The number of deaths from Covid-19 in Shanghai increased sharply

“A total of 39 deaths among Covid-19 patients in Shanghai on April 23, an increase of 12 cases compared to the previous day,” Reuters news agency quoted local officials today (April 24).

China’s financial hub also recorded 19,657 new asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2, down from 20,634 cases a day earlier. The number of confirmed new symptomatic infections was 1,401, also down from 2,736 the day before.

Quiet street scene in Shanghai. Photo: Reuters

This city of 26 million people is battling China’s biggest-ever Covid-19 outbreak, according to reports Reuters.

China, which has pursued a “no Covid-19” policy, in early April mobilized the army and thousands of medical staff to participate in Covid-19 tests for all 26 million people in Shanghai.

The Shanghai government has also just extended the Covid-19 restriction measures until April 26 to control the epidemic. The restrictions that are being imposed are making it difficult for healthcare workers, health officials, delivery people and community volunteers in restricted areas to travel.

A person in a protective suit arrives to deliver goods at a Covid-19 isolation area in Shanghai on April 23. Photo: Reuters