CHINA SAYS OPERATIONS "NORMAL" AT AIRPORTS, MAJOR PORTS IN SHANGHAI

Operations at airports in Shanghai and major ports in Pudong have been "operating normally," according to reports by state media amid the most recent lockdown implemented in a major Chinese city to curb the Covid-19 outbreak. 

 

"According to the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection, entry-exit Customs clearance remained normal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Monday, with 3,300 people and 240 international passenger and cargo flights scheduled for Customs clearance," Chinadaily said in a report.

 

It added that contagion prevention measures have been taken at the airport and people are advised not to leave or enter Shanghai unless necessary and travelers must produce valid 48-hour negative nucleic acid testing results to leave or enter the city.

 

The report said, "necessary preparations" have been made ahead at Yangshan port and Waigaoqiao port — two key ports located in Pudong.

 

"Staff members at the local Customs authority are currently working two shifts over extended hours to ensure the security and smooth operation of the ports," it added.

 

Meanwhile, the report said operations at Shanghai International Port Group "have been normal," with daily throughput regular between 130,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and 140,000 TEUs.

 

China began its two-phase coronavirus lockdown from March 28 through April 5 as Shanghai conduct mass testing to control a growing outbreak as part of the country's "zero-Covid" policy.

 

This comes as Shanghai recorded 3,450 asymptomatic Covid-19 cases and 50 symptomatic cases on March 27.

 

The five-day lockdown will begin with testing in Shanghai's Pudong financial district and nearby areas from March 28 to April 1, while the second phase of the lockdown will include tests on the other districts west of the Huangpu River from April 1 to April 5.