China , Partially Eases , Shanghai Lockdown.
On April 12, some of Shanghai's 25 million residents were allowed to leave their homes as the city eased a two-week-long shutdown.
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ABC reports that about 6.6 million people will be allowed to leave their homes and that some markets and pharmacies would be allowed to reopen.
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The abrupt shutdown on March 28 left many residents without access to food or medicine.
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The abrupt shutdown on March 28 left many residents without access to food or medicine.
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While the total case numbers in China remain relatively low, the government is enforcing a "zero-tolerance" strategy to isolate the infected.
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Shanghai has reported over 200,000 cases, but the latest surge has led to zero deaths.
Of the 24,659 new cases reported, , 23,387 were found to be non-symptomatic.
According to ABC, anyone who tests positive for COVID has been forced into quarantine and held at facilities criticized for being crowded and unsanitary.
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Last week, the U.S. State Department advised Americans not to travel to China due to the shutdowns, citing a risk of "parents and children being separated.".
On April 12, the State Department ordered, all "non-emergency U.S. government employees" to withdraw due to, "changing circumstances on the ground.".
On April 12, the State Department ordered, all "non-emergency U.S. government employees" to withdraw due to, "changing circumstances on the ground.".
In response, China's foreign ministry defended the shutdown as "scientific and effective" and accused the U.S. of politicizing its withdrawal.
In response, China's foreign ministry defended the shutdown as "scientific and effective" and accused the U.S. of politicizing its withdrawal.
The United States should immediately stop attacking China’s epidemic prevention policy, stop political manipulation with the epidemic issue and stop smearing and discrediting China, Zhao Lijian, Spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, via ABC .
The United States should immediately stop attacking China’s epidemic prevention policy, stop political manipulation with the epidemic issue and stop smearing and discrediting China, Zhao Lijian, Spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, via ABC
