The Chinese commercial hub of 25 million people aims to essentially end from Wednesday a two-month lockdown that has severely damaged the economy.

The new mask rules are set to take effect on Wednesday, May 18.

Authorities in Shanghai have tightened restrictions on its 26 million residents, despite a steady decline in new Covid-19 infections.

The city of 26 million people reported 1,006 confirmed infections and nearly 24,000 asymptomatic cases in the last 24 hours.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has handed his resignation to the king but will stay on as interim premier.