As the lockdown measures in Shanghai due to the COVID-19 outbreak continue to spark controversy, an increasing number of foreign residents in the city—including Australian citizens—have chosen to "escape" Shanghai and return to their countries of origin. According to data recorded by the Australian government in March and April this year, a total of 594 Australian citizens and permanent residents returned to Australia from Shanghai. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) was unable to confirm how many of them were only transiting through Shanghai on their way back. Among these hundreds of travelers was a family of four: 34-year-old Vivian, her husband, and their two children.