China has begun implementing a more flexible version of its strict “zero COVID” policy on today December 8, amid steps to re- gain normal life, but also trepidation over a possible broader outbreak once controls are eased.
China has reported 21,165 new coronavirus cases today, though it was unclear whether the lower number reflected fewer infections or a reduction in testing.
The National Health Commission issued a relaxed anti-pandemic regulations on Wednesday December 7, including a loosening of lockdowns and the elimination of a requirement that a recent negative COVID-19 test be shown to enter most public places.
Among the changes is a renewed commitment to vaccinate vulnerable groups and the elderly, whose levels of immunization are far lower than the population as a whole. China has administered 3.4 billion doses to its 1.4 billion people, or about 2.4 doses per person, indicating that large numbers have not received the recommended three shots.
The commission said it was due to “positive results” in fighting the virus and because of a recognition that the current omicron variant is less dangerous than earlier versions of the virus, a fact long embraced by other countries that have reopened their societies. “Our country’s epidemic prevention and control work is facing new situations and new tasks,” commission spokesperson, Mi Feng said.
The relaxation follows street protests the largest in decades by people fed up with the draconian controls, which have been blamed for hobbling the economy, upending millions of lives and causing the deaths of some people refused hospital treatment because they lacked proper test results.
Measures Met With Relief
While the relaxation sent a wave of relief through Chinese society, much uncertainty remains and the move was not met with universal acclaim.
People across China reacted with relief and caution on Thursday to the dramatic government decision to loosen some of the world’s most severe restrictions.
Elsewhere, virus tests no longer were required to enter many public places under changes announced Wednesday that followed nationwide protests against restrictions that have confined millions of families to their homes. Schools in areas without outbreaks were ordered to reopen.
The changes are in line with the government’s promise to make restrictions less burdensome while still trying to contain the virus. While it’s not clear if the new rules are a direct response to the protests, they address some of the most pressing issues that drove people on the streets.
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