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

Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy.

Millions of Chinese in affected areas have been subjected to city-wide lockdowns by an Omicron-led outbreak that has sent daily case counts creeping ever-higher, though they remain insignificant compared to other countries.

Shanghai, however, has aimed to ease disruption with a more targeted approach marked by rolling 48-hour lockdowns of individual neighbourhoods and large-scale testing while largely keeping the metropolis of 25 million people running.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/transplantation-of-organs-from-deceased-covid-19-patients-is-possible-heres-how-464932">Transplantation of organs from deceased COVID-19 patients is safe and possible. Here's how</a>

At a daily Shanghai press conference Saturday, officials alluded to the importance of avoiding a full lockdown of the huge port city.

"If Shanghai, this city of ours, came to a complete halt, there would be many international cargo ships floating in the East China Sea," said Wu Fan, a medical expert with the city's pandemic task force.

"This would impact the entire national economy and the global economy."

Wu made the comments as city officials also announced that they would begin handing out self-testing kits to Shanghai residents, in the latest sign that the government was expanding its pandemic response.

The northeastern province of Jilin also said Saturday that it had begun distributing 500,000 of the rapid-antigen kits.

Shanghai and Jilin have been the areas hardest hit by the outbreak, which took off in early March.&nbsp;

China had largely kept the coronavirus -- which first emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 -- under control through its strict zero-tolerance measures.

But that top-down approach is increasingly being questioned amid concerns over the economic impact and public "pandemic fatigue", especially considering Omicron's less severe symptoms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-further-relax-covid-19-restrictions-as-cases-decline-says-pm-465178">Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM</a>

The National Health Commission announced two weeks ago that it would introduce the sale in China of rapid antigen self-test kits for the first time, and they have begun to appear on pharmacy shelves.

But Saturday's announcements appeared to mark their first wide-scale use as part of official pandemic control measures.

China on Saturday reported 5,600 new confirmed domestic transmissions, most of them asymptomatic.

Chinese authorities had watched nervously as a deadly Hong Kong Omicron surge sparked panic buying and claimed a high toll of unvaccinated elderly in the southern Chinese city.

Its subsequent spread in mainland China has posed a dilemma for authorities wrestling with how forcefully they should respond.

On Wednesday, Shanghai infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong, a top doctor in the city's pandemic fight, called for balancing anti-virus measures with maintenance of "normal life".

The comments in his widely followed blog indicated growing official tolerance for voices who question the lockdown approach.

Shanghai's softer strategy has so far failed to stop cases from rising, and the localised lockdowns have provoked grumbling online and a run on groceries in some districts.

Shanghai on Saturday reported another steep rise in new local transmissions to 2,269 -- around 40 percent of the national total.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/this-could-happen-if-china-doesnt-control-its-worst-covid-19-outbreak-464622/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy.

Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy. Millions of Chinese in affected areas have been subjected to city-wide lockdowns by an Omicron-led outbreak that has sent daily case counts creeping ever-higher, though they remain insignificant compared to other countries. Shanghai, however, has aimed to ease disruption with a more targeted approach marked by rolling 48-hour lockdowns of individual neighbourhoods and large-scale testing while largely keeping the metropolis of 25 million people running. Also read | Transplantation of organs from deceased COVID-19 patients is safe and possible. Here's how At a daily Shanghai press conference Saturday, officials alluded to the importance of avoiding a full lockdown of the huge port city. "If Shanghai, this city of ours, came to a complete halt, there would be many international cargo ships floating in the East China Sea," said Wu Fan, a medical expert with the city's pandemic task force. "This would impact the entire national economy and the global economy." Wu made the comments as city officials also announced that they would begin handing out self-testing kits to Shanghai residents, in the latest sign that the government was expanding its pandemic response. The northeastern province of Jilin also said Saturday that it had begun distributing 500,000 of the rapid-antigen kits. Shanghai and Jilin have been the areas hardest hit by the outbreak, which took off in early March. China had largely kept the coronavirus -- which first emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 -- under control through its strict zero-tolerance measures. But that top-down approach is increasingly being questioned amid concerns over the economic impact and public "pandemic fatigue", especially considering Omicron's less severe symptoms. Also read | Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM The National Health Commission announced two weeks ago that it would introduce the sale in China of rapid antigen self-test kits for the first time, and they have begun to appear on pharmacy shelves. But Saturday's announcements appeared to mark their first wide-scale use as part of official pandemic control measures. China on Saturday reported 5,600 new confirmed domestic transmissions, most of them asymptomatic. Chinese authorities had watched nervously as a deadly Hong Kong Omicron surge sparked panic buying and claimed a high toll of unvaccinated elderly in the southern Chinese city. Its subsequent spread in mainland China has posed a dilemma for authorities wrestling with how forcefully they should respond. On Wednesday, Shanghai infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong, a top doctor in the city's pandemic fight, called for balancing anti-virus measures with maintenance of "normal life". The comments in his widely followed blog indicated growing official tolerance for voices who question the lockdown approach. Shanghai's softer strategy has so far failed to stop cases from rising, and the localised lockdowns have provoked grumbling online and a run on groceries in some districts. Shanghai on Saturday reported another steep rise in new local transmissions to 2,269 -- around 40 percent of the national total. Watch | This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

Despite spike in Covid cases, Shanghai won't go for lockdown, says official

As Shanghai struggles to control a Covid spike, worried citizens are now swamping online grocery platforms to stock up on food over fears of impending lockdowns.

Authorities in Shanghai have called for calm.&nbsp;

China is struggling with the worst <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> outbreak since the outbreak began two years ago, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to frustrate authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-brutal-lifting-of-covid-precautions-behind-the-rise-in-cases-who-464858" hreflang="en">Europe's 'brutal' lifting of covid precautions behind the rise in cases: WHO</a>

A total of 981 cases were reported in China's largest city on Wednesday, all but four being asymptomatic. This represents nearly one-fifth of the nation's daily tally.

To minimize disruption, the city of Shanghai's response to the outbreak has been to lock down areas with confirmed cases or close contacts rather than enact a citywide lockdown.

However, as the number of reported cases has risen, so has public anxiety; residents have taken to social media to express concerns of further lockdowns in the roughly 25 million-person city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-continues-to-break-covid-case-record-officials-face-the-brunt-for-laxity-464579" hreflang="en">China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity'</a>

The public has voiced concerns over unclear government messaging and images of expanding test sites, as well as the announcement this week that some indoor arenas have been turned into mass-quarantine sites.

"We hope that everyone will not believe or spread rumours, and especially do not maliciously spread rumours that cause panic in society," Wu Jinglei, head of Shanghai's health commission said at a daily briefing.

Watch |&nbsp;This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

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Those spreading rumours would "bear legal responsibility," he added.

"Everyone is working hard to keep the city safe."

Schools in Shanghai have been closed for nearly two weeks, but the city has avoided the kind of city-wide lockdowns imposed in some northeastern cities.

Despite this, its normally busy streets are muted as&nbsp;citizens live every day with the risk of suddenly being confined for anything between two and fourteen days at home.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As Shanghai struggles to control a Covid spike, worried citizens are now swamping online grocery platforms to stock up on food over fears of impending lockdowns.

As Shanghai struggles to control a Covid spike, worried citizens are now swamping online grocery platforms to stock up on food over fears of impending lockdowns. Authorities in Shanghai have called for calm. China is struggling with the worst COVID-19 outbreak since the outbreak began two years ago, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to frustrate authorities. Also read | Europe's 'brutal' lifting of covid precautions behind the rise in cases: WHO A total of 981 cases were reported in China's largest city on Wednesday, all but four being asymptomatic. This represents nearly one-fifth of the nation's daily tally. To minimize disruption, the city of Shanghai's response to the outbreak has been to lock down areas with confirmed cases or close contacts rather than enact a citywide lockdown. However, as the number of reported cases has risen, so has public anxiety; residents have taken to social media to express concerns of further lockdowns in the roughly 25 million-person city. Also read | China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity' The public has voiced concerns over unclear government messaging and images of expanding test sites, as well as the announcement this week that some indoor arenas have been turned into mass-quarantine sites. "We hope that everyone will not believe or spread rumours, and especially do not maliciously spread rumours that cause panic in society," Wu Jinglei, head of Shanghai's health commission said at a daily briefing. Watch | This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak Those spreading rumours would "bear legal responsibility," he added. "Everyone is working hard to keep the city safe." Schools in Shanghai have been closed for nearly two weeks, but the city has avoided the kind of city-wide lockdowns imposed in some northeastern cities. Despite this, its normally busy streets are muted as citizens live every day with the risk of suddenly being confined for anything between two and fourteen days at home. (With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai residents panic, sleep in office as lockdown threats loom amid China's biggest COVID-19 outbreak

China authorities have imposed lockdown in Shenzen over the sudden covid surge that is now challenging China's zero covid strategy. Authorities have also imposed restrictions in Shanghai and other major cities to curb the latest going outbreak.

