Shanghai locks down for testing as COVID cases spike

China’s financial hub, Shanghai, will lock down in two stages over nine days to carry out COVID-19 testing after the city reported a new daily record in asymptomatic infections. All firms and factories will suspend manufacturing and/or work remotely during the lockdown.

European companies plan to leave Hong Kong over COVID restrictions

According to a new EuroCham survey on the impact of government pandemic controls, nearly half of European companies in Hong Kong are looking to move out of the city this year, citing “unusually high staff turnover” and difficulties in hiring overseas talent. Only 17% of respondents have no intention of shifting operations elsewhere.

Singapore’s living-with-COVID strategy set to reap expo dividends

The Lion City is gearing up to hold larger business events this year as it expands vaccinated travel lanes and eases COVID-related restrictions. Relaxed rules allow attendance at larger events up to 50% of the venue’s capacity, while quarantine requirements have been lifted for all vaccinated and COVID-free travellers. Organisers are welcoming the moves, saying they will help revive Singapore’s MICE industry.

Australia to ditch pre-trip tests for arriving travellers

From 17th April onwards, overseas travellers bound for Australia will no longer need to provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure. International arrivals will still need to be fully vaccinated to enter the country, and mandatory masking on flights will remain. Restrictions on cruise ships will also lapse on 17th April.