China Extends , Shanghai , COVID Lockdown. 'The Independent' reports that Shanghai has extended its lockdown of most of its 26 million residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The broad lockdown is specifically meant to stop the spread of the highly-transmissible Omicron subvariant, BA.2. According to official guidance, citizens of Shanghai will be required to stay home for as long as the outbreak remains a concern. . Many of these citizens have reportedly been told to not cross their doorsteps even to take out garbage or walk pets. . 'The Independent' reports that public transport has been suspended in most of the city. . Non-essential businesses, such as shopping malls and restaurants, have been forced to close. . The lockdown began on March 28 and was originally meant to be in place for 10 days. . According to 'The Independent,' Shanghai has become the testing grounds for the government's handling of a "dynamic clearance" approach to a COVID-19 outbreak. . This approach reportedly aims to test for, trace and quarantine all positive cases. . Residents are required to undergo nucleic acid tests carried out by healthcare workers wearing hazmat suits. . On April 1, the city said that the daily tally of infections had fallen for the second day in a row.