China locks down tech hub Shenzen; Curbs imposed in Shanghai,other major cities

A diner in China’s Shanghai city has now broken the record for the "world’s highest restaurant in a building".

The Heavenly Jin restaurant, which is located on the 120th floor of the J Hotel Shanghai Tower, was adjudged the winner by Guinness World Records in February.

The restaurant is 556.36 metres (1,825 feet) above the ground. The previous record was set by Dubai's At.mosphere, which sits at a height of 441.3 meters. It's located on Level 122 of the world's highest building, the Burj Khalifa, and opened in 2011.

The J Hotel is located on the top floors of the Shanghai Tower, which at 632 metres (about 2,000 feet) is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. It seats 256 diners and has five private dining rooms.

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The J Hotel Shanghai Tower opened in mid-2021 and is owned by Jin Jiang International, one of China's largest state-owned hotel and tourism companies, it has 165 rooms, including 34 suites, and offers 24/7 personal butler service.

The hotel occupies an upper section of the Shanghai Tower but not the entire building.

As the world’s highest restaurant in a building, Heavenly Jin offers incredible views of the Shanghai skyline.

Their&nbsp;menu reportedly includes new takes on traditional classics that fuse elements of European, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine.

(With inputs from agencies)

A diner in China’s Shanghai city has now broken the record for the "world’s highest restaurant in a building". The Heavenly Jin restaurant, which is located on the 120th floor of the J Hotel Shanghai Tower, was adjudged the winner by Guinness World Records in February.

A diner in China’s Shanghai city has now broken the record for the "world’s highest restaurant in a building". The Heavenly Jin restaurant, which is located on the 120th floor of the J Hotel Shanghai Tower, was adjudged the winner by Guinness World Records in February. The restaurant is 556.36 metres (1,825 feet) above the ground. The previous record was set by Dubai's At.mosphere, which sits at a height of 441.3 meters. It's located on Level 122 of the world's highest building, the Burj Khalifa, and opened in 2011. The J Hotel is located on the top floors of the Shanghai Tower, which at 632 metres (about 2,000 feet) is the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. It seats 256 diners and has five private dining rooms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by J Hotel Shanghai Tower (@jhotelshanghaitower) × The J Hotel Shanghai Tower opened in mid-2021 and is owned by Jin Jiang International, one of China's largest state-owned hotel and tourism companies, it has 165 rooms, including 34 suites, and offers 24/7 personal butler service. The hotel occupies an upper section of the Shanghai Tower but not the entire building. As the world’s highest restaurant in a building, Heavenly Jin offers incredible views of the Shanghai skyline. Their menu reportedly includes new takes on traditional classics that fuse elements of European, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine. (With inputs from agencies)

This diner in China is officially 'world’s highest restaurant in a building'

Shanghai opened two new metro lines operation on Thursday (December 30), bringing the total length of the city's metro network to 831 km.&nbsp;

According to the authorities, the addition of new lines has solidified its largest in the world status.&nbsp;

As per a report by Global Times, the number of its metro lines being equipped with driverless technology, meaning automatic, is now five, with an operating length of 167 km.&nbsp;

The report further quoted Shanghai Metro as saying that it is ranked first in the world for the first time.&nbsp;

The newly opened Line 14 with an operating length of 38 km is the first fully automatic metro line for eight-carriage trains in Shanghai.

As per the report, Line 14 will connect Jiading, Putuo, Jing'an, Huangpu districts and Pudong New Area. With 31 stations, it is expected to serve as a horizontal artery.

The northern part of the first phase of the newly opened Line 18 extends about 21 km with 18 stations. It is expected to significantly ease the traffic pressure in the downtown area.

For those who are unaware, India's capital New Delhi was recently ranked as the world's third-largest Metro network. The Phase IV track, totalling 103.93km, is expected to open in 2024.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai opened two new metro lines operation on Thursday (December 30), bringing the total length of the city's metro network to 831 km. According to the authorities, the addition of new lines has solidified its largest in the world status.

Shanghai opened two new metro lines operation on Thursday (December 30), bringing the total length of the city's metro network to 831 km. According to the authorities, the addition of new lines has solidified its largest in the world status. As per a report by Global Times, the number of its metro lines being equipped with driverless technology, meaning automatic, is now five, with an operating length of 167 km. The report further quoted Shanghai Metro as saying that it is ranked first in the world for the first time. The newly opened Line 14 with an operating length of 38 km is the first fully automatic metro line for eight-carriage trains in Shanghai. As per the report, Line 14 will connect Jiading, Putuo, Jing'an, Huangpu districts and Pudong New Area. With 31 stations, it is expected to serve as a horizontal artery. The northern part of the first phase of the newly opened Line 18 extends about 21 km with 18 stations. It is expected to significantly ease the traffic pressure in the downtown area. For those who are unaware, India's capital New Delhi was recently ranked as the world's third-largest Metro network. The Phase IV track, totalling 103.93km, is expected to open in 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

Operation commences as Shanghai opens world’s longest metro network

Six COVID-19&nbsp;cases were reported from three cities in China in a day, triggering fresh concerns of another coronavirus outbreak.

The new cases have caused alarm as China’s strict zero-Covid policy had so far kept the highly-mutating virus at bay for a brief period of time.

In Shanghai, three women tested positive on Thursday morning, according to the local government.

The three of them travelled together to the neighbouring Suzhou city last weekend, where they dined with two men from Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, the South China Morning Post&nbsp;reported.

The two men, who were classified as close contacts, also tested positive on Thursday evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-coronavirus-flareups-surge-in-provinces-429245">China returns to its strict Covid limits to fight a new outbreak</a>

Another close contact, who lives in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, was notified by the Shanghai authorities and also tested positive.

The six cases come after an outbreak of the highly transmissible Delta variant emerged in mid-October and infected more than 1,300 people in 21 provinces before being contained.

Meanwhile, hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were shut in Shanghai following the detection of new Covid cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-returns-to-its-strict-covid-limits-to-fight-a-new-outbreak-390469">China's coronavirus 'flareups' surge in provinces</a>

Over 500 flights from Shanghai’s two major airports were cancelled on Friday, the Guardian report stated quoting a data from flight tracker VariFlight.

The Shanghai government also instructed that all cross-provincial package tours involving the city - a major commercial and tourism hub - would be cancelled.

Six Shanghai hospitals have also suspended outpatient services.

All schools were closed in the small satellite city of Xuzhou, which also stopped its two million residents from heading out of the city on bus services, after a close contact of one Shanghai patient was found there

As China prepares itself for the February’s Winter Olympics, where a large number of foreign athletes, media and officials are expected to arrive, Beijing authorities on high alert for any potential outbreaks.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six COVID-19 cases were reported from three cities in China in a day, triggering fresh concerns of another coronavirus outbreak. The new cases have caused alarm as China’s strict zero-Covid policy had so far kept the highly-mutating virus at bay for a brief period of time.

Six COVID-19 cases were reported from three cities in China in a day, triggering fresh concerns of another coronavirus outbreak. The new cases have caused alarm as China’s strict zero-Covid policy had so far kept the highly-mutating virus at bay for a brief period of time. In Shanghai, three women tested positive on Thursday morning, according to the local government. The three of them travelled together to the neighbouring Suzhou city last weekend, where they dined with two men from Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, the South China Morning Post reported. The two men, who were classified as close contacts, also tested positive on Thursday evening. Also read | China returns to its strict Covid limits to fight a new outbreak Another close contact, who lives in Xuzhou, Jiangsu province, was notified by the Shanghai authorities and also tested positive. The six cases come after an outbreak of the highly transmissible Delta variant emerged in mid-October and infected more than 1,300 people in 21 provinces before being contained. Meanwhile, hundreds of flights were cancelled, schools were shut in Shanghai following the detection of new Covid cases. Also read | China's coronavirus 'flareups' surge in provinces Over 500 flights from Shanghai’s two major airports were cancelled on Friday, the Guardian report stated quoting a data from flight tracker VariFlight. The Shanghai government also instructed that all cross-provincial package tours involving the city - a major commercial and tourism hub - would be cancelled. Six Shanghai hospitals have also suspended outpatient services. All schools were closed in the small satellite city of Xuzhou, which also stopped its two million residents from heading out of the city on bus services, after a close contact of one Shanghai patient was found there As China prepares itself for the February’s Winter Olympics, where a large number of foreign athletes, media and officials are expected to arrive, Beijing authorities on high alert for any potential outbreaks. (With inputs from agencies)

6 Covid cases reported in three Chinese cities in a day, Shanghai cancels flights, shuts schools

One person tested positive in Shanghai. In response, Chinese officials locked down the Shanghai Disneyland and tested 34,000 visitors. The tests came back negative. So, what did this stunt achieve? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: China locks down Shanghai Disneyland after one Covid case

Shanghai Disneyland was closed Monday over a single coronavirus case, as Chinese authorities pressed ahead with their zero-infection strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics.

