First edit: Last edit:
Beijing (AFP) – China on Wednesday announced a general easing of Covid-19 restrictions, such as allowing some infected cases to quarantine at home and easing the requirement to take PCR tests.
According to new guidelines released by China’s National Health Commission (NHC), “asymptomatic infected people and mild cases who can isolate themselves at home will generally self-isolate at home,” ending the quarantine requirement at a government facility.
The CNS also announced the reduction of the scope and frequency of PCR testing.
Mandatory mass testing will be limited to areas considered “high risk” and schools.
People traveling between provinces will also be exempt from submitting a negative PCR test and will not have to be tested upon arrival, under the new rules.
The announcement came after a wave of protests in cities across China against strict rules against covid-19.
The demonstrations have expanded to include calls for more political freedoms, with some calling for the resignation of President Xi Jinping.
Wednesday’s announcement came hours after the government released new figures showing the strong economic impact of the zero covid policy.
Chinese imports and exports dropped in November to levels not seen since 2020, when the pandemic crippled the country.
Imports fell 10.6% year on year in November, according to the General Administration of Customs. Exports decreased by 8.7% in the same period.
© 2022 AFP
