Shanghai, 1 April – At a videoconference on 31 March, the Philippine Consulate General briefed the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs (OMWA) of the Department of Foreign Affairs on the COVID-19 situation in Shanghai and the attendant concerns of Filipinos in the metropolis.

A city of over 23 million, Shanghai is currently experiencing an unprecedented surge in cases and moving resolutely to staunch the rise. In keeping with its “dynamic Zero-COVID-19” approach, the municipal government has authorized a two-phase full lockdown, among other measures.

The far-reaching lockdown comes on the heels of more localized closures. This began with East Shanghai, referred as “Pudong”, from 28 March to 1 April. It covers the districts of Pudong New Area, Fengxian, Jinshan, Chongming, Minhang, and Songjiang. Meanwhile, West Shanghai or “Puxi”, covering the districts of Huangpu, Xuhui, Changning, Jing'an, Putuo, Zhabei, Hongkou, and Yangpu, goes on lockdown from 1 to 5 April. The city has assured residents of a stable supply of goods and undisrupted essential services.

All residents are barred from leaving their homes and are required to undergo rounds of nucleic acid testing for COVID-19. All offices and businesses, including foreign consular missions such as the Philippine Consulate General, have been asked to suspend operations.

During the teleconference, Consul General Josel F. Ignacio led his team in discussions with Assistant Secretary Paul Raymund P. Cortes on the impact of the city’s COVID-19 restrictions on Filipinos and alleviating attendant challenges. Present for the PCG were Deputy Consul General Marlowe A. Miranda, Consul Conrado B. Demdem, Jr. and ATN Officer Ella Cecilia P. Acena.

There are an estimated 4,000 Filipinos in Shanghai, and about another 2,500 Filipinos in the surrounding provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui and Hubei. END