China had reduced most domestic cases to a trickle throughout the pandemic, but a flare-up in recent weeks has tested Beijing's determination to eliminate COVID-19 as much of the rest of the world opens up.

There were 92 new cases reported Monday -- the highest since mid-September.

Shanghai Disneyland closed after a woman who visited the park tested positive after returning home to a neighbouring &nbsp;province, state media said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-struggles-to-control-fresh-covid-outbreak-before-winter-olympics-425308">China struggles to control fresh Covid outbreak before Winter Olympics</a>

Disneyland said it would be remain shut for at least Monday and Tuesday "to follow the requirement(s) of pandemic prevention and control".

The reopening date was yet to be confirmed, it added.

The park began barring new visitors from entering on Sunday, with everyone in the park required to take a COVID-19 test before leaving.

Nearly 34,000 people had been tested by Monday morning, the city government said.&nbsp;

All tests came back negative, it said, but added that those affected must stay away from work or school for at least two days and undergo further testing.

State media footage showed scores of health workers in hazmat suits inside Disneyland, as masked visitors waited underneath fireworks at the park's landmark castle.

The closure comes after Beijing's newly opened Universal Studios said Saturday that close contacts of infected people had been found among the previous weekend's visitors.

All staff at the theme park -- which entered a "state of emergency prevention" on Friday -- have tested negative and no trace of the virus had been detected on the site, the park added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-another-city-on-lockdown-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-424781">China puts another city on lockdown amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

Chinese authorities have shown no sign of relenting on their strict zero-covid policy.

Beijing is due to host the Winter Olympics in under 100 days, and authorities have said eradicating the virus is their biggest challenge in the run-up.

About six million people are under lockdown orders, mostly in northern parts of China.

Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a press conference Saturday that authorities would continue to "strictly prohibit people in locked-down communities from leaving their homes".

Beijing introduced new curbs on Saturday, including closing all cinemas in one western district.

Shanghai Disneyland was closed Monday over a single coronavirus case, as Chinese authorities pressed ahead with their zero-infection strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics.

Shanghai Disneyland was closed Monday over a single coronavirus case, as Chinese authorities pressed ahead with their zero-infection strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics. China had reduced most domestic cases to a trickle throughout the pandemic, but a flare-up in recent weeks has tested Beijing's determination to eliminate COVID-19 as much of the rest of the world opens up. There were 92 new cases reported Monday -- the highest since mid-September. Shanghai Disneyland closed after a woman who visited the park tested positive after returning home to a neighbouring province, state media said. Also Read | China struggles to control fresh Covid outbreak before Winter Olympics Disneyland said it would be remain shut for at least Monday and Tuesday "to follow the requirement(s) of pandemic prevention and control". The reopening date was yet to be confirmed, it added. The park began barring new visitors from entering on Sunday, with everyone in the park required to take a COVID-19 test before leaving. Nearly 34,000 people had been tested by Monday morning, the city government said. All tests came back negative, it said, but added that those affected must stay away from work or school for at least two days and undergo further testing. State media footage showed scores of health workers in hazmat suits inside Disneyland, as masked visitors waited underneath fireworks at the park's landmark castle. The closure comes after Beijing's newly opened Universal Studios said Saturday that close contacts of infected people had been found among the previous weekend's visitors. All staff at the theme park -- which entered a "state of emergency prevention" on Friday -- have tested negative and no trace of the virus had been detected on the site, the park added. Also Read | China puts another city on lockdown amid surge in coronavirus cases Chinese authorities have shown no sign of relenting on their strict zero-covid policy. Beijing is due to host the Winter Olympics in under 100 days, and authorities have said eradicating the virus is their biggest challenge in the run-up. About six million people are under lockdown orders, mostly in northern parts of China. Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a press conference Saturday that authorities would continue to "strictly prohibit people in locked-down communities from leaving their homes". Beijing introduced new curbs on Saturday, including closing all cinemas in one western district.

Shanghai Disneyland closed over single COVID-19 case

China is witnessing a sudden surge in covid-19 cases, the country has logged a fifth straight day of new infections. This comes just days after country contained two separate Delta outbreaks in its north eastern and coastal provinces.

China fights new Covid crisis, outbreaks linked to Shanghai tourists

An internal communique issued by China’s Shanghai University has raised eyebrows of many after it ordered its colleges to report students who identify as LGBTQ+ or “non-heterosexual”.

The internal directive, published online on both Chinese and foreign social media platforms, contains a questionnaire purportedly asking the colleges to “investigate and research” students who identified themselves to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, The Guardian reported.

It is also claimed to have requested information on the students’ “state of mind and psychological condition, including political stance, social contacts, and mental health status”.

The matter came to light when a Weibo user posted it on the social media platform on August 26, calling the practice “horrendous”.

“It looks like Shanghai University isn’t the only university to ask for ‘reports’ on LGBT students and keep track of them,” the user wrote. “Whether the school’s intention was good or not, this is horrendous.”

The screenshot of the questionnaire was also shared on Twitter, generating a heated discussion about China’s ongoing ‘crackdowns’ on the country’s sexual minorities.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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"Relevant reqs" part esp concerning. This Jan article is eg of how uni admin look at LGBT students. Calls for student cadres to collect info on LGBT students &amp; for guidance counselors to "help" "non-biologically gay students" "form the correct perspectives on love &amp; marriage." <a href="https://t.co/n09dTuWxBX">https://t.co/n09dTuWxBX</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Gb9125dWo">pic.twitter.com/6Gb9125dWo</a>
— Darius Longarino 龙大瑞 (@DariusLongarino) <a href="https://twitter.com/DariusLongarino/status/1430861604606840832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Shanghai University is ordering its colleges to report whether they have any students who identify as #LGBT, according to a university notice that cites “relevant requirements. It’s confirmed by a student and a staff member of the uni. The purpose of such order is unknown,” a reporter based in China tweeted.

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Shanghai University is ordering its colleges to report whether they have any students who identify as <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LGBT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LGBT</a>, according to a university notice that cites “relevant requirements.” It’s confirmed by a student and a staff member of the uni. The purpose of such order is unknown. <a href="https://t.co/33hWvqwEtq">pic.twitter.com/33hWvqwEtq</a>
— Yaling Jiang (@yaling_jiang) <a href="https://twitter.com/yaling_jiang/status/1430843294213279744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The latest incident comes days after it was reported that Chinese social media giant WeChat was allegedly removing dozens of LGBTQ+ accounts, fuelling fears that the move was part of a wider crackdown.

Several LGBTQ+ groups told Reuters in July that their WeChat accounts had been locked, while others had their content deleted from the platform.

Also read <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-deletes-lgbtq-university-accounts-from-biggest-social-media-app-wechat-396452">|&nbsp;China deletes LGBTQ university accounts from biggest social media app Wechat</a>

The accounts were a mix of registered student clubs and unofficial grassroots groups, and some had operated for years as safe spaces for China’s LGBTQ+ youth, with tens of thousands of followers. The move sparked outrage among some university students and activists.

Even though China has decriminalised homosexuality in 1997, the country still does not recognise same-sex marriage.

(With inputs from agencies)

An internal communique issued by China’s Shanghai University has raised eyebrows of many after it ordered its colleges to report students who identify as LGBTQ+ or “non-heterosexual”.

