Chengdu streets deserted amid virus lockdown

The streets in Chengdu were largely deserted on Saturday, after the city ordered its 21 million residents to stay at home this week following a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Chengdu has reported around 1,000 cases in the latest outbreak and no deaths from the latest round of domestic transmission. The start of the new school term has been delayed, although public transport continues to operate and citizens are permitted to leave the city if they can show a special need.

All businesses, apart from pharmacies and supermarkets have been shut down. Under the rules announced Thursday, just one member of each family who can show a negative virus test within the past 24 hours is allowed out per day to buy necessities.