A “zero tolerance” Covid-19 policy in China has caused chaos, fear, panic and dread. Shanghai, one of the largest cities in the world, with around 26 million residents, is under strict lockdown, due to draconian government orders. It’s somewhat surprising, as Shanghai is a relatively wealthy area, financial hub and home to large global corporations, including Tesla and Apple.
For weeks, people have been locked up in their homes and apartments. Many are unable to secure food and supplies. They are forbidden to leave. Disturbing videos are floating around TikTok and Twitter showing a dystopian surreal atmosphere.
Residents in #Shanghai screaming from high rise apartments after 7 straight days of the city lockdown. The narrator worries that there will be major problems. (in Shanghainese dialect—he predicts people can’t hold out much longer—he implies tragedy).pic.twitter.com/jsQt6IdQNh
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) April 10, 2022
At night, the residents have taken to screaming out their windows to register their displeasure and vent over their dire circumstances. Drones have been flying over the area, ordering residents to “curb your soul’s desire for freedom and comply with Covid-19 restrictions.”
Shanghai authorities forced children whose parents have tested positive to quarantine separately from their guardians. There are reports of people being whisked away when trying to avoid the lockdowns and their pets being beaten to death. In a horrific scene, a pet corgi was filmed, as it was beaten to death by a health worker after its owner reportedly tested positive for Covid-19. Shut-ins ordering food via delivery apps are informed that they are out of stock. Patients complain about being unable to obtain medical care. The pressure is intense and unrelenting, as weeks pass and food supplies dwindle.
Lockdown in Shanghai, China 🇨🇳
No child should ever be treated like this.pic.twitter.com/gPlzIZVrAX
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) April 9, 2022
Chinese President Xi Jinping has placed the burden of Covid-19 compliance on the local authorities. In fear of reprisals, the local enforcement has been severe. It’s said that it would be politically challenging for Xi to admit he overreacted, causing unnecessary pain and punishment.
Censors try to take down videos of this harsh environment, as it portrays China’s leadership in a poor light. Meanwhile, residents are posting photos and videos on social networks to get the word out to the global community of what is happening. “It’s the first time in my life I’ve had to worry about securing food,” the Financial Times quoted one Shanghai-based executive as saying.
The United States told its nonessential staff and their family members at the Shanghai consulate to leave. The State Department ordered the departure “due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak” and said, “It is best for our employees and their families to be reduced in number and our operations to be scaled down as we deal with the changing circumstances on the ground.”
Pegatron, a company that assembles around 30% of Apple iPhones, said it has suspended production in Shanghai due to the restrictions. There is a growing fear that the massive shutdowns may further disrupt the global supply chain—driving up costs and inflation. The ripple effect, along with the disruptions from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, can cause a decrease in much-needed food, goods and products, ranging the gamut of supplies.
This alarming experience may serve as a warning to the U.S. We should consider bringing back manufacturing to America and lessen our dependence upon China for a large majority of our imported goods.
Source: Forbes