An internal communique issued by China’s Shanghai University has raised eyebrows of many after it ordered its colleges to report students who identify as LGBTQ+ or “non-heterosexual”. The internal directive, published online on both Chinese and foreign social media platforms, contains a questionnaire purportedly asking the colleges to “investigate and research” students who identified themselves to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, The Guardian reported. It is also claimed to have requested information on the students’ “state of mind and psychological condition, including political stance, social contacts, and mental health status”. The matter came to light when a Weibo user posted it on the social media platform on August 26, calling the practice “horrendous”. “It looks like Shanghai University isn’t the only university to ask for ‘reports’ on LGBT students and keep track of them,” the user wrote. “Whether the school’s intention was good or not, this is horrendous.” The screenshot of the questionnaire was also shared on Twitter, generating a heated discussion about China’s ongoing ‘crackdowns’ on the country’s sexual minorities. "Relevant reqs" part esp concerning. This Jan article is eg of how uni admin look at LGBT students. Calls for student cadres to collect info on LGBT students & for guidance counselors to "help" "non-biologically gay students" "form the correct perspectives on love & marriage." https://t.co/n09dTuWxBX pic.twitter.com/6Gb9125dWo — Darius Longarino 龙大瑞 (@DariusLongarino) August 26, 2021 × “Shanghai University is ordering its colleges to report whether they have any students who identify as #LGBT, according to a university notice that cites “relevant requirements. It’s confirmed by a student and a staff member of the uni. The purpose of such order is unknown,” a reporter based in China tweeted. Shanghai University is ordering its colleges to report whether they have any students who identify as #LGBT, according to a university notice that cites “relevant requirements.” It’s confirmed by a student and a staff member of the uni. The purpose of such order is unknown. pic.twitter.com/33hWvqwEtq — Yaling Jiang (@yaling_jiang) August 26, 2021 × The latest incident comes days after it was reported that Chinese social media giant WeChat was allegedly removing dozens of LGBTQ+ accounts, fuelling fears that the move was part of a wider crackdown. Several LGBTQ+ groups told Reuters in July that their WeChat accounts had been locked, while others had their content deleted from the platform. Also read | China deletes LGBTQ university accounts from biggest social media app Wechat The accounts were a mix of registered student clubs and unofficial grassroots groups, and some had operated for years as safe spaces for China’s LGBTQ+ youth, with tens of thousands of followers. The move sparked outrage among some university students and activists. Even though China has decriminalised homosexuality in 1997, the country still does not recognise same-sex marriage. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese university asks colleges to compile list of LGTBQ+ students, stokes fears of ‘crackdown’

A restaurant on the 120th floor, yes you read that right, Shanghai has opened the world’s highest luxury restaurant, situated on the 120th floor of a skyscraper.

Apart from the height, this eatery named ‘J Hotel’ boasts of 24-hours personal butler service and is now open for the deep-pocketed guests in China. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The restaurant is located in the city’s financial capital, at the top of 632-metre (around 2,000 feet) long Shanghai Tower, which is the world’s second-tallest building after Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Guests are whizzed up in the blink of an eye. Elevators running at the speed of 18 metres per second take them up the intimidating skyscraper, to the J Hotel.

Although the hotel’s opening was delayed by the pandemic, it has now started receiving&nbsp;guests, calling on the services of a dedicated butler at all times of day and night.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-insurance-companies-not-ready-to-price-risk-of-losing-jeff-bezos-in-space-393626">Why are insurance companies not ready to price risk of losing Jeff Bezos in space?</a>

The hotel houses seven restaurants, bars, a spa, and all the other usual trappings of top-grade hotels. It also offers a swimming pool on the 84th-floor.

With all the amazing perks, also comes a heavy price. Presently as part of its opening celebrations, the hotel is offering a "special experience rate" of 3,088 yuan ($450) a night, but the prices for its 34 suites sky-rocket.

Complete with chandeliers and sauna, a one-night experience of the ‘J Hotel’ on its opening day costs 67,000 yuan or $10,352.

The ‘J hotel’ is a part of a major Chinese state-owned group, the Jin Jiang International Hotels, and it officially opened on June 19th.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/windows-11-microsofts-first-next-generation-operating-system-in-six-years-393658">Windows 11: Microsoft's first 'next generation' operating system in six years</a>

Renee Wu, sales and marketing director said, "On the day of our opening even the web page was overloaded with so many visitors with strong interest and they have such (a) strong will to come and experience our hotel,"

"Of course this is very encouraging to all of us, but at the same time, we are committed to making sure that all our guests are well taken care of.", she added.

A restaurant on the 120th floor, yes you read that right, Shanghai has opened the world’s highest luxury restaurant, situated on the 120th floor of a skyscraper.

A restaurant on the 120th floor, yes you read that right, Shanghai has opened the world’s highest luxury restaurant, situated on the 120th floor of a skyscraper. Apart from the height, this eatery named ‘J Hotel’ boasts of 24-hours personal butler service and is now open for the deep-pocketed guests in China. The restaurant is located in the city’s financial capital, at the top of 632-metre (around 2,000 feet) long Shanghai Tower, which is the world’s second-tallest building after Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Guests are whizzed up in the blink of an eye. Elevators running at the speed of 18 metres per second take them up the intimidating skyscraper, to the J Hotel. Although the hotel’s opening was delayed by the pandemic, it has now started receiving guests, calling on the services of a dedicated butler at all times of day and night. Also read | Why are insurance companies not ready to price risk of losing Jeff Bezos in space? The hotel houses seven restaurants, bars, a spa, and all the other usual trappings of top-grade hotels. It also offers a swimming pool on the 84th-floor. With all the amazing perks, also comes a heavy price. Presently as part of its opening celebrations, the hotel is offering a "special experience rate" of 3,088 yuan ($450) a night, but the prices for its 34 suites sky-rocket. Complete with chandeliers and sauna, a one-night experience of the ‘J Hotel’ on its opening day costs 67,000 yuan or $10,352. The ‘J hotel’ is a part of a major Chinese state-owned group, the Jin Jiang International Hotels, and it officially opened on June 19th. Also read | Windows 11: Microsoft's first 'next generation' operating system in six years Renee Wu, sales and marketing director said, "On the day of our opening even the web page was overloaded with so many visitors with strong interest and they have such (a) strong will to come and experience our hotel," "Of course this is very encouraging to all of us, but at the same time, we are committed to making sure that all our guests are well taken care of.", she added.

At 2,000 feet, Shanghai opens world's highest hotel

The world's highest luxury&nbsp;hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, has opened in Shanghai&nbsp;to guests with deep pockets and a head for heights.

Elevators whizz guests up the intimidating spiral-like skyscraper at ear-popping speeds of 18 metres per second to the J&nbsp;Hotel's 165 opulent rooms.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;occupies the top floors of the 632-metre (more than 2,000 feet) Shanghai Tower in the city's financial district, the second-tallest building in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa.

<img alt="Luxury in the clouds: Shanghai opens world's highest hotel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09ab346b-fab7-4e00-b222-d3ab795af34e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9D26FE_0.jpg" />

Guests are seen in the J Hotel, the world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, located in the Shanghai Tower, in Shanghai. Image Credits: AFP

<img alt="View of Jin Yan restaurant in the J Hotel, the world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, located in the Shanghai Tower" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d080b4b-1384-41e8-b22e-07bf000692bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9D26JV_0.jpg" />

View of Jin Yan restaurant in the J Hotel, the world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, located in the Shanghai Tower. Image Credits: AFP

Its opening was delayed partly by the coronavirus pandemic but the&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;has now started receiving well-heeled guests who can call on the services of a dedicated butler at any hour, day or night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/has-fawad-khan-joined-the-cast-of-ms-marvel-393650">Also Read |&nbsp;Has Fawad Khan joined the cast of 'Ms Marvel'?</a>

Patrons can also enjoy one of the&nbsp;hotel's seven restaurants, bars, spa, 84th-floor swimming pool, and all the other usual trappings of a top-notch&nbsp;hotel.

It does not come cheap. To celebrate its opening J&nbsp;Hotel&nbsp;is offering a "special experience rate" of 3,088 yuan ($450) a night, but prices for its 34 suites sky-rocket.

A night in a "J Suite", complete with crystal chandeliers and sauna, this Saturday costs over 67,000 yuan.

The&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;is part of Jin Jiang International Hotels, a major Chinese state-owned group, and officially opened on Saturday.

"On the day of our opening even the web page was overloaded with so many visitors with strong interest and they have such (a) strong will to come and experience our&nbsp;hotel," said Renee Wu, sales and marketing director.

"Of course this is very encouraging to all of us, but at the same time, we are committed to making sure that all our guests are well taken care of."

The world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, has opened in Shanghai to guests with deep pockets and a head for heights.

