Voices From Lockdown In Shanghai As The City Battles A Surge Of COVID Cases

China's zero-COVID strategy and its impact on Shanghai residents and migrant workers are examined. The stringent lockdown measures have led to widespread frustration, with residents yearning for freedom and expressing their discontent through social media and even public protests, as seen in the Summit Department complex. Meanwhile, migrant workers, who form the backbone of COVID prevention efforts, face risks of exposure, exploitation, and social stigma, often enduring poor living conditions and quarantine measures. Despite the hardships, some residents acknowledge the benefits of the zero-COVID policy in the initial stages of the pandemic, which allowed them to live relatively normal lives. However, the current situation presents a stark contrast, raising questions about the long-term sustainability and human cost of China's approach.