Shanghai moved closer to reopening after two months of grueling COVID-19 lockdown, as Beijing prepared to loosen restrictions in sections of the city, stating on Saturday that the epidemic was under control.

After loosening restrictions over the previous week, Shanghai hopes to virtually lift its lockdown on Wednesday.

More individuals have been allowed to leave their houses, and more businesses have been allowed to reopen, but most inhabitants are still mostly restricted to their housing compounds, with stores primarily limited to deliveries.

Shanghai officials recommended ongoing attention, despite the fact that the great majority of its 25 million citizens live in regions classified as low-risk “prevention.”