Aiming to slow the spread

Swift action

In response to the latest outbreak, the municipal government increased the number of COVID-19 testing sites to more than 200 on March 8.

At one major testing company in Pudong district, the daily testing capacity was increased from 30,000 to 300,000 within a week after the municipal government assisted with the speedy procurement of testing equipment and recruitment of operators.

Many residents with medical backgrounds have also risen to the challenge. More than 200 people have signed up to become operators of the testing equipment, says Lou Jingwei of the Shanghai Biotecan Pharmaceuticals.

"This is the warmth and efficiency of Shanghai on display," says Lou. "The organizational ability and resources of the city, as well as the passion of the people make me confident of the city's ability to fend off the virus."

Authorities have asked residents not to leave Shanghai unless necessary, and those departing the city must produce a negative test result within 48 hours.

"All these measures have one aim-to reduce people's movement and social gatherings," says Wu Fan, vice-president of the Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University and deputy head of the expert team leading the city's COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.