Shanghai returning to normalcy as COVID outbreak wanes

Shanghai has announced measures to gradually restore production and daily life starting on Wednesday as the city has effectively brought the current COVID-19 wave under control.

Residents in low-risk communities for COVID-19 can move freely in the city except in areas deemed of medium or high risk for the virus' spread starting Wednesday, Zong Ming, vice-mayor of Shanghai, said during a news briefing on Tuesday.

Shopping malls, supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and farm produce markets will restore offline business in accordance with epidemic control protocols.

Postal and courier services are free to reopen their distribution centers and terminal outlets, and gradually restore delivery of personalized packages.

"Starting from Wednesday, Grade-A tourist spots will be reopened with booking requirements and limits on visitor numbers. Parks will also be opened but operating hours must be staggered and visitor numbers limited," said Zong.

Indoor public venues, including cinemas, theaters, museums and gymnasiums, will not resume operation at this stage, she added.

Public transport in the city, including buses, metro lines and ferries, will resume full operation. Taxis and vehicles engaged in online ride-hailing services can also resume operation.

"Private cars from low-risk areas can also hit the road and travel across all the city's 16 districts and cross the Huangpu River via bridges and tunnels," said Xing Peiyi, chief traffic police officer at the Shanghai Public Security Bureau.

Train services to and from Shanghai will also gradually resume normal operations.