The fact that the city has recorded only 17 deaths (as of April 20, 2022) has added to the public’s anger and frustration. Shanghai officials did not have time to set up the infrastructure needed to sustain a prolonged lockdown, and residents were unable to stock up on enough food before being confined to their homes. And Chinese authorities have introduced additional economic uncertainty by shifting suddenly from a four-day lockdown to an indefinite one. Economists estimate that Shanghai’s closure could reduce overall Chinese GDP by 4% this year. Moreover, complete lockdowns have high economic costs. CHICAGO (WLS) - Thursday afternoon used to be busy at law office of Laner Muchin, but since the pandemic began its more like a ghost town. And while China’s elderly population does have a surprisingly low vaccination rate (around 60%), immunizing this cohort is well within the country’s messaging and mobilization capabilities. Coronavirus Chicago: Lockdown turned the Loop into a ghost town, enhanced cleaning, Metra changes are hoping to bring it back to life - ABC7 Chicago BUSINESS Lockdown turned the Loop into.

Yet one is left wondering why the authorities didn’t opt for a less costly alternative to a complete lockdown.Īfter all, Omicron, which now accounts for almost all new cases globally, has only mild effects on vaccinated people. The official reason for this drastic policy shift is that citywide testing had revealed high infection rates. CHICAGO – After signaling that it was moving to a more nuanced COVID-19 policy, Shanghai – a city of 26 million – was pressured by the central government to lock down in late March, and has only just started to ease restrictions after almost one month.

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