Shanghai on Tuesday achieved the long-awaited milestone of three consecutive days with no new Covid-19 cases outside quarantine zones. However, most residents will have to put up with confinement for a while longer before resuming more normal life.

For other cities in China that are under lockdown, a third day with no new cases in the community usually means “zero Covid” status and the start of the waving off restrictions.

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Shanghai is planning to resume outdoor activities stage-wise, with some stores and pharmacies reopening this week, but with most restrictions on movement remaining in place until May 21.

It is reported that by June, the lockdown should be lifted, but residents will still be asked to get tested frequently.

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More people were allowed out of their homes this week, with some joggers and dog walkers spotted. One man was seen fishing in the Shanghai river.

But tall fences remained around many residential areas and there were almost no private cars on the streets with most people still confined to their homes.

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It was not clear how many shops are-opened this week but in one positive sign, delivery apps showed more options for people to order.

A social media account ran by the Communist Party’s official People’s Daily newspaper posted photographs on Monday evening that it said showed breakfast joints, restaurants and hairdressers opening up.

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But one social media user described the post as “nonsense”.

“We have been locked in at home for two months … This story is meant for anyone else other than people in Shanghai.”

In all, officials have said that Shanghai reported less than 1,000 new cases for May 16, all inside areas under the strictest controls.

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China’s uncompromising “zero Covid” policy has placed many consumers and workers under various restrictions at a time when the rest of the world is lifting them to “live with the virus” even as infections spread.