The city of Wuhan in China has celebrated the ending of its COVID-19 lockdown with a huge light show.
The city’s 11 million residents were allowed to leave the city for the first time in 11 weeks at midnight last night.
People are now allowed to enter and leave provided they use an app powered by data-tracking and Government surveillance technology to prove they are healthy and have had no contact with anyone who is.
Aerial photo shows the city of Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province coming out of COVID-19 lockdown, 08-04-2020. Image: Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua News Agency/PA ImagesBell stroke 12 as Wuhan lockdown was officially over on 00:00 8th April. People cheering, lightshow glowing, cars exiting #Wuhan.
Congrats on my rising city. Wish it bring you hope, who are still fighting. Dawn is ahead☀ pic.twitter.com/4N1ocwfVZB— Claire Chen (@ClaireRChen) April 7, 2020
Wuhan, the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been on lockdown since January 23rd.
The lifting of the restrictions was accompanied by special events at airports, stations and factories and official lightshows and social media campaigns.
The light show included images of healthcare workers healing patients and the word’s “Heroic Wuhan” – a title bestowed on the city by Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.
People lined the bridges and riverside chanting “Wuhan, let’s go!” and singing the national anthem.
Aerial photo shows the city of Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province coming out of COVID-19 lockdown, 08-04-2020. Image: Xiao Yijiu/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images#Wuhan celebrating official lockdown break...good news for all pic.twitter.com/7wYOw8z0oe
— Rajeshkumar Chinnapp (@rajeshchennapa) April 8, 2020
The restrictions have been gradually reduced in Wuhan over recent weeks as the number of new infections fell.
The latest Government figures showed no new cases yesterday – although critics have questioned their accuracy.
