Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    MANY housing estates in Shenzhen are allowing couriers to deliver parcels to doorsteps or put them at designated areas on premise for collection starting yesterday after the city was re-categorized to low-risk for COVID-19.

    At certain housing estates, like Shanghefang in Longhua District and Changcheng in Futian District, couriers can leave parcels at a designated area for collection after passing a temperature check and presenting their health code.

    “As we have learned that Shenzhen has been re-categorized to a low-risk area, we now require couriers to put parcels in a convenient place for disinfection,” Sun Shiyi, head of Shanghefang Property Management Office, said in an interview.

    Couriers are allowed to deliver some big parcels directly to recipients’ doorsteps.

    Maids are allowed to resume work in households, but they must submit registrations in advance, undergo temperature checks and present health codes, according to Sun.

    Other housing estates and office buildings maintain tight restrictions, not yet permitting couriers to enter and requiring them to deposit parcels at the outside estate entrances.

    At Sea World Square yesterday, restaurants, bars and shopping centers were open and attracting customers. Restaurants like fastfood outlets McDonald’s, KFC and Xijiade, a well-known Chinese dumpling chain, saw an influx of visitors.

    “It’s noon. The indoor tables are almost fully occupied by diners,” said an employee surnamed Wang who helped a customer order a meal through the restaurant app.

    Wang checked the temperature of each diner and asked them to register their information.

    “Though the risk has been lowered, temperature checks are still needed for the safety of every one,” Wang explained.

    The restaurant resumed service Feb. 20, but Wang said the number of visitors just started picking up recently after the situation of coronavirus control and prevention significantly improved.

    OCT East reopened its services yesterday while limiting the number of visitors permitted entry. Visitors must provide health codes, submit registrations and go through temperature checks before purchasing tickets. The eateries inside the park remain closed.

    “Considering the situation, indoor performances remain closed. The rest of the areas are open to the public,” said Zhang Bo, a manager with OCT East.

    To stimulate consumption, Luohu District announced Sunday that it will issue 30 million yuan (US$4.22 million) in coupons to residents.

    The coupons will be valid across business sectors such as retailing, accommodations, dining, automotives, jewelry, home decor and cultural consumption. They can be used to deduct cash payments when customers’ spending reaches a certain amount.