After six weeks of Covid-induced lockdown, normalcy to return in Shanghai

Data on Monday showed China's industrial output fell 2.9% in April from a year earlier, down sharply from a 5.0% increase in March

Shanghai set out plans on Monday for the return of more normal life from June 1 and the end of a painful COVID-19 lockdown that has lasted more than six weeks and contributed to a sharp slowdown in China's economic activity.

In the clearest timetable yet, Deputy Mayor Zong Ming said Shanghai's reopening would be carried out in stages, with movement curbs largely to remain in place until May 21 to prevent a rebound in infections, before a gradual easing.

"From June 1, to mid- and late June, as long as risks of a rebound in infections are controlled, we