Plans by COVID-hit Chinese cities to exit or avoid lockdown are more fraught and uncertain than ever as the pursuit of zero cases grows more prolonged, taxing and complex, with the highly infectious Omicron variant demanding quicker and tougher steps.
The lockdowns have led the World Health Organization chief to describe China's zero-COVID goal as unsustainable, but China says its approach will protect the lives of its people and economy in the longer run.Caseload: More than 1,000 from mid-February to end-March
During March 14-20, about 20 million residents underwent multiple rounds of testing and largely stayed at home, with one member of each household allowed out every few days for necessities. Buses and subways were shut and non-essential businesses were halted, while work from home or sealed campuses was implemented.
Shanghai on April 11 started identifying areas with no infections for at least 14 days and pledged to allow their residents limited mobility, but many complained that in practice they were still confined in residential compounds. As Beijing's caseload grew, some residents were advised not to cross district boundaries and to work from home. Public transport, taxi and ride hailing services were reduced.
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