Several cities in China further eased their corona measures on Friday after protests against the policy. For example, residents of some places no longer have to be tested daily, and if they become infected, they can go into isolation at home instead of government-run isolation centres. The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday it was pleased China was easing its corona policy.
Also, a negative test result is no longer mandatory for subway travelers in the cities of Chengdu and Tianjin. Beijing will abolish this measure on Monday. Some supermarkets in the capital no longer require a negative test from their customers. The easing is also taking place in other cities.
Big consequences
The nearly three-year-old pandemic still has serious consequences for daily life in China, where strict coronavirus measures are being used to contain outbreaks. Demonstrations for greater freedom have followed a deadly fire in Urumqi. According to critics, there have been casualties due to corona measures in the city.
Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the pandemic during a meeting with European Council President Charles Michel, according to EU officials on Thursday. Xi is said to have suggested that the dominant but less pathogenic variant of the virus omikron could allow the government to ease corona policy.
“Governments must listen”
“We are delighted to learn that the Chinese authorities are adjusting their current strategies and are now really trying to tailor the controls they need to the people’s lives, livelihoods and human rights,” said the senior Chinese official. ‘WHO Michael Ryan at a press conference in Geneva. “It’s really important that governments listen to people when people are suffering.”
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
