China eases anti-Covid restrictions despite near-record number of cases

The flexibility policy continues anti-covid measures by the Chinese government after the protests that in recent days they have taken thousands of citizens to the streets in numerous cities. Following the decision by local authorities to grant home quarantines to positives who meet certain requirements, mass collections to enter closed places will also be reduced, even if the number of daily cases continues to grow, reaching record numbers.

In Beijing, the dismantling of cabins where Covid-19 tests are carried out yesterday began, while in Shenzhen, as in other cities in China, passengers will no longer be required to present (negative) test results to travel. or just walk through parks or even offices. The first easing of anti-Covid measures will be seen from Monday, when even supermarkets will no longer need a tampon before being able to enter.

They are necessary interventions after the registered protests, mainly by workers and youth, against the government and the strict anti-Covid policies in several Chinese cities, including Shanghai and Beijing. New variants and the arrival of vaccines have made the standard response less and less effective. The senior government official said that “over time, the Omicron variant becomes less pathogenic, more people are vaccinated and our experience in preventing Covid-19 increases. Our fight against the pandemic is in a new phase and involves new tasks” .