Fresh public outcry as Shanghai fences up Covid-hit areas
Cases are rising in Beijing, China
Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and multiple outbreaks in China, authorities are imposing strict measures to curb the spread of the virus. However, the residents are furious over restrictions implemented by the authorities.
There is a fresh public outcry after reports mentioned that Shanghai authorities have erected fences outside residential buildings.
News agency Reuters reported that images of workers in hazmat suits were circulated. The workers were seen sealing entrances of housing blocks.
They were also closing off entire streets with green fencing which was roughly two metres tall. The images went viral on social media, causing panic and prompting questions and complaints from residents.
One of the users on Weibo, which is a Twitter-like social media platform, said: "This is so disrespectful of the rights of the people inside, using metal barriers to enclose them like domestic animals."
In a video, residents were seen shouting from balconies at workers trying to set up fencing. In other viral videos, people were seen trying to pull fences down.
Another Weibo user asked: "Isn't this a fire hazard?"
The news agency report mentioned that most of the fences were erected around compounds designated "sealed areas". Those are the buildings where at least one person tested positive for COVID-19.
However, there is no official statement on fencing and sealing residential buildings or why authorities resort to such extreme measures.
A notice dated Saturday from one local authority shared online said it was imposing a "hard quarantine" in some areas.
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