"(At home) there is a lack of social activities, so long-term online lessons more or less will bring some problems," he said.

The school told the journalists it had emphasized social responsibility in its online classes and encouraged students to embrace changes and adopt a positive mood for study.

Shanghai High School alumnus Hu Weiguo, the head of a Shanghai medical team sent to support Wuhan, the Chinese city hit hardest by the pandemic, gave a speech about the team's experience that students watched online. It motivated them to be hardworking and contribute to society, the school said.

A story by Reuters said students were "thrilled" to return to class after the monthslong lockdown despite having to wear face masks, compulsory temperature checks, strict hygiene procedures, the installation of glass shields on dining tables and constant reminders to keep 1 meter apart.

Zhang Jiayi, a 17-year-old Shanghai High School student, told Reuters they usually looked forward to the holidays, but the holidays had become too long.

"This time, we longed to return to school, where we can see friends and teachers," Zhang said.