The world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, has opened in Shanghai to guests with deep pockets and a head for heights. Elevators whizz guests up the intimidating spiral-like skyscraper at ear-popping speeds of 18 metres per second to the J Hotel's 165 opulent rooms. The hotel occupies the top floors of the 632-metre (more than 2,000 feet) Shanghai Tower in the city's financial district, the second-tallest building in the world after Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Guests are seen in the J Hotel, the world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, located in the Shanghai Tower, in Shanghai. Image Credits: AFP View of Jin Yan restaurant in the J Hotel, the world's highest luxury hotel, boasting a restaurant on the 120th floor and 24-hour personal butler service, located in the Shanghai Tower. Image Credits: AFP Its opening was delayed partly by the coronavirus pandemic but the hotel has now started receiving well-heeled guests who can call on the services of a dedicated butler at any hour, day or night. Also Read | Has Fawad Khan joined the cast of 'Ms Marvel'? Patrons can also enjoy one of the hotel's seven restaurants, bars, spa, 84th-floor swimming pool, and all the other usual trappings of a top-notch hotel. It does not come cheap. To celebrate its opening J Hotel is offering a "special experience rate" of 3,088 yuan ($450) a night, but prices for its 34 suites sky-rocket. A night in a "J Suite", complete with crystal chandeliers and sauna, this Saturday costs over 67,000 yuan. The hotel is part of Jin Jiang International Hotels, a major Chinese state-owned group, and officially opened on Saturday. "On the day of our opening even the web page was overloaded with so many visitors with strong interest and they have such (a) strong will to come and experience our hotel," said Renee Wu, sales and marketing director. "Of course this is very encouraging to all of us, but at the same time, we are committed to making sure that all our guests are well taken care of."

Luxury in the clouds: Shanghai opens world's highest hotel

A number of China's top regulators published draft guidelines on Monday dictating how apps must protect the privacy and personal information of users.

The rules, drafted under the guidance of the Cyberspace Administration of China along with its Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration of Market Regulation, come as China's tech giants face an ongoing wave of scrutiny from policymakers.

The guidelines call for apps to disclose to users what personal information will be collected and for what purpose, and orders apps not to collect users` personal information without first obtaining consent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="No begging or borrowing: China is stealing tech to dominate world">No begging or borrowing: China is stealing tech to dominate world</a>

Meanwhile, when processing sensitive personal information such as "race, ethnicity, religious belief, personal biometrics, medical health, financial accounts, personal whereabouts, etc," users should receive a separate notification.

Apps should only collect a minimum amount of information and should not obtain personal information that goes beyond the scope of the user`s consent or which is not related to the app's main purpose.

The draft regulations also call on "app distribution platforms" to register and verify the true identify of app developers, to refrain from deceiving users into downloading certain apps, and to carry out standardized reviews of personal information processing activities upon the launch of new apps.

They also urge app stores to establish credit scores for app developers, and to set up portals to handle complaints from the public.

The regulations will be open for comment until May 26.

In recent years, Chinese policymakers, concurrent with those in other countries, have steadily called for more thorough regulations dictating how internet companies manage the user data they collect.

The new draft regulations also arrive as Chinese tech companies such as e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and food-delivery app Meituan faced investigations from the country's anti-monopoly regulator.

A number of China's top regulators published draft guidelines on Monday dictating how apps must protect the privacy and personal information of users. The rules, drafted under the guidance of the Cyberspace Administration of China along with its Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration of Market Regulation, come as China's tech giants face an ongoing wave of scrutiny from policymakers.

A number of China's top regulators published draft guidelines on Monday dictating how apps must protect the privacy and personal information of users. The rules, drafted under the guidance of the Cyberspace Administration of China along with its Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration of Market Regulation, come as China's tech giants face an ongoing wave of scrutiny from policymakers. The guidelines call for apps to disclose to users what personal information will be collected and for what purpose, and orders apps not to collect users` personal information without first obtaining consent. Also read: No begging or borrowing: China is stealing tech to dominate world Meanwhile, when processing sensitive personal information such as "race, ethnicity, religious belief, personal biometrics, medical health, financial accounts, personal whereabouts, etc," users should receive a separate notification. Apps should only collect a minimum amount of information and should not obtain personal information that goes beyond the scope of the user`s consent or which is not related to the app's main purpose. The draft regulations also call on "app distribution platforms" to register and verify the true identify of app developers, to refrain from deceiving users into downloading certain apps, and to carry out standardized reviews of personal information processing activities upon the launch of new apps. They also urge app stores to establish credit scores for app developers, and to set up portals to handle complaints from the public. The regulations will be open for comment until May 26. In recent years, Chinese policymakers, concurrent with those in other countries, have steadily called for more thorough regulations dictating how internet companies manage the user data they collect. The new draft regulations also arrive as Chinese tech companies such as e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and food-delivery app Meituan faced investigations from the country's anti-monopoly regulator.

Chinese regulators issue draft rules on privacy protection for app users

China plans to roll out an outbound investment scheme to new regions as it looks to meet onshore investors’ asset allocation needs, reports said China will expand the Qualified Domestic Limited Partner(QDLP) trials already underway in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen region.

World Business Watch: China to further expand investor scheme

Russia has supported India that bilateral matter should not be raised at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum. The development comes after Pakistan has been attempting to raise India-Pakistan matters at the Beijing Headquartered organization.

Russian Deputy Envoy to Delhi, Roman N Babushkin in response to WION question said, “This is a part of SCO charter and SCO basic documents not to bring the bilateral issue into the agenda. It has been made clear to all members states that it should be avoided...for the sake of the progress of multilateral cooperation."

Adding, "The importance of SCO is to deal with regional challenges, to promote economic, financial, humanitarian partnership among member states in order to keep the momentum...we not interfere in bilateral issues despite such kind of India Pakistan... Our position remains consistent and unchanged. We hope such kind of instances will not appear."

Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi had also raised the matter at the SCO head of state meeting earlier this week. He said, "It is unfortunate that many attempts are being made to unnecessarily bring bilateral issues into the SCO agenda. This is a violation of SCO charter and Shanghai spirit".

In the run-up to the SCO virtual summit, a number of SCO meetings happened. In the SCO NSA virtual meet, the Pakistani NSA has put a map of Pakistan that violated the territorial integrity of India drawing a strong response from New Delhi.

SCO is a grouping of 8 countries--India, Pakistan, Russia, China, and 4 central Asian countries- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India will be hosting SCO heads of government virtual meet on 30th November which focus on economic cooperation.

Russia has supported India that bilateral matter should not be raised at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum. The development comes after Pakistan has been attempting to raise India-Pakistan matters at the Beijing Headquartered organization.

Russia has supported India that bilateral matter should not be raised at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum. The development comes after Pakistan has been attempting to raise India-Pakistan matters at the Beijing Headquartered organization. Russian Deputy Envoy to Delhi, Roman N Babushkin in response to WION question said, “This is a part of SCO charter and SCO basic documents not to bring the bilateral issue into the agenda. It has been made clear to all members states that it should be avoided...for the sake of the progress of multilateral cooperation." Adding, "The importance of SCO is to deal with regional challenges, to promote economic, financial, humanitarian partnership among member states in order to keep the momentum...we not interfere in bilateral issues despite such kind of India Pakistan... Our position remains consistent and unchanged. We hope such kind of instances will not appear." Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi had also raised the matter at the SCO head of state meeting earlier this week. He said, "It is unfortunate that many attempts are being made to unnecessarily bring bilateral issues into the SCO agenda. This is a violation of SCO charter and Shanghai spirit". In the run-up to the SCO virtual summit, a number of SCO meetings happened. In the SCO NSA virtual meet, the Pakistani NSA has put a map of Pakistan that violated the territorial integrity of India drawing a strong response from New Delhi. SCO is a grouping of 8 countries--India, Pakistan, Russia, China, and 4 central Asian countries- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India will be hosting SCO heads of government virtual meet on 30th November which focus on economic cooperation.

Russia supports India at SCO; says the bilateral matter should not be raised

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect.

Singh arrived in Tehran from Moscow after concluding his three-day visit to Russia where he attended a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers. He also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and the Central Asian countries.

"Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reached Tehran this evening. He will be meeting the Iranian Defence Minister (Brigadier General Amir Hatami) during his visit," his office said in a tweet.

A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf involving Iran, the US and the UAE in recent weeks have flared up tension in the region. India had earlier said that it was deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf and called upon the countries in the region to resolve their differences by dialogue based on mutual respect.

