The Chinese megacity of Chengdu has extended a week-long lockdown in most downtown areas after Covid-19 cases increased, underscoring the government’s commitment to eradicating the virus even as the economic and social costs climb.
Home to 21 million people and the capital of Sichuan province, Chengdu is the biggest city to close down since Shanghai experienced a bruising two-month lockdown earlier this year. Chengdu reported 116 local cases for Wednesday, compared to 121 the day before. Authorities said mass testing would continue and pledged to eliminate community spread of the virus within a week.
