China has just imposed its strictest lockdown in over two years, beginning with a city-wide lockdown in Shanghai. Perfect World has paused the China 2022 Dota Pro Circuit Spring Tour in order to comply with this new mandate.
The regional league will come to an end after the conclusion of the matches scheduled for March 29. The tournament organizer is aiming to resume full operations on April 8, though this is only a target date.
According to the Associated Press, a “growing outbreak” of COVID-19 in Shanghai could not be contained with simple, limited lockdowns of housing compounds and workplaces, as in previous cases. This will be carried out in two phases beginning today, though smaller lockdowns have been taking place in communities over the last few weeks.
During this time, the city will be subjected to mass testing, residents will be required to remain at home, and all businesses not deemed essential, including public transportation, will be closed. More information on the specifics of this lockdown, as well as China’s ongoing “zero-tolerance” approach to COVID-19, can be found here.
Perfect World is directly affected because its main DPC production studio, as well as many of the teams competing in the regional league, is located in Shanghai.
PSG.LGD leads the regional standings for the second year in a row, but Royal Never Give Up and Xtreme Gaming are catching up, trailing the current kings by only a single series in terms of record.