"We call upon countries in the region - all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non interference in internal affairs of each other," Singh said in his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states.

Last month, Iranian navy briefly seized control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in what the US said were international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond.

Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States tries to strangle its economy.

Iran has observer status in the SCO, which was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect. Singh arrived in Tehran from Moscow after concluding his three-day visit to Russia where he attended a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers. He also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and the Central Asian countries. "Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reached Tehran this evening. He will be meeting the Iranian Defence Minister (Brigadier General Amir Hatami) during his visit," his office said in a tweet. A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf involving Iran, the US and the UAE in recent weeks have flared up tension in the region. India had earlier said that it was deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf and called upon the countries in the region to resolve their differences by dialogue based on mutual respect. "We call upon countries in the region - all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non interference in internal affairs of each other," Singh said in his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states. Last month, Iranian navy briefly seized control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in what the US said were international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States tries to strangle its economy. Iran has observer status in the SCO, which was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.

India's defence minister lands in Iran, will discuss bilateral ties

ShanghaiPRIDE, one of China`s longest running gay pride groups, said it was cancelling all activities and events for the foreseeable future, citing the need to protect the "safety" of its people and prompting a chorus of regret on social media.

Homosexuality is legal in China, which until 2001 had classified it as a mental disorder. However same-sex marriage is not recognised and concerns over stigma still dissuades people from coming out to their families.

"ShanghaiPRIDE regrets to announce that we are cancelling all upcoming activities and taking a break from scheduling any future events," it said late on Thursday in a statement on its official WeChat account.

ShanghaiPRIDE gave no reason for the decision. Social distancing restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic have largely been lifted in Shanghai after a sharp drop in cases nationwide.

The group's co-founder Charlene Liu said in a separate statement posted on Facebook that "the decision was difficult to make but we have to protect the safety of all involved," without providing further details.

The group began in 2009 and over the past decade has staged forums, parties and events aimed at increasing public awareness about China`s LGBT community. It held its annual Pride festival in June, which included a run in which over a 100 people participated.

ShanghaiPRIDE's announcement was widely discussed on China`s Twitter-like Weibo, with the topic viewed over 17 million times.

"I feel regret, sadness, anger and helplessness," said one user.

ShanghaiPRIDE, one of China`s longest running gay pride groups, said it was cancelling all activities and events for the foreseeable future, citing the need to protect the "safety" of its people and prompting a chorus of regret on social media.

ShanghaiPRIDE, one of China`s longest running gay pride groups, said it was cancelling all activities and events for the foreseeable future, citing the need to protect the "safety" of its people and prompting a chorus of regret on social media. Homosexuality is legal in China, which until 2001 had classified it as a mental disorder. However same-sex marriage is not recognised and concerns over stigma still dissuades people from coming out to their families. "ShanghaiPRIDE regrets to announce that we are cancelling all upcoming activities and taking a break from scheduling any future events," it said late on Thursday in a statement on its official WeChat account. ShanghaiPRIDE gave no reason for the decision. Social distancing restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic have largely been lifted in Shanghai after a sharp drop in cases nationwide. The group's co-founder Charlene Liu said in a separate statement posted on Facebook that "the decision was difficult to make but we have to protect the safety of all involved," without providing further details. The group began in 2009 and over the past decade has staged forums, parties and events aimed at increasing public awareness about China`s LGBT community. It held its annual Pride festival in June, which included a run in which over a 100 people participated. ShanghaiPRIDE's announcement was widely discussed on China`s Twitter-like Weibo, with the topic viewed over 17 million times. "I feel regret, sadness, anger and helplessness," said one user.

Chinese LGBT group ShanghaiPRIDE halts work to 'protect safety'

A US warplane approached within 100 km of the Chinese city of Shanghai as the US, China clash over consulate closures took a new and dangerous turn.

Watch:

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The P-8A anti-submarine aircraft along with EP-3E reconnaissance plane reportedly entered the Taiwan Strait and flew near the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian.

According to a Beijing-based think tank, the US anti-submarine aircraft was flying near Shanghai along with missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta. The incident took place on Sunday.

The P-8A anti-submarine aircraft reportedly came within 76.5km of Shanghai in a nerve-racking moment amid tensions between US and China over the South China Sea and the consulate closure row.

It is not the first time US planes have reportedly been in the area. On Monday, a US reconnaissance plane had entered Taiwan’s airspace, according to the Beijing-based think tank.

US-China relations have been going downhill rapidly for the past one week ever since the Trump administration announced the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston after alleging that the station was involved in espionage activities. China in retaliation closed the US consulate in Chendulu.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio, acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said: "The Houston consulate is the central node of the Communist Party's vast network of spies &amp; influence operations in the United States."

US State Department said that the consulate was ordered shut "in order to protect American intellectual property and Americans' private information."&nbsp;China hit back by ordering the closure of the US consulate in Chendulu while calling the US move "outrageous and unjustified move which will sabotage China-US relations."&nbsp;

Amid the row, the United States government indicted two Chinese nationals last week for computer hacking.&nbsp;

A US warplane approached within 100 km of the Chinese city of Shanghai as the US, China clash over consulate closures took a new and dangerous turn. Watch: The P-8A anti-submarine aircraft along with EP-3E reconnaissance plane reportedly entered the Taiwan Strait and flew near the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian.

A US warplane approached within 100 km of the Chinese city of Shanghai as the US, China clash over consulate closures took a new and dangerous turn. Watch: The P-8A anti-submarine aircraft along with EP-3E reconnaissance plane reportedly entered the Taiwan Strait and flew near the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian. According to a Beijing-based think tank, the US anti-submarine aircraft was flying near Shanghai along with missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta. The incident took place on Sunday. The P-8A anti-submarine aircraft reportedly came within 76.5km of Shanghai in a nerve-racking moment amid tensions between US and China over the South China Sea and the consulate closure row. It is not the first time US planes have reportedly been in the area. On Monday, a US reconnaissance plane had entered Taiwan’s airspace, according to the Beijing-based think tank. US-China relations have been going downhill rapidly for the past one week ever since the Trump administration announced the closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston after alleging that the station was involved in espionage activities. China in retaliation closed the US consulate in Chendulu. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, acting chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said: "The Houston consulate is the central node of the Communist Party's vast network of spies & influence operations in the United States." US State Department said that the consulate was ordered shut "in order to protect American intellectual property and Americans' private information." China hit back by ordering the closure of the US consulate in Chendulu while calling the US move "outrageous and unjustified move which will sabotage China-US relations." Amid the row, the United States government indicted two Chinese nationals last week for computer hacking.

US anti-submarine aircraft approaches within 100 km of China's Shanghai

Following months of closure, limited numbers of movie goers were allowed back into cinemas on Monday in Shanghai where the risk of virus infection is considered low. Customers wore masks, left open seats between them and observed other safety precautions.

Movie theatres reopen in many China cities

After a six-month of closure, some of the cinema halls in Chinese cities from Shanghai to Chengdu reopened on Monday as the world's second largest movie market recovers from painful losses during the coronavirus pandemic.

After a six-month of closure, some of the cinema halls in Chinese cities from Shanghai to Chengdu reopened on Monday as the world's second largest movie market recovers from painful losses during the coronavirus pandemic. Chinese authorities last week said they would allow movie theatres in low-risk areas to resume operations in a restricted fashion. Since March, COVID-19 infections have declined sharply in China and most of the country is now categorised as low-risk. In the past few days, however, parts of Urumqi, the capital of China's far western region of Xinjiang, have been classified as medium to high risk due to a fresh outbreak. Still, many cities kept their cinemas shut on Monday as Beijing said they would leave the final decision on whether to open up to local authorities. Also read: China's Xinjiang province declared as 'wartime situation' after sudden spike in COVID-19 cases Theatres in the capital Beijing, which experienced a fresh outbreak last month, for example, have not reopened. China's largest cinema owner Wanda Film, which manages over 600 theatres nationwide, told Reuters it opened 43 theatres on Monday, 10 of which were in Shanghai. As of mid-afternoon local time on Monday, 3.03 million yuan ($433,662.52) worth of tickets had been sold on the day, Reuters report stated quoting Chinese ticket sales platform Maoyan Entertainment. Also read: Mainland China reports 22 new coronavirus cases, including 16 in Xinjiang China's film box office revenue was 64 billion yuan in 2019. The National Film Administration forecast in April that the industry would lose more than 30 billion yuan in ticket revenue this year.

