Shanghai requests that people spend Christmas indoors as China COVID rates soar

As COVID-19 rages across the country after strict controls were loosened, Shanghai authorities asked locals to stay at home this weekend in an effort to achieve a more subdued Christmas in the country’s most populous city.

Due to the ease with which the coronavirus can spread and the chilly weather, a branch of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission on Saturday recommended young people in particular to stay away from public gatherings.

Although Christmas is not typically observed in China, it is normal for young couples and some families to get together during the holiday.

As China becomes the last major country to move toward living with the virus, the Omicron variant is increasing weeks after the government abruptly reversed their zero-COVID policy, lifting stringent testing procedures and travel restrictions.

Although the softening has been warmly received by many, families and the healthcare system were not ready for the ensuing spike in illnesses. Authorities are racing to create clinics, hospitals are battling for beds and blood, pharmacies are battling for medications.

An extravagant shopping district along Nanjing West Road in Shanghai often organizes a sizable Christmas-themed market, and businesses including restaurants and shops run specials to attract customers.

But Omicron’s spread is dimming the joy.

According to Jacqueline Mocatta, a worker in the hospitality sector, several Shanghai restaurants have canceled Christmas parties that were typically hosted for regulars, while hotels have limited reservations as a result of personnel shortages.

Given our staffing levels and the fact that the bulk of our team members are currently ill, there is a limit to the number of consumers we can take, she added.