveries to homes.

Long waits to access medical treatment, even after testing positive for COVID, also raised concerns. Reuters on Tuesday witnessed an elderly woman who waited for two hours on a Shanghai street as she sought assistance. She had a fever and had self-tested positive for COVID.

Shanghai detected a record 16,766 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases on April 5, nearly 90% of the national total and up from 13,086 a day earlier. Symptomatic cases, which China counts separately, also rose to 311 from 268 the day before.&nbsp;

The city has set up 62 temporary quarantine sites at hotels, stadiums and exhibition centres, and is converting the 150,000-square-metre National Convention and Exhibition Center into a facility that can hold 40,000 people.

Beijing has shown no signs that it plans to budge from its COVID elimination approach. It deployed the military and 38,000 medical workers from other provinces to Shanghai to help with control efforts.

On Wednesday, Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, told reporters that China would continue to adhere to the policy without hesitation.

Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center For Disease Control and Prevention, said at the same news conference that the epidemic situation would improve soon if China strictly implemented its existing COVID measures.

Shanghai on Wednesday made concessions on an unpopular COVID isolation policy that has separated children from their parents and sparked a public outcry, but extended a citywide lockdown that has left some residents struggling to buy food.

Shanghai on Wednesday made concessions on an unpopular COVID isolation policy that has separated children from their parents and sparked a public outcry, but extended a citywide lockdown that has left some residents struggling to buy food. The lockdown of China's most populous city, which started in parts of Shanghai 10 days ago and has now confined nearly all of its 26 million residents at home, has massively disrupted daily life and business. Public criticisms of the curbs, part of Beijing's COVID elimination strategy, have ranged from complaints over crowded and unsanitary quarantine centres to difficulties in buying food or accessing medical treatment. While Shanghai's case numbers remain small by global standards, the city has emerged as a test bed for China's "dynamic clearance" anti-COVID strategy, which seeks to test, trace and centrally quarantine all positive cases and their close contacts. Analysts say the restrictions' impact on the economy is mounting, especially for small businesses, with nearly 200 million people across China under some sort of lockdown, according to estimates by Nomura. The most controversial of Shanghai's practices has been separating COVID-positive children from their parents, which came to the fore on Saturday and triggered widespread anger across the country. The Shanghai government responded two days ago by allowing parents who were also infected to accompany their children to COVID isolation centres. But complaints persisted over children separated from parents who were not COVID-positive. FURTHER CONCESSION In a further concession on Wednesday, a Shanghai health official said guardians of children with special requirements who are infected with COVID could now apply to escort them, but would need to comply with certain rules and sign a letter saying they were aware of the risks. When pressed for further information, the Shanghai government said they had issued guidelines to relevant medical institutions and that parents who wanted to accompany their children could consult those institutions. The comments brought widespread public relief, especially among parents, although some questioned why there was still a need to apply. A hashtag on the subject on China's Weibo social media platform drew more than 40 million views by Wednesday afternoon. "This is the right thing to do, carry out management in a humane way," said one widely liked Weibo comment. Shanghai also said on Wednesday that it would conduct another round of citywide tests, a mix of antigen and nucleic acid testing. Curbs on residents' movements will continue until they can evaluate testing results, officials said. There are signs that the curbs, which were initially scheduled to last about five days for most, are fraying residents' nerves. Many are beginning to worry about food and drinking water, as supermarkets remain shut and deliveries are restricted. Some have complained in posts on social media of having to wake up at dawn for a chance at booking a grocery delivery, and finding them sold out within seconds. Others have turned to community WeChat groups to try to bulk-buy fruit and vegetables. STRUGGLING TO BUY FOOD Liu Min, vice-head of Shanghai's commerce commission, told reporters that authorities were working to resolve bottlenecks and take care of the basic needs of the population. She said efforts would be made to ship food and other necessities to Shanghai from other provinces, and to build emergency supply stations in and around the city to ensure vegetable supplies. But she said the biggest challenge was getting deliveries to homes. Long waits to access medical treatment, even after testing positive for COVID, also raised concerns. Reuters on Tuesday witnessed an elderly woman who waited for two hours on a Shanghai street as she sought assistance. She had a fever and had self-tested positive for COVID. Shanghai detected a record 16,766 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases on April 5, nearly 90% of the national total and up from 13,086 a day earlier. Symptomatic cases, which China counts separately, also rose to 311 from 268 the day before. The city has set up 62 temporary quarantine sites at hotels, stadiums and exhibition centres, and is converting the 150,000-square-metre National Convention and Exhibition Center into a facility that can hold 40,000 people. Beijing has shown no signs that it plans to budge from its COVID elimination approach. It deployed the military and 38,000 medical workers from other provinces to Shanghai to help with control efforts. On Wednesday, Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, told reporters that China would continue to adhere to the policy without hesitation. Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center For Disease Control and Prevention, said at the same news conference that the epidemic situation would improve soon if China strictly implemented its existing COVID measures.

Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown

China's latest Wuhan virus outbreak has led to chaos. In Shanghai, residents are being beaten up and forced into centralised quarantines. Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you 5 videos that expose the truth about China's Zero Covid strategy.

Gravitas: Shanghai: Residents beaten up by healthcare workers

China has sent military into Shanghai to battle the Wuhan Virus mayhem. Beijing is also orchestrating a change of guard in Hong Kong. Carrie Lam is reportedly being replaced by a rather infamous man. Palki Sharma Upadhyay introduces you to him.

Gravitas: China sends military to Shanghai

A new subtype of the coronavirus has been detected near Shanghai it is something that the world hasn't seen before. China's massive outbreak is already making the world nervous as fears linger it could fuel another major outbreak in other parts of the world.

China finds new virus subtype of covid-19

In a new video that has gone viral on social media, chaotic scenes can be seen at the Nanhui quarantine site in the Chinese city of Shanghai.

People can be seen complaining about the insufficient staff and shortage of food at the isolation site amid a lockdown in the city.

They are fighting over limited resources such as water, food, and blankets which are considered basic necessities.

The video has been shared thousands of times on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat.

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Videos surfacing on Chinese social media today show chaotic scenes from the Nanhui covid19 quarantine location, where people were fighting over resources. <a href="https://t.co/BZTDMBmb7F">pic.twitter.com/BZTDMBmb7F</a>
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) <a href="https://twitter.com/manyapan/status/1511037822064635912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A Chinese user who shared the video said, ''If you can, please help us expose (the situation). It's so scary...nobody is managing the stuation properly.''

Several people at the designated field hospital could not get any of the supplies being distributed because, by the time they reached the front of the queue, nothing was left.

The lockdown in Shanghai has created a situation of panic, with people rushing to acquire as much as possible before they are unable to do so.

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Complaining about the horrible conditions at the quarantine site, another Chinese social media user wrote: “Can you take a look at the Nanhui hospital site, my mum tested positive and was at home for a week laying low and she recovered, yet they still recklessly took her away.''

''When she arrived she had to snatch a room for herself, nothing was fixed, people testing positive and negative all mixed together, there was no hot water, no healthcare workers, no nurses, there was nothing. People had to fight over food and water, the chaos and confusion was over the limit.''

As Shanghai battles the Omicron wave amid the lockdown, China's state-run Global Times said authorities had deployed 38,000 health workers during testing which is the largest number of medical aid since the virus broke out in Wuhan over two years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghais-covid-mission-impossible-38k-health-workers-deployed-sampling-of-25-million-residents-completed-468430" hreflang="en">Shanghai's 'mission impossible': 38k health workers conduct citywide sampling</a>

Medical workers were sent from at least 15 provinces, the state-run newspaper informed.

The newspaper added that health workers had achieved the "mission impossible" as they finished sampling of 25 million residents. All Shanghai residents had taken nucleic acid coronavirus test on Monday which was the largest COVID-19 exercise so far in China.

Health officials said that after the sampling, testing and review will take place. The authorities have asked residents to remain at home until test results are announced.

