![](https://cdn.benzinga.com/files/imagecache/2048x1536xUP/images/story/2022/04/12/covid-19_corona-5174671_1920__image_by_gerd_altmann_from_pixabay_.jpg)
- The U.S. State Department has ordered all non-emergency government staff and their family members in Shanghai to leave following a surge in COVID-19 cases, CNBC reported.
- "Reconsider travel to the People's Republic of China (PRC) due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19-related restrictions," the report quoted the State Department.
- The department had issued a travel advisory on April 8 warning U.S. citizens about "arbitrary enforcement of local laws" and Covid-19 restrictions.
- The report noted that the northern Chinese province of Jilin, an automotive hub, and Shanghai city are the hardest hit.
- China is facing its worst COVID-19 outbreak since the early phase of the pandemic in early 2020.
- The restriction on movement and economic activity has affected both people and industries alike.
- Photo by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay