Other cities across China, including the southern city of Guangzhou, are introducing new restrictions and building makeshift hospitals as the government continues to pursue a “dynamic zero-COVID-19 policy.” The official Chinese news agency Xinhua said on Sunday that the easing of the policy would be “catastrophic”. “China’s medical system would be in danger of collapsing, resulting in enormous loss of life if it abandons prevention and control of the epidemic,” the agency said. Shanghai has been on lockdown since March 28. Videos circulating on social media show crowds of angry residents gathering in front of police to ask for supplies in the Kangting community. Sky News confirmed the video. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 Locked Shanghai residents shout from windows The city has built more than 100 makeshift hospitals, with a capacity of 160,000 patients. Anyone tested positive for COVID should be sent to one of these hospitals, instead of being isolated at home. Conditions in hospitals vary greatly. The videos appeared to show half-finished centers, with mattresses strewn on the floor and unhealthy toilet conditions. City official Gu Honghui said Shanghai would make “dynamic” adjustments to reduce the impact of the restrictions on citizens. Image: The city has built more than 100 makeshift hospitals, with a capacity of 160,000 patients. Photo: AP The Shanghai government has announced plans to exit the current measures. Homes are divided into three types: areas that are completely closed, others that are subject to inspections and “prevention areas” that can be opened after two weeks without a positive case. Residents must stay in their area, but can move within that area. Guangzhou, an export hub in the south, has announced it will suspend student teaching and begin mass testing of its 18 million people. In the capital, Beijing, a high-risk area went on a lockdown over the weekend after reporting eight COVID cases in the past two weeks.
