After a two-month lockdown Shanghai has eased covid restrictions, bringing relief to both the 25 million living in the city and to several global supply chains.
“This is a day that we dreamed of for a very long time,” Shanghai government spokeswoman said.
Restrictions were relaxed to allow most people to move freely in China’s capital city, which is also the national economic center and a global trade hub.
Strict lockdowns in China when the pandemic started created a major global supply chain disruption, cascading in several industries and slowing international trade.
Manufacturers including Volkswagen and Tesla were particularly impacted by this years’ restrictions as staff were kept away from factories or even ordered to live temporarily at the manufacturing plants.
According to new rules announced, residents will be required to show a green health code on their smartphone to move in most public places. People in public transport, banks and malls must have a negative PCR test certificate valid in the last 72 hours. Cinemas, museums, gyms and schools will remain closed.
China’s overall policy of Zero-Covid remains in place with people infected facing quarantine or hospital. Restrictions on leaving Shanghai remain, with anyone travelling to another city facing quarantine of seven to 14 days upon their return.
