Shanghai sets timetable for restart of business

Shanghai is continuing the resumption of retail business across the city and by June all shopping malls, department stores and specialty shops in areas considered low-risk to COVID-19 will resume offline business, the Shanghai Commission of Commerce said on Monday.

The customer flow shall not exceed 50 percent of the maximum capacity at such venues before May 31, and needs to be controlled at a maximum of 75 percent after June 1, the commission said.

It required all such venues to make full preparations for the resumption of offline business, including closed-loop management of staff, preventive disinfection before reopening and setting up "venue codes" and "digital sentries".

Catering businesses can also resume offline service, according to the commission. Before May 31, only takeout services are allowed. Regarding hairdressing, customers need to make reservations online in advance, and the total customer flow shall not exceed half of the maximum capacity at hair salons before May 31.

Housekeeping and home electric appliance repair services resumed on May 22.

The commission also said produce markets will also gradually reopen. Before the end of the month, a market can only open no more than half of its stalls, and the number of shoppers will be limited at half of its capacity. The figures are subject to change according to the situation starting in June.