Apr 24, 2022 - World

Shanghai erects fences around COVID-hit areas

Julia Shapero

Volunteers disinfect a residential community at Yangpu district during the phased lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 outbreak on April 24 in Shanghai. Photo: Yang Jianzheng/VCG via Getty Images

Shanghai authorities have erected fences outside of residential areas with COVID-19 cases, according to Reuters.

Driving the news: The move has sparked public outcry on social media, where people have compared the decision to enclosing residents in "like domestic animals." Others questioned whether the fencing is a fire hazard, per Reuters.

Much of the fencing was installed around "sealed areas," or buildings with at least one case of COVID-19 where residents are forbidden from leaving.
It's unclear why authorities have resorted to fencing, Reuters notes.

The big picture: China's largest city, home to about 26 million people, has been under a strict lockdown since the end of March.

The lockdown has led to food shortages, family separations and censorship.
Shanghai officials eased the lockdown on April 12, allowing some residents to leave their homes.
But the city reported its first deaths as a result of the new outbreak on Monday, after three people died of the virus.

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Shanghai erects fences around COVID-hit areas

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