Today, Wednesday, China announced the easing of its strict restrictions related to the emerging Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic nationwide, after massive demonstrations that amounted to denouncing the ruling Communist Party.
The new rules represent a significant easing of President Xi Jinping's "zero-Covid" strategy, 3 years into the pandemic and a long period since the rest of the world has been able to coexist with the virus.
With vaccination rates still low among the elderly, and a health system still not ready to handle a new wave of infections, observers said, President Xi has not completely backed down from travel restrictions and extensive testing.
Under the new guidelines announced by the National Health Commission, the frequency and scope of "PCR" tests, which have often been considered a onerous condition in implementing the "zero-Covid" policy pursued by Beijing, will be reduced.
The closure measures - which are among the main causes of popular anger - will be limited to as small a scale as possible, and the authorities are required to liberate areas that do not record injuries after 5 days.
New rules
Those with non-severe symptoms can self-isolate at home and not in government facilities, according to the new instructions.
Citizens will not be required to display a green health code on their phones to enter public buildings and places, with the exception of "nursing homes, medical institutes, nurseries, and middle and high schools."
China will accelerate the pace of vaccination of the elderly, according to the Health Commission, which has often been considered a major obstacle to easing measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Beijing said the new rules would contribute to "correcting obvious problems currently facing epidemic prevention and prevention".
The expert at the National Health Commission, Lee Bin, said in a press conference - today, Wednesday - that the previous policies "received a great response from the public."
In a new decision, a statement issued by Shanghai Disneyland Park - today, Wednesday - stated that the amusement park will reopen to visitors, starting tomorrow, Thursday.