UPDATE April 6:  The remaining matches in the 2022 LPL Spring Playoffs have been further delayed after the initial announcement of postponement until April 8, this time until the 12th of the month. In addition, the remaining post-season matches will be played remotely to continue to maintain safety during the recent COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai. 

Original story:

Though many tournament organizers and companies throughout the world have once again felt safe scheduling live tournaments, obstacles are still arising because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The League of Legends Pro League playoff schedule has been postponed due to the situation surrounding the virus.

In an announcement post on the LPL English Twitter page, the decision to postpone the competition was explained. "Due to the current Covid situation, to protect the health and safety of our players, coaches, team personnel, and staff, we have decided to postpone the original playoffs schedule until April 8th and onwards. The games will be played remotely", the post stated. "The time for the Spring Split Finals will be announced later." Along with the announcement, LPL English also posted an updated schedule for the playoffs. 

LPL English commentator Joe "Munchables" Fenny explained that the league was rescheduling the playoffs due to a lockdown in Shanghai — the location the matches were intended to take place. The change only effects games in April, meaning games scheduled in March will go as planned. 

According to a news post by Reuters, Shanghai announced a "two-stage lockdown of its 26 million residents on Monday, closing bridges and tunnels and restricting highway traffic in a scramble to contain surging COVID-19 cases." The lockdown will split the city for nine days somewhat along the Huangpu River to allow for staggered testing by healthcare workers. Though infection and death amounts are reportedly low by global standards, China has instituted a zero-COVID policy to shut off any chance of infection. Other instances of the lockdown affecting esports include the Chinese Dota Pro Circuit announcing they will pause because of the same issues.