China continues to stick with its "zero-COVID" policy, however, the number of coronavirus cases has reached record levels in the past month surpassing cases recorded two years ago when the virus was first reported in Wuhan. Health officials in Shanghai conducted antigen testing in the city in a bid to cut the transmission chain.

The present wave is being led by the Omicron variant as officials revealed they had detected a new Omicron subtype in Suzhou near Shanghai tentatively calling it BA.1.1.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a new video that has gone viral on social media, chaotic scenes can be seen at the Nanhui quarantine site in the Chinese city of Shanghai. People can be seen complaining about the insufficient staff and shortage of food at the isolation site amid a lockdown in the city.

In a new video that has gone viral on social media, chaotic scenes can be seen at the Nanhui quarantine site in the Chinese city of Shanghai. People can be seen complaining about the insufficient staff and shortage of food at the isolation site amid a lockdown in the city. They are fighting over limited resources such as water, food, and blankets which are considered basic necessities. The video has been shared thousands of times on Chinese social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat. Videos surfacing on Chinese social media today show chaotic scenes from the Nanhui covid19 quarantine location, where people were fighting over resources. pic.twitter.com/BZTDMBmb7F — Manya Koetse (@manyapan) April 4, 2022 × A Chinese user who shared the video said, ''If you can, please help us expose (the situation). It's so scary...nobody is managing the stuation properly.'' Several people at the designated field hospital could not get any of the supplies being distributed because, by the time they reached the front of the queue, nothing was left. The lockdown in Shanghai has created a situation of panic, with people rushing to acquire as much as possible before they are unable to do so. Complaining about the horrible conditions at the quarantine site, another Chinese social media user wrote: “Can you take a look at the Nanhui hospital site, my mum tested positive and was at home for a week laying low and she recovered, yet they still recklessly took her away.'' ''When she arrived she had to snatch a room for herself, nothing was fixed, people testing positive and negative all mixed together, there was no hot water, no healthcare workers, no nurses, there was nothing. People had to fight over food and water, the chaos and confusion was over the limit.'' As Shanghai battles the Omicron wave amid the lockdown, China's state-run Global Times said authorities had deployed 38,000 health workers during testing which is the largest number of medical aid since the virus broke out in Wuhan over two years ago. Also read | Shanghai's 'mission impossible': 38k health workers conduct citywide sampling Medical workers were sent from at least 15 provinces, the state-run newspaper informed. The newspaper added that health workers had achieved the "mission impossible" as they finished sampling of 25 million residents. All Shanghai residents had taken nucleic acid coronavirus test on Monday which was the largest COVID-19 exercise so far in China. Health officials said that after the sampling, testing and review will take place. The authorities have asked residents to remain at home until test results are announced. China continues to stick with its "zero-COVID" policy, however, the number of coronavirus cases has reached record levels in the past month surpassing cases recorded two years ago when the virus was first reported in Wuhan. Health officials in Shanghai conducted antigen testing in the city in a bid to cut the transmission chain. The present wave is being led by the Omicron variant as officials revealed they had detected a new Omicron subtype in Suzhou near Shanghai tentatively calling it BA.1.1. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food

As China is following a strict “zero Covid policy”, with military and doctors being sent to Shanghai, there have been reports of non-Covid patients having trouble in getting the needed medical attention.

How China’s zero-Covid policy is affecting non-Covid patients?

There is no end to end in sight to the lockdowns in china's economic hub of shanghai. On Monday, the city reported a record 13,000 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases, the lockdown was originally set to end today but following the surge in cases the lockdown has now been extended until further notice.

China Covid Crisis: New surge in Asymptomatic covid-19 cases, Shanghai lockdown extended

Lockdown in Shanghai extended as the city reports a record surge in asymptomatic COVID cases with over 13,000 new infections recorded after a city-wide testing

Shanghai lockdown extended: City records 13,086 asymptomatic cases

Electric car maker Tesla has notified workers and suppliers that manufacturing at its Shanghai factory in china will not resume today as it had hoped earlier.

