FT News Briefing Inside Wuhan’s liberation, Japan on lockdown
Apr 13, 2020
Wuhan has emerged from the world's largest mass quarantine, cautiously reopening despite fears of a second COVID-19 wave. Meanwhile, Japan grapples with a recent spike in cases, opting for partial lockdowns instead of full restrictions. The podcast delves into the resilience of businesses in Wuhan, particularly comparing state-owned and smaller enterprises facing post-lockdown challenges. It also discusses Japan's economic strategies and the public debate surrounding its pandemic response, highlighting the complexities of managing health and economic stability.
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Wuhan's Liberation
- Wuhan, China, ended its 76-day lockdown, the world's largest mass quarantine.
- Businesses are reopening, but the city remains scarred and wary of a second wave.
Business Impact
- While large businesses, particularly state-owned enterprises, have fared relatively well, small businesses in Wuhan are struggling.
- About half of small businesses remain closed even after the lockdown.
Market Closure
- The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, suspected origin of the virus, is boarded up and heavily guarded.
- It's unlikely to reopen and may be demolished.