The normally bustling, popular tourism sites in the area, including the Bund in Huangpu district and Nanjing road shopping street, are silent after the lockdown was implemented.

Police officers, medical workers and those providing essential public services are allowed work outdoors during the lockdown period and fulfill their duties.

"We will speed up mass testing in the western region, which involves a larger number of people and a more complex situation than the east. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of residents," said Wu Jinglei, director of the Shanghai Health Commission, at a news briefing on Friday.