Tesla unable to restart Shanghai production

China is facing a surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and to curb the spread of infection the nation has adopted strict and unbending measures.&nbsp;

Amid other Covid rules, anyone found positive in Shanghai must be isolated from non-infected people, even if they are asymptomatic or have a mild infection.&nbsp;

Shanghai official Wu Qianyu on Monday (April 4) told a news conference that children could be accompanied by their parents if the parents were also infected, but separated if they were not. The officials added that policies were still being refined.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-nhs-adds-nine-new-coronavirus-symptoms-to-its-list-check-them-out-468335">UK's NHS adds nine new coronavirus symptoms to its list. Check them out!</a>

Important to note that China has sent the military and thousands of healthcare workers into Shanghai to help carry out Covid tests for all of its 26 million residents.&nbsp;

The move has been condemned by Western diplomats. They have raised concerns about separating children from their parents as part of Covid curbs.&nbsp;

Not just Western diplomats, people in China have also expressed anger. Parents and guardians have raised their voices against the policy on social media.&nbsp;

"Parents need to meet 'conditions' to accompany their children? That's absurd... it should be their most basic right," one unnamed commenter wrote on Weibo as quoted by AFP. Weibo is China's Twitter-like social media platform.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sends-military-doctors-to-shanghai-to-test-26-million-residents-for-covid-468219">China sends military, doctors to Shanghai to test 26 million residents for Covid</a>

Meanwhile, health officials in Shanghai on Monday have defended separating babies and young children from their parents. Wu said the policy was integral to virus "prevention and control work".&nbsp;

China's state broadcaster CCTV reported on Monday&nbsp;quoting the Ministry of Health that&nbsp;more than 38,000 health workers from 15 provinces have been sent to Shanghai to help fight the virus outbreak.&nbsp;

On April 4, the nationwide caseload topped 13,000 for a second day.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;China sends military, healthcare workers to Shanghai to conduct covid-19 test for 26 MN residents

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&nbsp;

China is facing a surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and to curb the spread of infection the nation has adopted strict and unbending measures. Amid other Covid rules, anyone found positive in Shanghai must be isolated from non-infected people, even if they are asymptomatic or have a mild infection.

China is facing a surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and to curb the spread of infection the nation has adopted strict and unbending measures. Amid other Covid rules, anyone found positive in Shanghai must be isolated from non-infected people, even if they are asymptomatic or have a mild infection. Shanghai official Wu Qianyu on Monday (April 4) told a news conference that children could be accompanied by their parents if the parents were also infected, but separated if they were not. The officials added that policies were still being refined. ALSO READ | UK's NHS adds nine new coronavirus symptoms to its list. Check them out! Important to note that China has sent the military and thousands of healthcare workers into Shanghai to help carry out Covid tests for all of its 26 million residents. The move has been condemned by Western diplomats. They have raised concerns about separating children from their parents as part of Covid curbs. Not just Western diplomats, people in China have also expressed anger. Parents and guardians have raised their voices against the policy on social media. "Parents need to meet 'conditions' to accompany their children? That's absurd... it should be their most basic right," one unnamed commenter wrote on Weibo as quoted by AFP. Weibo is China's Twitter-like social media platform. ALSO READ | China sends military, doctors to Shanghai to test 26 million residents for Covid Meanwhile, health officials in Shanghai on Monday have defended separating babies and young children from their parents. Wu said the policy was integral to virus "prevention and control work". China's state broadcaster CCTV reported on Monday quoting the Ministry of Health that more than 38,000 health workers from 15 provinces have been sent to Shanghai to help fight the virus outbreak. On April 4, the nationwide caseload topped 13,000 for a second day. WATCH | China sends military, healthcare workers to Shanghai to conduct covid-19 test for 26 MN residents ×

China's Covid policy: Shanghai separates virus-positive kids from parents, defends decision

China has sent the military and healthcare workers into Shanghai to help carry out COVID-19 tests for all of its 26 million residents as cases continued to surge.

