Chengdu returns to normalcy — but carefully

Nucleic acid testing will be carried out on a regular basis. Every Chengdu resident has to be tested at least once a week. Sites of free mixed testing will be available for residents to be tested on their own accord, it said.

Chengdu reported two local confirmed COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the Sichuan provincial Health Commission said. The city began comprehensive static management on Sept 1, with residents required to stay home. Unnecessary businesses were suspended.

As a result of static management, residential areas tended to be crowded with strollers and children at play. Consequently, some residents volunteered to keep order and facilitate COVID testing.

Zhang Ping, a volunteer with a son, had worked with other volunteers in a residential area to monitor the 1-meter self-distancing line at the testing site. He asked residents to get tested through a loudspeaker and helped elderly residents get to the site.

Residents say the city is indebted to warm-hearted volunteers like Zhang.