AS the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to spread and pose risks and concerns over its social and economic costs in China, its major cities have embarked on a quest to improve an anti-outbreak approach that can both meet dynamic zero-Covid-19 targets and minimize disruptions to social and economic activities, with the latest approach — phased 'closed-off management,' instead of citywide measures — now in effect by Shanghai, the country's financial hub.

Shanghai's move to divide the city into two and implement strict closed-off management in one part first aims to reduce social and economic disruptions, given the city's special status as China's main economic, trade and financial hub. The approach came a day after the technology hub of Shenzhen resumed normal life and work recently after locking down for one week to stem the spread of Covid-19, during which multiple measures were implemented in various parts of the city.