China sends military, healthcare workers to Shanghai to conduct covid-19 test for 26 MN residents

China on Sunday reported 13,287 new Covid cases for April 2, the highest since February 2020, with the majority in Shanghai and northeastern Jilin province.&nbsp;

The national health authority on Sunday said the country reported 1,506 confirmed Covid cases for the previous day, which is less than the day earlier with 2,129 cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launched-cyberattack-against-ukraine-before-russian-invasion-report-467623">China launched cyberattack against Ukraine before Russian invasion: Report</a>

However, the country has not yet classified asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases which increased from 7,869 cases to 11,781 cases on Saturday. Amongst the confirmed cases, 1,455 cases were locally transmitted with 956 cases from Jilin and 438 from Shanghai which has virtually locked the entire city.

During a press conference on Sunday, a senior official of the Shanghai health authority said that Shanghai will be carrying out a city-wide antigen testing on Sunday and mass nucleic acid testing on Monday.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Shanghai's healthcare system has collapsed

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Shanghai has been striving to stop the spread of cases by imposing a two-stage lockdown, pressuring the manufacturers to halt the operations and causing serious congestion at the Shanghai port.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/popular-chinese-messaging-app-wechat-suspends-several-accounts-linked-to-non-fungible-tokens-467529">Popular Chinese messaging app WeChat suspends several accounts linked to non-fungible tokens</a>

The data showed that the congestion off Shanghai has been easing for oil tankers since March 31, but the number of bulkers queuing in outer Yangtze has increased to nearly 90, the highest level since October 2021. Many ports near Shanghai such as Ningbo are now busy as firms have diverted cargos to avoid prolonged logistic turnarounds.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Sunday reported 13,287 new Covid cases for April 2, the highest since February 2020, with the majority in Shanghai and northeastern Jilin province. The national health authority on Sunday said the country reported 1,506 confirmed Covid cases for the previous day, which is less than the day earlier with 2,129 cases.

China on Sunday reported 13,287 new Covid cases for April 2, the highest since February 2020, with the majority in Shanghai and northeastern Jilin province. The national health authority on Sunday said the country reported 1,506 confirmed Covid cases for the previous day, which is less than the day earlier with 2,129 cases. Also read | China launched cyberattack against Ukraine before Russian invasion: Report However, the country has not yet classified asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases which increased from 7,869 cases to 11,781 cases on Saturday. Amongst the confirmed cases, 1,455 cases were locally transmitted with 956 cases from Jilin and 438 from Shanghai which has virtually locked the entire city. During a press conference on Sunday, a senior official of the Shanghai health authority said that Shanghai will be carrying out a city-wide antigen testing on Sunday and mass nucleic acid testing on Monday. Watch | Gravitas: Shanghai's healthcare system has collapsed Shanghai has been striving to stop the spread of cases by imposing a two-stage lockdown, pressuring the manufacturers to halt the operations and causing serious congestion at the Shanghai port. Also read | Popular Chinese messaging app WeChat suspends several accounts linked to non-fungible tokens The data showed that the congestion off Shanghai has been easing for oil tankers since March 31, but the number of bulkers queuing in outer Yangtze has increased to nearly 90, the highest level since October 2021. Many ports near Shanghai such as Ningbo are now busy as firms have diverted cargos to avoid prolonged logistic turnarounds. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: China reports highest number of cases since February 2020

China's latest Wuhan virus outbreak has overwhelmed Shanghai. The healthcare system has collapsed. Non-Covid patients are dying due to lapses. The lockdown has triggered panic buying. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Shanghai's healthcare system has collapsed

Many patients have died recently at a prominent Shanghai elderly-care hospital which is currently facing a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the persons acquainted with the situation, said a report in The Wall Street Journal.

This indicates that the new wave of illness is striking China’s financial capital harder than what the authorities have officially revealed.

Since the city’s Covid cases began to rise in March, the Shanghai government has not yet reported any Covid-related deaths or outbreaks in its hundreds of elderly-care centres.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-does-covid-19-actually-infect-humans-study-reveals-467325">How does COVID-19 actually infect humans? World's first human challenge study reveals &nbsp;</a>

The replacement of six orderlies at the city’s Donghai Elderly Care Hospital told The Wall Street journal that they brought in previous caretakers after they were sent away to quarantine, that they had seen or heard of the recent removal of many bodies from the facility, where they said at least 100 patients had tested positive for Covid.

