I saw this post when I got up this morning and my initial reaction was that you got unlucky. However, as the morning rolled on, I received word from everyone I know in Xuhui that they had also been selected...and everyone they know in Xuhui also got the notice. At that point, it was clear that people weren't being selected because there were positive cases in their compounds; rather, this was a catch-all deal. I still hadn't been summoned myself yet but knew it was coming...and, I wanted to enjoy the amazing weather before hunkering down. So, I decided to walk up to Jing'an again --this time up Wulumuqi Rd-- and try out the lobster roll place (Shanxi Bei Lu / Kangding Lu...basically between the Shed and Bubba's).


As I left my place, I noticed lots of testing sites with the requisite snowmen along Yongjia Rd.

And also many policemen. I realize this picture doesn't convey such; I'm a little shy wrt cop photos.

But in-person dining is definitely still happening at most restaurants here. As I mentioned yesterday, Jing'an has cracked down hard on this.

This is a picture of Nanjing Rd. facing east towards Jing'an Temple, which you can see on the left side of the street if you look hard enough (it is gold). I was amazed that there weren't any cars at all. (It is one of the busiest streets in Shanghai.)

After about 45 minutes of walking, I reached my goal, Will's Lobster. This is the menu.

And this is the product. I had low expectations because I grew up eating the real deal. However, I must say that it was pretty damn good. A little smaller than what I regard as standard, but Y93 would be a good price even in Boston.

At some point during my walk the lockdown notice showed up in my WeChat. It instructed me to go to the elementary school next to my compound. The process wasn't so bad.

Now I'm back home. The deal is I can get my second test (also a throat swab, I think) at 10a tomorrow morning. And, once the result comes back, I'll be in the clear. The testing people told me to stay home, and I will. However, in my case, nothing would prevent me from fleeing (i.e. the gates are not locked). I would simply feel stupid if I flaunted this rule and got busted. I'm guessing I would stick out like a sore thumb if I wandered about because it appears that they've tested pretty everyone they could in this district. I mentioned all of the snowmen and police in Xuhui. I didn't see any in Jing'an. So, my theory is that they're moving around from district to district. I don't completely see the point of this exercise, but there are lots of things I don't understand about China. All in all, I don't feel particularly inconvenienced though. I'll just pretend tomorrow is a rainy day (even though it won't be).