On Wednesday, Shanghai lifted the most severe anti-Covid restrictions in two months for its 25 million residents. This is a further step towards ending the containment that infuriates the population as well as the economic stifling. A sharp decline in positive cases has led to several measures being relaxed in recent days.
On Wednesday morning, Shanghainese were returning to work while some shops were getting ready to open. Metro and public transport worked again. Shanghai City Hall stated on social media that "This is what we've been waiting all this time."
However, authorities warned that normalcy is not possible for the moment. The malls, convenience stores and pharmacies cannot operate at 75% capacity. The closure of sports halls and cinemas is permanent. Schools will be reopened on a case by case basis.
Residents were prevented from leaving their homes for two months by yellow fences. They were removed on Tuesday. Workers were busy removing the anti-Covid fortifications. Meanwhile, unidentified onlookers were taking their first steps into freedom. Shanghainese suffered a devastating blow when China's largest city was shut down.
Despite a staggering increase in positive cases in March the municipality initially rejected the idea of containment. They argued that Shanghai is vital for the economy. The authorities changed their mind in April and began to confine the entire metropolis. Some residents had been there for years before that date.
Many are frustrated by the shortage of fresh produce and lack of access to non-Covid healthcare. Shanghai's lockdown was the longest since the outbreak of the pandemic.
