Loosening China's 'Zero-Covid' Measures Sparks Fears of Virus Outbreak
China has made a significant shift in its COVID-19 response, gradually moving towards a 'living with COVID' strategy. This change was announced by the National Health Commission on Wednesday, allowing infected individuals with mild covid symptoms to quarantine at home.
The shift comes as some cities, such as Shanghai, have dropped the requirement for COVID tests to enter restaurants or entertainment venues. This relaxation of controls has been observed in several cities and regions across China, although specific details about which areas have eased restrictions and their impact on covid infection rates are not yet clear.
This change in approach follows a period of widespread protests in China last month, marking the greatest program of public discontent since President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. The protests were largely fuelled by strict COVID-19 measures and lockdowns, which have been a significant part of China's zero-COVID regime.
However, top officials in China have softened their tone on the threats posed by the covid infection. This shift in tone is reflected in the recent decision to lift parts of the zero-COVID regime, allowing for new flexibilities as of Thursday.
Despite the relaxation of controls, concerns have been raised about China's preparedness for a major surge in infections. Analysts and medical professionals have highlighted low vaccination rates among vulnerable populations and a strained health insurance system as potential issues.
Feng Zijian, a former official in China's Center for Disease Control, predicted that up to 60% of China's population may be infected in the initial wave before reaching herd immunity. This prediction underscores the potential for a significant outbreak if the reopening is too hasty.
Health experts have also warned that the toll could climb over 1.5 million if the reopening is too hasty. Currently, the current tally of covid deaths in China stands at 5,235, a small fraction of its population of 1.4 billion and low by global standards.
While many people in China believe that life must go on and that it may be necessary to learn to live with the infection and hope it will become similar to the flu, others remain vigilant. Some cities, such as Zhengzhou, have urged residents to maintain social distancing, seek medical attention for fever and other covid symptoms, and for the elderly, to get vaccinated.
The requirement for testing and health condition check mobile apps has been dropped for several tasks, including traveling around the country. However, domestic ticket sales for tourist and leisure areas have risen, according to state press, suggesting that people are eager to return to normal life.
Recent weeks have seen China report decreasing numbers of new local covid infections. On December 7, China reported 21,439 new local covid infections, a decrease from the previous day and below a peak of 40,052 cases on November 27.
However, the term 'zero-COVID' plan has not been recently referenced, raising questions that the term may no longer be in use as the government gradually moves the country towards living with the infection. China Newsweek reported on Thursday that the country is likely to face a large outbreak in the next one to two months, citing health experts.
As China navigates this transition, it will be crucial to monitor infection rates and ensure that vulnerable populations are protected. The potential for a significant outbreak underscores the need for caution and preparedness as the country adopts a 'living with covid' strategy.
Read also:
- Hospital's Enhancement of Outpatient Services Alleviates Emergency Department Strain
- Increased Chikungunya infections in UK travelers prompt mosquito bite caution
- Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister holds discussions on the prevailing circumstances in Almaty
- In the state, Kaiser Permanente boasts the top-ranked health insurance program
