Moments of Shanghai in Lockdown

"After the unexpectedly long lockdown, some people are leaving the city. For some, it is a final farewell and a delayed homecoming. For others, it is 'Shanghai, see you again.'"

(Today's newsletter is contributed by red_wallstreet and Jinglin Gao, both are Shanghai-based contributors to the GRR.)

It has been an extraordinary two months for the 25 million people in Shanghai (almost three months for some), living in complete isolation in their homes. Now, every one of these 25 million have a story to share about this unforgettable part of their lives: the struggles, the good and the bad, the exchange of goods among complete strangers in apartment buildings, free rides to the train station, and temporary volunteers in every apartment complex...

In today's newsletter, the GRR team introduces you to the five-part "Away From Home" video series by Shanghai Daily, an English language newspaper, which recorded the ups and downs of Shanghai's hopefully receding lockdown. The video series has been well-received on Chinese social media and provided an opportunity for people to better understand each other's different lives and works in the past two months.

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Episode 1: Away From Home: Shanghai's lifeline 生命时速

Shanghai Daily followed an ambulance crew and witnessed how emergency treatment is provided to a city in complete lockdown.

Episode 2: Away From Home: Stranded 川纪路上的炊烟

It’s been a long haul for truckers stuck in Shanghai by coronavirus restrictions. They cope but hope to get back on the road soon. Shanghai Daily followed several truckers and documented their experiences during the special period.

Episode 3: Away From Home: 2901 油漆工顾大姐

Gu Xiumei is a plasterer who was working in an apartment in a residential compound when the lockdown was imposed almost two months ago. She had to live in the half-finished Room 2901, during which she signed up to be a volunteer, distributing supplies to each household, and helping organize PCR tests.

Episode 4: Away From Home: Sheltered 江阴街来了新朋友

The city's first pet shelter gives needy felines and canines a temporary home during this special time. Its manager and founder Zhai Jiang is also the owner of a nearby pet clinic called Babara Vet.

Episode 5: Away From Home: Departure 漫长的出发

After the unexpectedly long lockdown, some people are leaving the city. For some, it is a final farewell and a delayed homecoming. For others, it is "Shanghai, see you again."

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