Letters | China’s zero-Covid policy is the best fit for the country and benefits the world
- Readers commend China’s tough approach to fighting Covid-19, question why Hong Kong’s strategy has not changed, and react to the new restrictions imposed on the city
By January 9, the plan was in action. Schools and some subway lines were to be closed and public events cancelled. Those who wanted to leave Tianjin required special permission. And within three days, all 14 million residents were tested, with some to be retested almost daily for the next two weeks or so.
The idea of this strategy, dubbed the zero-Covid policy, is to find those who have been infected, especially elusive cases, and isolate them in a designated hospital (if not in their homes) so that they can’t spread the virus. In the meantime, all close contacts of the infected individuals are watched and monitored. These measures are kept up until the patient tests negative, guaranteeing they no longer pose a threat. Contacts continue to take tests until officials are convinced there isn’t a case they are missing. After that, the lockdown can be lifted.
This approach has been used across China with variations in both application and success. But the goal remains the same: controlling outbreaks as fast as possible to prevent any spillover.