Shanghai lockdown: Covid cases hit new low as city unveils 50-point exit strategy with subsidies, spending coupons to repair economy
- New daily cases fell to 122 from 170 over past 24 hours, according to official data on Sunday, as city edges closer to ending a lockdown on 25 million residents
- New 72-hour rule on test results unveiled for residents to access public transport, public areas, akin to measures in other cities previously hit by lockdowns
The plan covers eight major aspects, from helping enterprises reduce operating costs and incentives to prevent job losses to broader reopening measures, they said at a media briefing and on an official WeChat account on Sunday. The move is in line with Premier Li Keqiang’s call last week to spare no effort in stabilising the economy and restoring confidence among foreign investors.
A “white list” system, or companies approved to resume production under “closed loop” arrangement, will be scrapped after June 1, as consent would no longer be needed, the government said. Authorities will allow more time for tax and social welfare payments for industries including food, retail and tourism, and cut rents of state commercial properties for small businesses.
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Shanghai finally eases lockdown rules as Covid-19 infection numbers drop
The plan underscores growing confidence among planners in meeting the gradual reopening of the city of 25 million residents as it edges closer to winning the fight against the Omicron variant.
New cases fell 28 per cent to 122 over the past 24 hours as the city moves closer to a gradual reopening from June 1, according to data released on Sunday. Cases showing symptoms shrank by a quarter to 29, while no deaths were recorded for a second day.
In an earlier briefing on Sunday, the Shanghai government said residents will be required to present nucleic acid tests within 72 hours of using public transport or entering public areas starting next month.