It could not be determined whether Covid infections or other chronic illnesses were the cause for deaths. The hospital does not publicise its data on deaths, making it difficult to compare the current rate of deaths to the previous period. Several relatives of the infected patients said that their loved ones were left unattended after the caretakers were sent for the quarantine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-enters-static-management-amid-lockdown-as-covid-19-cases-surge-467166">Shanghai enters 'static management' amid lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge</a>

Shanghai’s health officials haven’t noticed the rapid spread of the illness at the hospital. On March 16 and 17, the government reported two new Covid cases at an address matching that of Donghai Hospital. In the following days, the government listed the address as a location where the infections were earlier reported but did not say how many cases were recorded there.

Watch |&nbsp;Parts of Shanghai under lockdown: 6,000 new cases recorded on Tuesday

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Many patients have died recently at a prominent Shanghai elderly-care hospital which is currently facing a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the persons acquainted with the situation, said a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Many patients have died recently at a prominent Shanghai elderly-care hospital which is currently facing a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the persons acquainted with the situation, said a report in The Wall Street Journal. This indicates that the new wave of illness is striking China’s financial capital harder than what the authorities have officially revealed. Since the city’s Covid cases began to rise in March, the Shanghai government has not yet reported any Covid-related deaths or outbreaks in its hundreds of elderly-care centres. Also read | How does COVID-19 actually infect humans? World's first human challenge study reveals The replacement of six orderlies at the city’s Donghai Elderly Care Hospital told The Wall Street journal that they brought in previous caretakers after they were sent away to quarantine, that they had seen or heard of the recent removal of many bodies from the facility, where they said at least 100 patients had tested positive for Covid. It could not be determined whether Covid infections or other chronic illnesses were the cause for deaths. The hospital does not publicise its data on deaths, making it difficult to compare the current rate of deaths to the previous period. Several relatives of the infected patients said that their loved ones were left unattended after the caretakers were sent for the quarantine. Also read | Shanghai enters 'static management' amid lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge Shanghai’s health officials haven’t noticed the rapid spread of the illness at the hospital. On March 16 and 17, the government reported two new Covid cases at an address matching that of Donghai Hospital. In the following days, the government listed the address as a location where the infections were earlier reported but did not say how many cases were recorded there. Watch | Parts of Shanghai under lockdown: 6,000 new cases recorded on Tuesday

Covid cases unreported, patients unattended, deaths plague Shanghai’s hospital: Reports

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Sri Lanka financial crisis, Shanghai lockdown & more

China is the world's largest auto market but due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country and curbs imposed auto manufacturers are scrambling for output.

Shanghai lockdown: Auto manufacturers scramble for output

Shanghai is in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak. Residents have locked themselves in their homes, while officegoers are camping on the premises as the financial hub enters second day of a strict lockdown.

On Tuesday, China reported 6,886 domestic Covid cases, with more than 4,400 of them detected in Shanghai, now the centre of the country's worst COVID-19 outbreak since the early days of the pandemic.

The city's airports, railway stations and international shipping ports remain open, while key manufacturers are allowed to resume production after a brief halt, state media reported.

In a bid to keep Shanghai's economy running, authorities replaced the hard lockdowns regularly deployed in other Chinese cities with rolling, localised restrictions.

For example, in Lujiazui district, China's Wall Street, office premises have been allowed to open.

According to Reuters news agency, brokerages, asset managers and financial exchanges called in their important staff to the offices for overnight stays ahead of lockdown in Shanghai on Monday.

Some also adopted two-team rotation shifts, and initiated disaster recovery centres in a financial hub that reportedly processed more than 2,500 trillion yuan ($292 trillion) of financial transactions last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2000-covid-infected-children-separated-from-parents-in-a-month-in-hong-kong-report-466588">2,000 Covid infected children separated from parents in a month in Hong Kong: Report</a>

While in n the Pudong District, residents have been barred from walking in the hallways, garages or open areas of their residential compounds in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Ahead of the lockdown, panic buying gripped Shanghai as images showed some supermarket shelves in the city emptied of all goods.

