The United States has ordered its consular staff to leave Shanghai, which is under lockdown to prevent a spike in COVID-19.
The State Department said the order was an upgrade from an “authorized” departure order issued last week that made the decision voluntary.
The order covers “non-emergency US government employees and their family members from the US Consulate General in Shanghai.”
In a statement late Monday, the department said, “Our change of posture reflects our assessment that it is best for our employees and their families to reduce numbers and activities. Ours is miniaturized as we deal with the changing reality.”
China angrily responded to the earlier voluntary departure order.
