China steps up anti-COVID measures in megacities as infections mount

Shanghai and other big Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, have ramped up testing for Covid-19 as infections rise, with some local authorities hastily closing schools, entertainment venues and tourist spots. Infections have risen to the highest since August, with the uptick coming after increased domestic travel during the National Day "Golden Week" earlier this month. Authorities reported 2,089 new local infections for Monday (Oct 10) on Tuesday, the most since Aug 20. While many of the cases were found in tourist destinations, including scenic spots in the northern region of Inner Mongolia, megacities that are often the source of well-heeled and well-travelled tourists have started to report more cases this week. Shanghai, China's financial capital of 25 million people, reported 28 local cases for Monday, the fourth day of double-digit increases. Keen to avoid a reprise of the economically and psychically scarring lockdown in April and May, Shanghai said late on Monday that all its 16 districts were to conduct routine testing at least twice a week until Nov 10. That's a step up from once a week, a regime imposed after the last lockdown. Checks on inbound travellers and in places such as hotels should also be strengthened, authorities said. The expanding web of measures has already ensnared some. (Source Reuters)