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Forced Shanghai Quarantine And Its Global Implications

Chinese people in queue to distribute PPEs
Credit: AP Images

Shanghai (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Shanghai quarantine 2022 has forced over Twenty-five million residents to be confined into their homes. It is getting difficult to find a way out of the pandemic for residents and businesses. Until the spring of this year, China’s COVID-19 strategy was considered a remarkable success. Their dynamic approach helped extinguish the new clusters of cases as soon as possible. The strategy made by the government has prevented millions of COVID-19-related deaths and also enabled everyday life in most cities.

The omicron variant is a severe threat, and things are looking different now. The outbreaks in Shanghai are a cause of concern for the country’s approach. The Container rates are rising as ships are waiting for hours at ports. Products are also piling up in warehouses.

The Chinese officials have been trying to control the country’s worst outbreak of Covid-19 since 2020. They have been imposing lockdowns and restrictions, adding chaos to the supply chains. This disrupts the production of finished goods like Toyota and Volkswagen cars and Apple’s iPhones.

Shanghai Outbreak Of Covid-19 Omicron Variant 

Shanghai has reported a surge in cases. The COVID-19 new cases rose to 23,342 on April 12. The city has the most advanced health care, and this is why they have managed to avoid lockdowns since the start of the pandemic. The success has given the authorities false security.  

It looks like Shanghai’s authorities are crossing the line and are not successful in their efforts to stay lockdown-free. Many indications have emerged that they need to change their strategies now. The health care officials have consistently classified citizens with mild symptoms as “asymptomatic”. 

They will now have to face the consequences of skyrocketing case numbers. The rising numbers of cases are shooting up with each passing day. The COVID stats in Shanghai were not accurately reflected, so proper measures have not been taken to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Global Supply Chains Disruption Due to Shanghai Quarantine

Businesses in China are feeling the most impact. Cities like Wuhan, Xi’an, and Changchun have been in lockdown, and Shanghai is vital for the Chinese when it comes to the global economy. The lockdown of the city has caused further shipping delays, and the businesses have been shaking already. The global supply chains have also been seriously affected. 

The European businesses in China have also been expressing concerns about the increasing “on-off economy.” The lockdown will dampen the economic development in the country. Throughout the entire year, the downfall in the economy is expected to be seen. 

The positive effects of quarantine have forced China’s central leadership to double down the “dynamic clearing” strategy. The other cities in China are also seeing a rise in the omicron cases. Shanghai’s woes don’t seem like a failure of the system. On the other hand, it looks like a failure to implement the strategies. 

No light at the end of the tunnel

Beijing’s assessment of its health system is expected to collapse if it doesn’t give up on its approach now. This is understandable that the country’s immense regional disparities are non-negligible, and the COVID-19 pressure in different regions of the world has resulted in a high level of natural immunity. The government will be tying its legitimacy to the success of its COVID approach; it remains highly cautious about policy changes. China can more than hope to combat the following variant and can hope that the next variant is milder. They can also hope that a silver bullet in treatment will come along. We can expect a new drug or vaccine to treat the virus. 

Shanghai quarantine 2022: Shanghai Will Most Likely Overcome This Wave

Shanghai will most likely overcome the current wave, just like other cities in China. However, the high case rate means that the road to recovery will be longer. The bigger question is how long the city will face the deadlock. The authorities have been unwilling to end the home quarantine of mild cases. This is the mandatory first step that will lead toward gradual normalization. 

Chinese officials have described the outbreak as “extremely grim.” They have sent tens of thousands of healthcare workers and have contained the infections in the city. The authorities are yet to report any deaths in the city. Amid the rising economic toll of China’s zero-tolerance approach toward the virus, the country is expected to up its game this time. 

Shanghai quarantine 2022 has resulted in several videos circulating on social media. These videos have shown the residents struggling to buy necessities like food and water. The closure of supermarkets has overburdened the delivery services. Other residents are also posting videos and complaining about the overcrowding at the mass quarantine centers. 

Beth Malcolm

Beth Malcolm is Scottish based Journalist at Heriot-Watt University studying French and British Sign Language. She is originally from the north west of England but is living in Edinburgh to complete her studies.