Coronavirus: Cinemas in China begin to reopen after six-month closure

Hong Kong dropped two places and is now the world's sixth-most expensive city for expats, according to a survey released on Wednesday. However, Singapore continues to maintain&nbsp;its position as the second-costliest place in Asia.

"Despite political and social unrest last year, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 making some people more reluctant to move to the SAR, Hong Kong has only seen a small drop in the global rankings," said Lee Quane, regional director for Asia, ECA International's list, which released the survey, reported SCMP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-consulate-worker-simon-cheng-granted-political-asylum-in-uk-310193">Hong Kong consulate worker Simon Cheng granted political asylum in UK</a>

Ashgabat in Turkmenistan is the world's most expensive city, followed by Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern. Tokyo remained in seventh spot and Singapore fell two places to 14th.&nbsp;

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The survey, that is conducted in March and September each year since 2005, compares the cost of a number of consumer goods and services in over 480 places across the world.

Some of these products and services include: clothing, electrical goods, groceries, meat and fish, household goods, among others.

The research also found that all places in mainland China saw a fall in rankings due to the weakening economy and coronavirus crisis, with both Bejing and Shanghai falling nine places to 24th and 19th position respectively.&nbsp;

"One of the key factors was undoubtedly the coronavirus outbreak, but it should also be noted that the yuan was performing poorly before this period too, with the COVID-19 outbreak exacerbating the relative weakness of the Chinese currency against other major currencies," Quane said.

Most US cities moved up in the rankings as the US dollar continued to do well against other major currencies. New York and Honolulu entered the list of the top 20 most expensive cities.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Hong Kong dropped two places and is now the world's sixth-most expensive city for expats, according to a survey released on Wednesday. However, Singapore continues to maintain its position as the second-costliest place in Asia.

Hong Kong dropped two places and is now the world's sixth-most expensive city for expats, according to a survey released on Wednesday. However, Singapore continues to maintain its position as the second-costliest place in Asia. "Despite political and social unrest last year, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 making some people more reluctant to move to the SAR, Hong Kong has only seen a small drop in the global rankings," said Lee Quane, regional director for Asia, ECA International's list, which released the survey, reported SCMP. Also read | Hong Kong consulate worker Simon Cheng granted political asylum in UK Ashgabat in Turkmenistan is the world's most expensive city, followed by Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern. Tokyo remained in seventh spot and Singapore fell two places to 14th. Also read | Hong Kong govt enters into £5m contract with PR firm to improve global image The survey, that is conducted in March and September each year since 2005, compares the cost of a number of consumer goods and services in over 480 places across the world. Some of these products and services include: clothing, electrical goods, groceries, meat and fish, household goods, among others. The research also found that all places in mainland China saw a fall in rankings due to the weakening economy and coronavirus crisis, with both Bejing and Shanghai falling nine places to 24th and 19th position respectively. "One of the key factors was undoubtedly the coronavirus outbreak, but it should also be noted that the yuan was performing poorly before this period too, with the COVID-19 outbreak exacerbating the relative weakness of the Chinese currency against other major currencies," Quane said. Most US cities moved up in the rankings as the US dollar continued to do well against other major currencies. New York and Honolulu entered the list of the top 20 most expensive cities.

Hong Kong loses two spots to become world's sixth-costliest city

The head of the Shanghai Sports Bureau has told local media that the city has been offered to host two Formula One races this year but the decision has been made over to accept the offer.&nbsp;

The Formula One season has come to a screeching halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. The season also included a race that was scheduled to take place at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 19 but was postponed.&nbsp;

The Formula One Management (FOM) still hope to run 15-18 races by the end of the year and has provided a revised schedule to Europeans tracks set to start in Austria without spectators on July 5.

“FOM asked us if Shanghai can hold two races,” Shanghai Administration of Sports director Xu Bin was quoted as saying by state news agency Xinhua.

“We have not made the final decision, depending on the potential changes in the epidemic situation.”

Amid growing fears of a second wave of coronavirus, as China tested thousands of residents in the capital Beijing, the city reported another 27 coronavirus cases which were reportedly domestically transmitted.

The head of the Shanghai Sports Bureau has told local media that the city has been offered to host two Formula One races this year but the decision has been made over to accept the offer.

The head of the Shanghai Sports Bureau has told local media that the city has been offered to host two Formula One races this year but the decision has been made over to accept the offer. The Formula One season has come to a screeching halt due to the coronavirus pandemic. The season also included a race that was scheduled to take place at the Shanghai International Circuit on April 19 but was postponed. The Formula One Management (FOM) still hope to run 15-18 races by the end of the year and has provided a revised schedule to Europeans tracks set to start in Austria without spectators on July 5. “FOM asked us if Shanghai can hold two races,” Shanghai Administration of Sports director Xu Bin was quoted as saying by state news agency Xinhua. “We have not made the final decision, depending on the potential changes in the epidemic situation.” Amid growing fears of a second wave of coronavirus, as China tested thousands of residents in the capital Beijing, the city reported another 27 coronavirus cases which were reportedly domestically transmitted.

China offered two Formula one races this year: Shanghai official

Over a hundred people gathered in China's financial hub of Shanghai on Sunday (June 14) to take part in the city's eighth annual Pride Run, one of a series of events happening over nine days to raise public awareness for the LGBT community.

Shanghai holds smaller annual Pride Run amid coronavirus pandemic

After battling coronavirus, China has opened the lockdown for its citizens. Following that, there were May Day celebrations throughout the country.

Shanghai, in particular, recorded a footfall of&nbsp;over 1 million visitors in the first two days of the five-day May Day holiday.&nbsp;Shanghai has over&nbsp;130 main tourist attractions, which seemed very popular in the first two days of the celebration of May Day.

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Approximately 456,000 visitors were recorded at the&nbsp;scenic sites in the city on Friday, and the number increased by&nbsp;633,000 more on Saturday, according to the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.

These figures will help the country n saving the economy which took a setback due to coronavirus and the lockdown.

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The officials have guided the&nbsp;tourist sites to not exceed their visitor capacity more than&nbsp;30 percent of their daily or real-time visitor capacity. The organisers and the public have been instructed to avoid crowding and follow all protocols and precautions of social distancing.

It is also compulsory for all visitors to wear face masks at all time,&nbsp;show their health QR codes and have their body temperatures taken.

Shanghai’s Culture and Tourism Administration had announced re-opening of tourist locations earlier this week.

After battling coronavirus, China has opened the lockdown for its citizens. Following that, there were May Day celebrations throughout the country. Shanghai, in particular, recorded a footfall of over 1 million visitors in the first two days of the five-day May Day holiday.

After battling coronavirus, China has opened the lockdown for its citizens. Following that, there were May Day celebrations throughout the country. Shanghai, in particular, recorded a footfall of over 1 million visitors in the first two days of the five-day May Day holiday. Shanghai has over 130 main tourist attractions, which seemed very popular in the first two days of the celebration of May Day. Also read: Glad he is back and well': Donald Trump on Kim Jong Un's first appearance in three week Approximately 456,000 visitors were recorded at the scenic sites in the city on Friday, and the number increased by 633,000 more on Saturday, according to the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism. These figures will help the country n saving the economy which took a setback due to coronavirus and the lockdown. Also read: Pearl's parents appeal in Pakistani court following freeing of son's killers The officials have guided the tourist sites to not exceed their visitor capacity more than 30 percent of their daily or real-time visitor capacity. The organisers and the public have been instructed to avoid crowding and follow all protocols and precautions of social distancing. It is also compulsory for all visitors to wear face masks at all time, show their health QR codes and have their body temperatures taken. Shanghai’s Culture and Tourism Administration had announced re-opening of tourist locations earlier this week.

Shanghai sees over 1 million visitors on May Day

A six-month-old giant panda cub Jia Jia zai, son of his mother Jia Jia, began to meet visitors through the glasses of the panda house in the Shanghai Wildlife Zoo on Saturday.

Panda cub meets visitors in Shanghai

Walt Disney Co's Shanghai Disneyland said on Monday it will resume a limited number of resort operations as the first step of a phased reopening, although the main theme park will remain shut amid worries about the coronavirus outbreak.

Some shopping, dining, and recreational activities will reopen in Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel with limited capacity and reduced hours of operation. All guests will be required to have their temperature taken on arrival and to wear a mask for the duration of their visit.

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"Guests will also be reminded to maintain respectful social distances at all times while in stores, queues and restaurants," Shanghai Disneyland said in a statement on its website.

