China , Partially Eases , Shanghai Lockdown.<br />On April 12, some of Shanghai's 25 million <br />residents were allowed to leave their homes <br />as the city eased a two-week-long shutdown. .<br />ABC reports that about 6.6 million people will be <br />allowed to leave their homes and that some markets and pharmacies would be allowed to reopen. .<br />The abrupt shutdown on March 28 left many residents without access to food or medicine. .<br />The abrupt shutdown on March 28 left many residents without access to food or medicine. .<br />While the total case numbers in China remain relatively low, the government is enforcing a "zero-tolerance" strategy to isolate the infected. .<br />Shanghai has reported over 200,000 cases, <br />but the latest surge has led to zero deaths.<br />Of the 24,659 new cases reported, , 23,387 were found to be non-symptomatic.<br />According to ABC, anyone who tests positive for COVID <br />has been forced into quarantine and held at facilities <br />criticized for being crowded and unsanitary. .<br />Last week, the U.S. State Department advised Americans <br />not to travel to China due to the shutdowns, citing <br />a risk of "parents and children being separated.".<br />On April 12, the State Department ordered, all "non-emergency U.S. government <br />employees" to withdraw due to, "changing circumstances on the ground.".<br />On April 12, the State Department ordered, all "non-emergency U.S. government <br />employees" to withdraw due to, "changing circumstances on the ground.".<br />In response, China's foreign ministry defended <br />the shutdown as "scientific and effective" and <br />accused the U.S. of politicizing its withdrawal.<br />In response, China's foreign ministry defended <br />the shutdown as "scientific and effective" and <br />accused the U.S. of politicizing its withdrawal.<br />The United States should immediately <br />stop attacking China’s epidemic prevention <br />policy, stop political manipulation with <br />the epidemic issue and stop smearing <br />and discrediting China, Zhao Lijian, Spokesman for <br />China's Foreign Ministry, via ABC .<br />The United States should immediately <br />stop attacking China’s epidemic prevention <br />policy, stop political manipulation with <br />the epidemic issue and stop smearing <br />and discrediting China, Zhao Lijian, Spokesman for <br />China's Foreign Ministry, via ABC
