Shenzhen Lockdown Eases as China Seeks to Soften Covid Impact

Residents walk by closed shops in Huaqiangbei area, the world's biggest electronics market, in Shenzhen on March 14. Photo: Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) — Shenzhen will allow factories and public transport in several parts of the city to resume operations on Friday, partially easing a strict lockdown that has paralyzed the technology hub bordering Hong Kong as President Xi Jinping pledges to soften the economic impact of his Covid-fighting measures.

A total of five districts will re-open from the citywide lockdown, allowing workers in those areas to return to their offices. Train and bus services will resume after being shut down since Monday. The rest of the city will still be subject to movement restrictions, the government said.