China unveiled a broad easing of its strict “zero-COVID” policy, after mass street protests a week ago. The changes do not dismantle the policy, but they represent a loosening of measures that have disrupted daily life for hundreds of millions of people.
The Chinese government on Wednesday unveiled a broad easing of its strict “zero-COVID” policy, after an extraordinary outburst of discontent in mass street protests a week ago.
In a departure from the unpopular rule that forced many infected people to stay in makeshift isolation facilities and hospitals, those who are infected with mild symptoms are now free to isolate at home. Close contacts are also allowed to quarantine at home, and will be released with a negative test on the fifth day.
But those defenses may not come in time. Even if China moves swiftly to boost its vulnerable populations, like older adults, it needs a few months for the protection to kick in, said Siddharth Sridhar, a virus expert at the University of Hong Kong. China’s domestic vaccines also are typically weaker than shots based on the newer mRNA technology, and experts generally agree that a third shot is necessary to prevent severe illness.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
China Ditches Zero-Covid In Major Overhaul To Pandemic RulesChinese authorities announced an easing of quarantine rules, travel restrictions and widespread PCR testing as the country moves away from zero-Covid.
Read more »
China Drops Parts of its Hated Zero-COVID Policy After Mass ProtestsPatients with mild or no symptoms will now be allowed to isolate at home.
Read more »
China Eases Some of Its Most Controversial ‘Zero-COVID' Policies After Mass ProtestsThe announcement follows recent street protests in several cities over the strict “zero-COVID” policy now entering its fourth year.
Read more »
Op-Ed: China can't quell protests until it gets realistic about 'zero COVID'An orderly end to the nation's ostensible lockdown is China's only path toward health or civil obedience.
Read more »
Models predict massive wave of disease and death if China lifts ‘zero COVID’ policyChinese authorities are gingerly moving to ease the burden of the country’s COVID19 lockdowns, quarantines, and constant testing—but new models show why the government still wants to keep a lid on.
Read more »