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“After being unable to grab any groceries this morning, I went back to sleep, and all I dreamt about was buying food at the supermarket,” one user wrote on China’s Twitter-like Weibo platform, reported AFP.

“I’d never have thought that society today would be worried over buying groceries.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stealth-omicron-ba2-is-now-globally-dominant-covid-variant-466579">'Stealth Omicron': BA.2 is now globally dominant Covid variant</a>

Shanghai, home to 26 million people, started a lockdown on Monday by dividing the city roughly along the Huangpu River, to allow for staggered testing.

Shanghai houses China's biggest markets for stock, bond, foreign exchange and derivatives trading.

The lockdown will last until Friday, then switch to the city’s more populated western Puxi section, home to the historic Bund riverfront.

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai tightens COVID lockdown: Curbs imposed on highway traffic

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(With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai is in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak. Residents have locked themselves in their homes, while officegoers are camping on the premises as the financial hub enters second day of a strict lockdown.

Shanghai is in the midst of a COVID-19 outbreak. Residents have locked themselves in their homes, while officegoers are camping on the premises as the financial hub enters second day of a strict lockdown. On Tuesday, China reported 6,886 domestic Covid cases, with more than 4,400 of them detected in Shanghai, now the centre of the country's worst COVID-19 outbreak since the early days of the pandemic. The city's airports, railway stations and international shipping ports remain open, while key manufacturers are allowed to resume production after a brief halt, state media reported. In a bid to keep Shanghai's economy running, authorities replaced the hard lockdowns regularly deployed in other Chinese cities with rolling, localised restrictions. For example, in Lujiazui district, China's Wall Street, office premises have been allowed to open. According to Reuters news agency, brokerages, asset managers and financial exchanges called in their important staff to the offices for overnight stays ahead of lockdown in Shanghai on Monday. Some also adopted two-team rotation shifts, and initiated disaster recovery centres in a financial hub that reportedly processed more than 2,500 trillion yuan ($292 trillion) of financial transactions last year. Also read | 2,000 Covid infected children separated from parents in a month in Hong Kong: Report While in n the Pudong District, residents have been barred from walking in the hallways, garages or open areas of their residential compounds in order to reduce the risk of infection. Ahead of the lockdown, panic buying gripped Shanghai as images showed some supermarket shelves in the city emptied of all goods. VIDEO: Empty supermarket shelves in Shanghai after panic buying ahead of phased Covid lockdowns pic.twitter.com/eSNZAvxVr6 — AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 28, 2022 × “After being unable to grab any groceries this morning, I went back to sleep, and all I dreamt about was buying food at the supermarket,” one user wrote on China’s Twitter-like Weibo platform, reported AFP. “I’d never have thought that society today would be worried over buying groceries.” Also read | 'Stealth Omicron': BA.2 is now globally dominant Covid variant Shanghai, home to 26 million people, started a lockdown on Monday by dividing the city roughly along the Huangpu River, to allow for staggered testing. Shanghai houses China's biggest markets for stock, bond, foreign exchange and derivatives trading. The lockdown will last until Friday, then switch to the city’s more populated western Puxi section, home to the historic Bund riverfront. Watch | Shanghai tightens COVID lockdown: Curbs imposed on highway traffic (With inputs from agencies)

Panic buying, camping in offices: Shanghai under strict lockdown as people brace for fresh Covid outbreak

China has locked down Shanghai to contain a new cluster of Covid-19 cases in the bustling coastal city. How will this lockdown affect China's economy? Why is China adamant on zero-Covid? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Shanghai lockdown threatens China's economy

Shanghai&nbsp;recorded a steep climb in&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;Tuesday as spreading&nbsp;anxiety&nbsp;in the Chinese city of about 25 million prompted panic-buying at supermarkets.

