Hangzhou and Beijing follow Shenzhen’s approach to ‘dynamic zero’ by implementing mass testing for public transport and large venues

  • The southern tech hub of Shenzhen has managed to keep an early outbreak of Omicron under control through only a week of lockdown
  • China is facing its biggest Covid-19 crisis since the Spring of 2020, with Shanghai’s month-long lockdown disrupting supply chains

Tracy Quin Shanghai
Hangzhou, home to Alibaba, is following Shenzhen’s approach to ‘dynamic zero’. Photo:AFP

Beijing and Hangzhou, home to many of China’s leading tech firms, have started to implement Shenzhen’s approach to the country’s “dynamic zero” Covid-19 policy, by asking residents to present negative test results if they want to use public transport or enter certain venues.

Unlike the strict month-long lockdown in Shanghai that has generated public criticism and hardship for its 25 million residents – not to mention serious disruption of supply chains – the southern tech hub of Shenzhen has managed to keep an early outbreak of Omicron under control through only a week of lockdown.

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