Beijing races to test to avoid Shanghai “scenario”.

According to Reuters, Beijing has about 22 million people and 20 million people have been tested for this batch. Schools, shops and offices will remain open, but the Lama Temple will be closed to tourists from April 27. Authorities also urged people to limit leaving the city and avoid gathering during the upcoming International Labor Day holiday (April 30 to May 4).

According to the AP news agency, the announcement of the above-mentioned large-scale testing caused many people to rush to buy food and other essential goods for fear that Beijing would be locked down like the economic hub Shanghai. However, the situation on April 26 appeared to be less tense after the authorities said that Beijing had only recorded 33 new Covid-19 cases within 24 hours and no deaths. However, in some areas, people are required to work from home and limit leaving the place where they live. In addition, stadiums, cinemas and entertainment venues were ordered to close.

People wait in line to take samples for Covid-19 testing in the capital Beijing – Covid-19 on April 26 Photo: REUTERS

Also on April 26, 3 cities of Anyang (Henan Province), Dandong (Liaoning Province) and Baotou (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region) began blockade measures because of Covid-19. Meanwhile, Shanghai City announced 52 more deaths from Covid-19 on April 26, bringing the total number of deaths in the latest outbreak to 190. However, the number of new cases in 24 hours has decreased. 16,012 left.

Amid the prolonged blockade in Shanghai, a number of financial companies have lowered their GDP growth forecasts for China. Specifically, according to CNBC, the average growth rate given by nine financial companies is 4.5%, much lower than Beijing’s 5.5% target. Of these, Nomura Company (Japan) made the lowest forecast of 3.9%, compared with 4.3% of the previous time.

Nomura’s expert Ting Lu said that the zero-tolerance strategy with Covid-19 caused a big supply shock to the Chinese economy, especially for cities that are under partial or total blockade. The blockade and restriction measures to prevent Covid-19 in Shanghai and surrounding cities not only hurt local demand, but also disrupt logistics and supply chains inside and outside these places. .