Covid-19 curbs in Shanghai spark fears of another lockdown

Shanghai has imposed a series of restrictions as the Chinese city reported 47 new infections on Wednesday, the most since July 13

Local reports say that schools have gone back online, entertainment and sports venues have been closed, and snap lockdowns are being imposed in several neighbourhoods. All new arrivals to the city have to undergo mandatory testing within 24 hours.

The restrictions are fuelling fears of another mass lockdown in Shanghai despite assurances of the city government.

According to a report by The Guardian, at least 36 Chinese cities across 31 provinces were under various degrees of lockdown or control this week, affecting about 197 million people.

The measures comes as authorities are preparing for the once-in-5-years meeting of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing on Sunday

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According to China’s health commission, the country has reported about 1,120 confirmed cases and 4,202 asymptomatic cases since Monday.