China's zero-COVID policy is sending ripples through the world economy

May 9, 2022
As one region after another locks down, companies struggle and delays hinder the production and transportation of goods.
As China continues its lockdowns to prevent coronavirus transmission, delays hit manufacturing and transport operations.
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A look at lockdown life in Shanghai

COVID cases still number about 18,000 per day, and many people have had to make sacrifices.
View of residential units during a COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown in the Jing'an district of Shanghai on April 21, 2022.
Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images

More supply chain woes likely when China eases its COVID lockdowns

Apr 18, 2022
Goods sitting idle in warehouses or containers will head to the U.S., though many companies have adapted to shortages.
China's most recent lockdowns have reduced shipments and eased the stress on tight supply chains, but sooner or later, high volumes of goods will flow again.
Dale De La Rey/AFP via Getty Images

Inside Shanghai's indefinite lockdown: isolation, outcry and food shortages

Apr 12, 2022
Shanghai's latest citywide lockdown has left residents anxious about being separated from their children, pets and struggling to find food.
Shanghai has been mass testing its residents almost every day since the start of the month.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

How will the coronavirus omicron variant affect the economy?

Nov 29, 2021
Omicron might play out in a similar way to delta, with a sharp drop in consumer spending. Tourism in particular would likely take a big hit.
Even without lockdowns, the omicron variant could still stall economic recovery. Above, a trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

"Looking after children during the pandemic is uplifting"

Jan 13, 2021
Roopam Carroll runs a day care center in Nottingham, England. She explains how caregivers enable other kinds of work.
Roopam Carroll runs a day care center in Nottingham, England.
Courtesy of Roopam Carroll

Lessons of HIV/AIDS help San Francisco battle today's pandemic

Dec 1, 2020
The Bay Area is keeping COVID casualties down. Officials learned the importance of taking action early and building partnerships.
A doctor with the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic passes encouraging graffiti on his way to warn homeless people about the coronavirus.
Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Businesses face new restrictions with no aid in sight

Nov 24, 2020
During the first round of lockdowns earlier this year, small businesses could fall back on federal relief. Not this time.
A bartender awaits patrons at a Florida restaurant. Anxiety is rising for many small business owners.
Octavio Jones/Getty Images

What happens to consumer spending next in the stop-and-go COVID-19 economy?

Nov 5, 2020
It doesn't look good, considering the pandemic is still raging and there's no additional federal relief yet.
A man waits for his lunch order at relatively empty Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles in June.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Toilet paper companies work to keep shelves stocked as shortage risk returns

Nov 5, 2020
The real challenge is making sure toilet paper hits shelves at the same pace consumers are buying it.
Like in the spring, the problem this winter isn’t necessarily running out of product, but making sure it reaches shelves at the same pace consumers are buying it up.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images