About Shanghai Lockdown 2022 

Shanghai's 2-month lockdown had come and passed. Started abruptly in March 2022 and ended as abruptly on 1 June, the massive lockdown has impacted the lives of more than 25 million residents in China's financial and commercial hub–businesses and individuals, young and old, rich and poor, locals and foreigners alike–as part of China's political resolve to achieve 清零 'Zero-COVID'.

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This blog site has been created in the aftermath of the Lockdown – supported by the author Kent Lau's neighbours at 港汇花园 Grand Gateway (GG) Garden at Xujiahui sub-district, Xuhui District. Since the beginning of the Lockdown, Kent has been sharing his daily sketches and videos on social media and in various chat groups - especially in the 500-strong GG Neighbours chat group of which the primary purpose was to group-buy groceries and daily essentials, share useful information and bring self-help to a level like never before.  

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Throughout the 2-month ordeal, there were brief periods of easing and tightening of restrictions and never-ending stories of confusion, absurdity, and pain. Yet at the same time, there was no lacking of laughter, togetherness, and gratitude. Kent's daily sketches of 傻蛋 Eggie coupled with bilingual quips have, in a way, helped lift the spirits of people around and, very importantly, keep his own sanity.

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The content on this site is a recollection of Kent's daily postings on WeChat Moments and Facebook. It is not meant to be a full account of the Lockdown, and it is by no means politically correct all the time. Nevertheless, it is true to heart.

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About 傻蛋 Eggie 

Virtually every household in Shanghai was in dire need of groceries in the early days of the Lockdown when the authorities brought all businesses including supply chain operations to a rude halt. We all need eggs for protein-energy, and we all need a sunny side up always.

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About KentisMAD 

'KentisMAD' is the social handle of author Kent Lau – a Singaporean running a branding and design outfit called MadAboutDesign in Shanghai since 2006, a self-taught artist, a never-too-old casual runner, a passionate volunteer who lives by the age-old mantra 'Make A Difference', and a fan of Chinese history, culture, and heritage.

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About Time 

Since 1 June 2022, Shanghai is gradually opening up. Business and lifestyle-wise, it is same-same but never the same. We hear reports of neighbourhoods returning to lockdown every day, as the authorities ceaselessly pursue 'Zero-COVID' even as daily confirmed cases are but double digits. Many are returning to work out of home, and many are dealing with 解封式社恐 post-COVID Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Regardless, it is about time to move on – to put our pots and pans behind and pursue our dreams once again!

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