Millions endured a second day of lockdown after authorities effectively split the country's biggest urban area in two,&nbsp;with residents of the city's eastern half confined to their homes for four days and subjected to mandatory testing.&nbsp;

China reported 6,886 domestic Covid&nbsp;cases&nbsp;nationwide on Tuesday, with more than 4,400 of them detected in&nbsp;Shanghai, now the centre of the country's worst&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;outbreak since the early days of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-lockdown-begins-as-authorities-start-mass-testing-466486">Shanghai lockdown begins as authorities start mass testing</a>

Images showed some supermarket&nbsp;shelves&nbsp;in the city emptied of all goods.

"After being unable to grab any groceries this morning, I went back to sleep, and all I dreamt about was buying food at the supermarket," one user wrote on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform.

"I'd never have thought that society today would be worried over buying groceries."

In a bid to keep&nbsp;Shanghai's economy running, authorities have avoided the hard lockdowns regularly deployed in other Chinese cities, instead opting for rolling, localised restrictions.

The area locked down on Monday is the sprawling eastern district known as Pudong, which includes the main international airport and glittering financial centre.

The lockdown will last until Friday, then switch to the city's more populated western Puxi section, home to the historic Bund riverfront.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-spike-in-covid-cases-shanghai-wont-go-for-lockdown-says-official-465650">Despite spike in Covid cases, Shanghai won't go for lockdown, says official</a>

The city's airports, railway stations and international shipping ports remain operational, while key manufacturers are allowed to resume production after a brief halt, state media reported.

China has largely kept virus outbreaks under control over the past two years through strict zero-tolerance measures including mass lockdowns of cities and provinces for even small numbers of&nbsp;cases.

But Omicron has proven harder to stamp out.

At a press briefing on Monday, health expert Wu Fan said it was "necessary to take more resolute measures" to eliminate community transmission.

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai tightens COVID lockdown: Curbs imposed on highway traffic

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Shanghai recorded a steep climb in Covid-19 cases Tuesday as spreading anxiety in the Chinese city of about 25 million prompted panic-buying at supermarkets. Millions endured a second day of lockdown after authorities effectively split the country's biggest urban area in two, with residents of the city's eastern half confined to their homes for four days and subjected to mandatory testing.

Shanghai recorded a steep climb in Covid-19 cases Tuesday as spreading anxiety in the Chinese city of about 25 million prompted panic-buying at supermarkets. Millions endured a second day of lockdown after authorities effectively split the country's biggest urban area in two, with residents of the city's eastern half confined to their homes for four days and subjected to mandatory testing. China reported 6,886 domestic Covid cases nationwide on Tuesday, with more than 4,400 of them detected in Shanghai, now the centre of the country's worst Covid-19 outbreak since the early days of the pandemic. Also read | Shanghai lockdown begins as authorities start mass testing Images showed some supermarket shelves in the city emptied of all goods. "After being unable to grab any groceries this morning, I went back to sleep, and all I dreamt about was buying food at the supermarket," one user wrote on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform. "I'd never have thought that society today would be worried over buying groceries." In a bid to keep Shanghai's economy running, authorities have avoided the hard lockdowns regularly deployed in other Chinese cities, instead opting for rolling, localised restrictions. The area locked down on Monday is the sprawling eastern district known as Pudong, which includes the main international airport and glittering financial centre. The lockdown will last until Friday, then switch to the city's more populated western Puxi section, home to the historic Bund riverfront. Also read | Despite spike in Covid cases, Shanghai won't go for lockdown, says official The city's airports, railway stations and international shipping ports remain operational, while key manufacturers are allowed to resume production after a brief halt, state media reported. China has largely kept virus outbreaks under control over the past two years through strict zero-tolerance measures including mass lockdowns of cities and provinces for even small numbers of cases. But Omicron has proven harder to stamp out. At a press briefing on Monday, health expert Wu Fan said it was "necessary to take more resolute measures" to eliminate community transmission. Watch | Shanghai tightens COVID lockdown: Curbs imposed on highway traffic

Empty shelves and anxiety as Shanghai COVID-19 cases surge

China is searching for a new pandemic strategy to avert economic distress due to rising COVID-19 cases. In the latest, Shanghai will undergo phased lockdown.

China battles worst covid-19 wave, Shanghai imposes phased covid-19 lockdown

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