Scenes of Relief as Shanghai Finally Reopens | Photo Story

How Shanghai residents are slowly returning to normal life 

图片故事：解封了，上海的各个角落正在“醒来”

After nearly two months of strict lockdown measures in response to a Covid-19 outbreak, Shanghai has begun easing restrictions. Starting June 1, most of the city's 25 million residents are allowed to exit their residential compounds without restrictions, and enter public indoor spaces presenting a negative nucleic acid test result from within 72 hours. Public transport resumed operations, taxis and ride hailing firms have begun to take passengers, while private cars are allowed back on the roads, once again creating traffic jams. 

In days leading up to the lock down lift, residential compounds have already begun issuing some residents with exit permits to leave their apartment complexes for limited periods. As people started venturing outside, some for the first time in over 60 days, there is joy and relief despite many storefronts still shuttered. We captured the scenes throughout the slow reopening:

According to the city's government, up to 96 percent of Shanghai residents should be free of lockdown restrictions starting June 1

Many delivery workers slept outdoors in tents over the last few weeks, to avoid being locked down in their residential compounds

With many stores still closed, curbsides have become makeshift picnic spots for reunited friends

A handful of metro lines have reopened in the last few weeks, but they remain largely empty

Long queues form outside grocery stores, with staff limiting the number of people allowed in at one time

In weeks leading up to June 1, some residents have obtained exit passes from their compounds while others remained stuck inside

Friends share a meal through locked compound gates in late May

Flowers and shrubs have thrived during the lockdown

Residents will be required to present a negative nucleic acid test within 72 hours to ride public transport or enter indoor public spaces

A group of friends celebrates reunion outdoors

A woman gives her dog a haircut outside

Delivery workers remain essential, with many residents still unable to enter stores in person

A volunteer hands out a voucher to a free Covid-19 test

A woman reopens her storefront after two months of closure

The Pearl Tower, an iconic building in Shanghai, remains empty and conspicuously behind gates

A woman cleans her store as she prepares for reopening. Many stores will remain closed for several days as they clean, disinfect, and resupply

People celebrate the end of lockdown on the streets, bringing their own liquor, snacks, and music and turning curbsides into makeshift parties.

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