Residents in Shanghai are getting angry as the Chinese authorities once again ramp up their lockdown policies after reports of COVID positive cases appear in the city.
According to the Chinese national health commission on Oct. 10, there are 34 active COVID-19 cases in Shanghai as of Oct. 9. Three of these are showing symptoms while the remaining 31 do not. These might not be the true number of cases due to underreporting, and the actual numbers could be higher or lower, The Epoch Times noted.
Local reports indicate that Shanghai authorities have locked down some neighborhoods since the beginning of the month, and as of Oct. 10, one area has been designated as "high-risk," 33 areas have been labeled "medium-risk," while 27 other areas have been deemed "low-risk."
Those who live in high-risk areas are prohibited from leaving their homes. Those living in medium-risk areas are allowed to move within their residential compound, while those residing in low-risk areas are able to leave their compound but on some conditions: they must test negative on PCR tests within the past two days, and they must continue to remain negative every day before going out.
Shanghai also locked down some universities this time around, including Fudan University's Fenglin Handan campuses, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Tongji University, and Songjiang University Town which is located at the outskirts of the city.
As of Oct. 7, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics reported just one positive COVID case, but forced all students to stay in a makeshift quarantine facility that very evening.
The facility, as per local reports sourced by The Epoch Times, seemed like shipping containers placed near a stadium. Students reported that the facility was not adequately equipped for quarantine purposes.
Lockdown Fatigue
Some frustrated residents told the news outlet that they are "disgusted" at the harsh COVID policies they are subjected to. They said they need to take "nucleid acid test every 3 days, and the throat hurts" as a result.
"I feel that the virus will not kill us, but these behaviors [zero-COVID policies] will. But if we don't take the PCR tests, we will not be able to go out-we can't use public transport," the resident said.
Another resident told The Epoch Times that they are already stockpiling on supplies for the lockdown. The resident said they are not afraid of the COVID virus, but they are afraid of the measures the government subjects them to.
One particular measure is the use of health codes. Those with green health codes are allowed to move about freely; those with yellow health codes are limited to moving around their residential compound; and those with red health codes are mandated to stay inside their houses and never go out.
The government requires Chinese citizens to download a mobile phone app. This is where it designates a person's corresponding color. This policy is what scares the Chinese people, the person who spoke with The Epoch Times said.
Aside from causing local residents to get angry or fearful, China's strict lockdown policies are also causing its economy to fall-so much that other Asian economies are now performing better.
