The Intelligence from The Economist Zero's intolerance: Shanghai’s messy lockdown
Apr 6, 2022
Don Wineland, The Economist’s China business and finance editor, reveals the chaos of Shanghai’s strict lockdown as residents grapple with restrictions and dwindling supplies. Alexandra Sewitch-Bass, a senior correspondent, discusses uncomfortable heat conditions in American prisons due to lack of air conditioning, raising urgent questions around inmates' rights. Together, they highlight how these pressing issues reflect broader societal challenges and the ongoing struggle for human dignity in extreme circumstances.
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Exit Strategy?
- There's no set end date for Shanghai's lockdown, mirroring Wuhan's initial approach.
- A gradual shift from zero-COVID is expected, potentially involving increased vaccinations and less stringent quarantine protocols, but not likely soon.
AC in America
- Air conditioning is widespread in American homes, crucial for Southern development.
- However, many prisons, particularly in the South, lack AC, leading to dangerous conditions for inmates.
Patchwork of AC
- Some states provide limited AC in prisons; for example, Florida has it in 40% of facilities, Texas in 30%.
- Louisiana's men's prisons have no universal AC in sleeping areas, unlike the women's prison.