China Extends , Shanghai , COVID Lockdown.
'The Independent' reports that Shanghai has extended its lockdown of most of its 26 million residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The broad lockdown is specifically meant to stop the spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron subvariant, BA.2.
According to official guidance, citizens of Shanghai will be required to stay home for as long as the outbreak remains a concern.
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Many of these citizens have reportedly been told to not cross their doorsteps even to take out garbage or walk pets.
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'The Independent' reports that public transport has been suspended in most of the city.
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Non-essential businesses, such as shopping malls and restaurants, have been forced to close.
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The lockdown began on March 28 and was originally meant to be in place for 10 days.
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According to 'The Independent,' Shanghai has become the testing grounds for the government's handling of a "dynamic clearance" approach to a COVID-19 outbreak.
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This approach reportedly aims to test for, trace and quarantine all positive cases.
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Residents are required to undergo nucleic acid tests carried out by healthcare workers wearing hazmat suits.
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On April 1, the city said that the daily tally of infections had fallen for the second day in a row.
