Shanghai hits ‘zero-Covid’ status but curbs continue

SHANGHAI: Shanghai achieved its long-awaited milestone of three consecutive days with no new Covid-19 cases outside quarantine zones on Tuesday but most residents will have to put up with confinement for a while longer before resuming more normal life.
For other cities in China, three days with no new cases in the community usually means “zero Covid” status and the beginning of the lifting of restrictions.The commercial hub of 25 million set out on Monday its clearest timetable yet for exiting a lockdown now in its seventh week, but the plan was met with scepticism. “Normality is very far away,” said one resident.
Shanghai plans to resume outdoor activities in stages, with some shops reopening this week, but with most restrictions on movement remaining in place until May 21. By June, the lockdown should be lifted, but residents will still be asked to get tested frequently.