The strict pandemic restriction regime is expected to start easing at the start of next month. But many remain skeptical.
Shanghai's prolonged lockdown related to COVID-19 is expected to start lifting soon, according to various Chinese and international media, although many domestic voices on social media remain skeptical it will actually happen.
Hong Kong daily English newspaper «The Standard» on Monday cited Shanghai's deputy mayor Zong Ming saying that restrictions would remain in place until 21 May but after that the city would re-open step-wise.
«From June 1 to mid-and late June, as long as risks of a rebound in infections are controlled, we will fully implement epidemic prevention and control, normalize management, and fully restore normal production and life in the city,» she was quoted as saying in the newspaper.
Negative Social Media Reaction
The Hong Kong publication also cited skepticism by city residents, with one member of the public on the Weibo social platform asking whether the city could be believed.
As finews.asia previously indicated, the lockdown in the city of 26 million has been unpopular and the restrictions were not only mirrored nationwide in 45 other cities but were having a significant impact on China's economic growth.
