A lengthy lockdown and shortages of food prompted residents to take to the streets in China¡¯s southern manufacturing hub of Guangzhou, a rare protest that reflected the growing public frustration with disruptions caused by the country¡¯s COVID-19 restrictions.
China maintains the world¡¯s most stringent approach to COVID-19, a policy that relies heavily on mass lockdowns, quarantines and mandatory near-daily testing across the country. Whole regions and cities, including Shanghai, have been placed under strict lockdowns, derailing millions of people¡¯s lives, forcing businesses to close and stirring public outrage.
The psychological toll of China¡¯s ¡°COVID zero¡± policy is mounting. Earlier this month, a poorly managed outbreak in the world¡¯s largest iPhone assembly complex in Zhengzhou led to a worker exodus and a delay in iPhone shipments around the world.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.