Shanghai varsity entrance exam postponed

The annual university entrance exam in Shanghai has been postponed by a month against the backdrop of an ongoing coronavirus lockdown. Vice Mayor Chen Qun announced at a press conference that more than 50,000 would now take the three-day test marathon in early July. The so-called 'Gaokao' is considered the most important exam in the life of every Chinese person, as it significantly determines one's career path. The announcement has dashed hopes that everyday life in China's most important economic metropolis will soon return to normal. Although the authorities in Shanghai have been recording falling infection figures for more than a week, the government recently warned against premature negligence in the fight against the virus. China continues to pursue a strict zero-Covid strategy, which is being severely tested in light of the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. - dpa