China’s tourism sector hails sudden policy shift on zero-Covid, but lockdown scepticism remains
- Queries with travel agencies and websites have surged since Beijing made a major move away from its zero-Covid policy this week
- But many would-be travellers are taking a cautious approach, with some concerned about a sudden return to lockdowns as cases rise
The night China announced it would ease some of its most controversial coronavirus controls, Shanghai resident Yu Yuan immediately booked a high-speed train ticket to Beijing for a New Year’s trip.
“I’ve been stuck in Shanghai for over a year now since the pandemic got severe, and I haven’t been anywhere,” said the 28 year old, who is eager to visit Universal Beijing Resort.
Even though controls are being eased, Yu still cannot shake concern that the capital city could be plunged into lockdown again at a moment’s notice.
“I am not sure if some places will have a massive Covid outbreak, and whether the government will take urgent measures to lock down the city,” she said.
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Shanghai Disneyland reopens as China eases strict zero-Covid restrictions
The new measures include allowing some positive patients to quarantine at home and reducing the use of the health code system and PCR tests to enter public venues or to travel.