<img alt="Shanghai" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a7bb2de-0751-4143-a3b2-dd11fb028024" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_57.jpg" />

File photo: People visit the opening event of Disney-Pixar Toy Story Land, the seventh themed land in Shanghai Disneyland in Shanghai, China April 26, 2018. 

Shanghai Disneyland was closed on January&nbsp;25 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland were shut in subsequent days.

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Disney warned last month that the moves could shave $135 million off operating income at Shanghai, and $40 million at Hong Kong, if they extend for two months.

The virus spread in China has slowed in recent days, with only 40 new confirmed cases recorded on Sunday. The number of new infections overseas now exceeds the tally of new cases in China.

The total accumulated number of confirmed cases in mainland China reached 80,735 at the end of Sunday, with the death toll standing at 3,119.

Walt Disney Co's Shanghai Disneyland said on Monday it will resume a limited number of resort operations as the first step of a phased reopening, although the main theme park will remain shut amid worries about the coronavirus outbreak.

Walt Disney Co's Shanghai Disneyland said on Monday it will resume a limited number of resort operations as the first step of a phased reopening, although the main theme park will remain shut amid worries about the coronavirus outbreak. Some shopping, dining, and recreational activities will reopen in Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel with limited capacity and reduced hours of operation. All guests will be required to have their temperature taken on arrival and to wear a mask for the duration of their visit. Also Read: As China struggles to tackle coronavirus outbreak, xenophobia raises its ugly head "Guests will also be reminded to maintain respectful social distances at all times while in stores, queues and restaurants," Shanghai Disneyland said in a statement on its website. File photo: People visit the opening event of Disney-Pixar Toy Story Land, the seventh themed land in Shanghai Disneyland in Shanghai, China April 26, 2018. Shanghai Disneyland was closed on January 25 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland were shut in subsequent days. Also Read: Indian automakers say China coronavirus outbreak hitting parts supply Disney warned last month that the moves could shave $135 million off operating income at Shanghai, and $40 million at Hong Kong, if they extend for two months. The virus spread in China has slowed in recent days, with only 40 new confirmed cases recorded on Sunday. The number of new infections overseas now exceeds the tally of new cases in China. The total accumulated number of confirmed cases in mainland China reached 80,735 at the end of Sunday, with the death toll standing at 3,119.

Shanghai Disneyland resumes some resort ops as coronavirus infections slow

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Walt Disney Co's Shanghai Disneyland said on Monday it will resume a limited number of resort operations as the first step of a phased reopening, although the main theme park will remain shut amid worries about the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-29-people-test-positive-in-india-paytm-and-oyo-affected-284356">coronavirus outbreak</a>.

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Some shopping, dining, and recreational activities will reopen in Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel with limited capacity and reduced hours of operation. All guests will be required to have their temperature taken on arrival and to wear a mask for the duration of their visit.

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-movie-shoots-to-award-show-events-that-have-got-affected-due-to-coronavirus-282912">From movie shoots to award show, events that have got affected due to coronavirus</a>

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">"Guests will also be reminded to maintain respectful social distances at all times while in stores, queues and restaurants," Shanghai Disneyland said in a statement on its website.

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><img alt="Shanghai " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="436aa550-564b-4407-a7fe-16c63e746ccb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%2890%29_0.jpg" />

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Shanghai Disneyland<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-disney-shuts-to-prevent-spread-of-virus-276371"> was closed</a> on Jan. 25 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland were shut in subsequent days.

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Disney warned last month that the moves could shave $135 million off operating income at Shanghai, and $40 million at Hong Kong, if they extend for two months.

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The virus spread in China has slowed in recent days, with only 40 new confirmed cases recorded on Sunday. The number of new infections overseas now exceeds the tally of new cases in China.

<p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; font-family: Roboto, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 16, 16); letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The total accumulated number of confirmed cases in mainland China reached 80,735 at the end of Sunday, with the death toll standing at 3,119.

Walt Disney Co's Shanghai Disneyland said on Monday it will resume a limited number of resort operations as the first step of a phased reopening, although the main theme park will remain shut amid worries about the coronavirus outbreak. Some shopping, dining, and recreational activities will reopen in Disneytown, Wishing Star Park and Shanghai Disneyland Hotel with limited capacity and reduced hours of operation. All guests will be required to have their temperature taken on arrival and to wear a mask for the duration of their visit. In pics: From movie shoots to award show, events that have got affected due to coronavirus "Guests will also be reminded to maintain respectful social distances at all times while in stores, queues and restaurants," Shanghai Disneyland said in a statement on its website. Shanghai Disneyland was closed on Jan. 25 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland were shut in subsequent days. Disney warned last month that the moves could shave $135 million off operating income at Shanghai, and $40 million at Hong Kong, if they extend for two months. The virus spread in China has slowed in recent days, with only 40 new confirmed cases recorded on Sunday. The number of new infections overseas now exceeds the tally of new cases in China. The total accumulated number of confirmed cases in mainland China reached 80,735 at the end of Sunday, with the death toll standing at 3,119.

Shanghai Disneyland

Apple sold fewer than half a million smartphones in China in February, government data showed on Monday, as the coronavirus outbreak halved demand for all such devices.

China placed curbs on travel and asked residents to avoid public places in late January, just ahead of the Lunar New Year festival, a major gift-giving holiday. Those restrictions stayed largely in place through most of February.

In total, mobile phone brands shipped a total of 6.34 million devices in February, down 54.7% from 14 million in the same month last year, data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology showed (CAICT).

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shanghai-disneyland-resumes-some-resort-ops-as-coronavirus-infections-slow-285167">Shanghai Disneyland resumes some resort ops as coronavirus infections slow</a>

It was also the lowest level for February since at least 2012 when CAICT started publishing data.

Android brands, which include devices made by Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi, accounted for most of the drop, as they collectively saw shipments decline from 12.72 million units in February 2019 to 5.85 million, the data showed.

Shipments of Apple devices slumped to 494,000, from 1.27 million in February 2019. In January, its shipments had held steady at just over 2 million.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/slow-iphones-apple-agrees-to-pay-up-to-500-million-to-settle-lawsuit-283880">Slow iPhones: Apple agrees to pay up to $500 million to settle lawsuit</a>

Research firms IDC and Canalys previously forecast that overall smartphone shipments would drop by about 40% in the first quarter as the virus outbreak hit demand and brought supply-chain problems.

Apple's branded stores in China were shut for at least two weeks in February as fears over the coronavirus outbreak mounted.

The company's chief executive, Tim Cook, wrote a letter to investors that month warning it would not meet its initial revenue guidance for the current quarter due to demand issues.

Apple sold fewer than half a million smartphones in China in February, government data showed on Monday, as the coronavirus outbreak halved demand for all such devices.

Apple sold fewer than half a million smartphones in China in February, government data showed on Monday, as the coronavirus outbreak halved demand for all such devices. China placed curbs on travel and asked residents to avoid public places in late January, just ahead of the Lunar New Year festival, a major gift-giving holiday. Those restrictions stayed largely in place through most of February. In total, mobile phone brands shipped a total of 6.34 million devices in February, down 54.7% from 14 million in the same month last year, data from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology showed (CAICT). Also read: Shanghai Disneyland resumes some resort ops as coronavirus infections slow It was also the lowest level for February since at least 2012 when CAICT started publishing data. Android brands, which include devices made by Huawei Technologies and Xiaomi, accounted for most of the drop, as they collectively saw shipments decline from 12.72 million units in February 2019 to 5.85 million, the data showed. Shipments of Apple devices slumped to 494,000, from 1.27 million in February 2019. In January, its shipments had held steady at just over 2 million. Also see: Slow iPhones: Apple agrees to pay up to $500 million to settle lawsuit Research firms IDC and Canalys previously forecast that overall smartphone shipments would drop by about 40% in the first quarter as the virus outbreak hit demand and brought supply-chain problems. Apple's branded stores in China were shut for at least two weeks in February as fears over the coronavirus outbreak mounted. The company's chief executive, Tim Cook, wrote a letter to investors that month warning it would not meet its initial revenue guidance for the current quarter due to demand issues.

Apple sells fewer than 500,000 smartphones in China in February amid coronavirus

With severe travel restrictions in China during the coronavirus outbreak, it seemed that most people would miss this year's cherry blossom season. Botanical gardens in Shanghai remain closed to contain the virus that has caused the COVID-19 disease, but you can still enjoy them on the internet.

Cherry blossoms online after virus closes parks

Consequences of the Coronavirus - Air travel is restricted, international business close down

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