The western part of Shanghai, China's financial and business hub, began to be locked down Friday to carry out mass COVID-19 testing, as new infections with the novel coronavirus has been resurging recently.
Across the mainland, 7,229 people were confirmed to be infected with the virus on Thursday, while 4,502 new cases were recorded on the same day in Shanghai, with a population of around 24.9 million, according to Chinese health authorities.
China said it would lock down each half of Shanghai to minimize the impact on business activities. The lockdown in the eastern area was lifted on Friday. Many Japanese people live in the western part of the city.
The Communist-led government has pledged to continue its radical "zero COVID" policy, including imposing lockdowns on cities when outbreaks occur and quarantining travelers from abroad, even after the end of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Until next Tuesday, citizens in districts to the west of the Huangpu River, which passes through Shanghai, will not be allowed to leave their homes in principle.
During the lockdown period, public transportation such as bus and subway operations will be suspended in the region, while residents, excluding those who engage in essential services, will be obliged to work from home.
