Due to an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the world’s technology hub, Shenzhen, China ordered most of its 17.7 million residents to remain largely at home over an extended period of time and to take two rounds of tests. Bus and subway services in districts conducting tests were suspended, and major factories and suppliers were closed down.
Since late August, Shenzhen has been on lockdown and just recently began to ease up on the mandatory orders. Infections in its latest outbreak showed signs of stabilizing, while most of the 21.2 million residents of Chengdu city faced extended curbs on their movements. China has stuck to its stringent COVID policies, even as most other countries have eased restrictions with the aim of living with the virus, according to Reuters, and supply chain experts are worried about the impact of the days-long closure on both sites and suppliers.