China is softening its tone on the severity of COVID and easing some coronavirus restrictions even as its daily case toll hovers near records, after anger over the world's toughest curbs morphed into protests across the country
Several cities in the world's second-largest economy, while still reporting new infections, are breaking with practice by lifting district lockdowns and allowing businesses to reopen.
Despite near-record case numbers, Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, who oversees COVID efforts, said the virus's ability to cause disease was weakening, state media reported. That is a far cry from quarantine protocols earlier in the year when entire communities were locked down, sometimes for weeks, after even just one positive case was found.
He said his main concern was being forced to go into a quarantine facility, where "conditions can be grim to say the least". National health officials said this week authorities would respond to "urgent concerns" raised by the public and that COVID rules should be implemented more flexibly, according to a region's conditions.Expectations have grown around the world that China, while still trying to contain infections, could look to re-open at some point next year once it achieves better vaccination rates among its elderly.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Can China end its ‘zero COVID’ policy — and minimize COVID deaths?Vaccinating more older people, stocking up on antiviral drugs and expanding hospital facilities would help to ease the transition away from zero COVID.
Read more »
China's Biggest Protests in Decades - The Journal. - WSJ PodcastsAfter years of strict Covid restrictions, people are taking to the streets in cities across China. But they’re not just protesting zero-Covid, they’re voicing displeasure with Xi Jinping himself. WSJ’s Brian Spegele gives us an inside view of the protests rocking China. Further Reading: -China’s Surveillance State Pushes Deeper Into Citizens’ Lives -Much of China Locks Down With No End to Zero Covid in Sight -Chinese Protests Spread Over Government’s Covid Restrictions Further Listening: -How Xi Jinping's Dream Slowed China's Economy
Read more »
China insists public supports COVID policy despite widespread protestsA senior health official in China said Tuesday that the government would address the issues raised by the public.
Read more »
The fight against China's COVID-era censorshipInternet users in China are racing to screenshot and repost content as censors try to scrub social media spaces of dissent
Read more »
Stocks and oil rise on hopes of looser COVID curbs in China By ReutersStocks and oil rise on hopes of looser COVID curbs in China
Read more »
As China grapples with rare protests, Shanghai Disneyland shuts over Covid curbs once again | CNN BusinessShanghai Disneyland has been closed again because of China's Covid restrictions, just days after reopening following a previous pandemic-related closure.
Read more »