After weeks of some of the world’s strictest stay-at-home orders, many residents in the Chinese city of Shanghai are returning to life today
The country’s economic hub and global trade superpower were thrown into lockdown after Covid cases began to spike two months ago.
From midnight, locals are able to move freely throughout the city with a population of 25 million.
Tonight at midnight the Shanghai Lockdown ended.
— chris pc (@chris__pc) May 31, 2022
People had been out in Xuhui and Jing'An all day and by 11pm cars began appearing in larger numbers.
This was the countdown at an impromptu gathering spot outside a few closed bars. pic.twitter.com/WpuJELYh3x
However, China’s Covid-zero policy remains in full swing, and those who catch the infectious virus still face mandatory quarantine or hospital.
Close contacts are also in the firing line, and may be taken into a quarantine facility, and forced into the area where they live into lockdown down again.
Shanghai’s spokesperson says this is the day many have been dreaming about for a long time and locals need to cherish and protect this newfound freedom.
