Shanghai cautiously opens after weeks of lockdown: hairdressers and shopping centers open | Abroad

The Chinese metropolis of Shanghai will partly open again on Monday after weeks of strict lockdown measures due to the corona virus. According to the vice mayor, hairdressers and shopping centers will gradually reopen their doors, it was announced on Sunday.

The city of approximately 25 million inhabitants was locked for more than six weeks. With the strict measures, China wants to contain the outbreak of the corona virus. The country has a zero-covid policy, which requires strict measures.

With the number of infections falling in Shanghai – 1,369 daily – Vice Mayor Chen Tong announces that shopping malls, convenience stores and supermarkets will gradually be allowed to admit customers again. Hair salons and markets can open again with limited capacity. Restaurants are allowed to sell takeaway meals. It is unclear whether residents will be allowed to leave their homes again.

Economic problems

The city is the financial center of the country. Many Chinese multinationals have their headquarters there. Many production companies are also located in Shanghai. The lockdown caused major economic problems in the city. Residents were only allowed to leave the house for essential groceries. Online shopping has largely come to a standstill due to a shortage of delivery drivers.

© REUTERS

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