Hopes rise of further changes to China’s Covid controls as rules start to ease and focus shifts to preparing for further outbreaks
- Although the authorities have stressed the zero-Covid policy remains, observers said Friday’s changes marked the first signs of a gradual shift
- New rules should make it easier to travel into the country, and there is now a greater emphasis on vaccinations and strengthen the capacity to handle outbreaks
The 20 new measures announced by a State Council task force include steps that will make it easier for overseas travellers to enter the country – including a reduction in the time they must spend in a central quarantine facility from seven days to five.
However, there will still be a three-day home monitoring period after quarantine and the rules for this have been tightened to prevent anyone leaving home during this period.
The “circuit breaker” rule – which saw flight routes suspended if too many passengers tested positive on arrival – has also been scrapped.
Overseas arrivals will now be allowed to enter the country after showing just one negative PCR test, instead of two, within 48 hours of boarding. Changes to the PCR test threshold will also reduce the risk of producing a positive result.