Economist Podcasts Zero's intolerance: Shanghai’s messy lockdown
Apr 6, 2022
Don Wineland, The Economist's China business and finance editor based in Shanghai, discusses the dire consequences of the city's stringent lockdown amid COVID-19 outbreaks. He highlights the struggles faced by Shanghai's 25 million residents, from supply shortages to escalating public discontent. As protests erupt over the lack of basic necessities, Wineland delves into the implications of China's zero-COVID strategy, particularly concerning the elderly and vaccination hesitancy, shedding light on the complexities of the situation.
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Shanghai's Zero-COVID Lockdown Crisis
- Shanghai's 25 million residents are struggling under a strict, unplanned COVID lockdown.
- The lockdown has led to shortages of basic supplies, medical care disruptions, and protests.
Harrowing Lockdown Experiences
- Videos circulating online show residents protesting, being beaten for not following rules, and children separated from parents.
- These videos highlight the severity of the lockdown's impact on people.
Zero-COVID Policy Under Pressure
- The Omicron variant challenges China's zero-COVID policy.
- The government is hesitant to change its approach due to low vaccination rates among the elderly.