Shanghai vows punishment for lockdown violators
STORY: Once bustling downtown Shanghai looked empty on Wednesday (April 12), as the city police department warned that anyone who violates COVID-19 lockdown rules will be dealt with strictly.
The department said that those who break current restrictions will, quote, "be dealt with in strict accordance with the law by public security organs," and that if the violation "constitutes a crime", they will be investigated.
It is also rallying citizens to defend their city as its tally of new reported cases rebounded to more than 25,000.
The financial hub is under huge pressure to try to contain China's biggest COVID-19 outbreak since the coronavirus was first discovered in late 2019.
Millions are now confined to their homes and struggling to get daily supplies.
Residents battling to secure delivery slots for their food are also facing surging prices, which the government is keen to keep a lid on.
Shanghai police also warned frustrated residents not to spread false information or forge road passes or other clearance certificates.
An official said authorities had issued 38,000 letters against price-gouging and was also investigating complaints of irregular pricing on social media.
Shanghai's COVID measures, which reflect China's strict "zero-COVID" approach aimed at eliminating transmission chains, have reverberated through the global economy.
Analysts warn they were not only hurting tourism and hospitality but also having an impact on supply chains across sectors.
