China’s changes to Covid-19 controls get mixed reaction as new cases stoke fears

Chinese cities call off mass testing and loosen restrictions after central government adjusts pandemic measures

However, some residents worry changes go too far as infections climb to six-month high

Reading Time:4 minutes

Several Chinese cities cancelled mass testing after the central government announced adjustments to the country’s Covid-19 measures. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 11:00am, 16 Nov 2022Updated: 11:13am, 16 Nov 2022

Zhang Ge, the owner of a facial mask shop in the northern Chinese city of Shijiazhuang, had complained about the strict Covid-19 control measures that affected business and confined him to his flat.

But when restrictions were suddenly lifted over the weekend, he did not feel overjoyed – instead he was worried after learning schools would reopen on Monday despite hundreds of new cases reported in the city.

“I’m not ready to send my children back to school just like this, and I don’t think anyone in the class is going to. I will watch for a while and only [let them] go back to school when I am sure the risk of infection is much lower,” said the 38-year-old father of a daughter in kindergarten and a son in the third grade.

After three years of living under strict zero-Covid measures, including frequent testing and lockdowns, residents have mixed feelings about the loosened controls that came after the central government adjusted measures last week to reduce disruptions to daily life and society.

They are happy the new measures keep areas designated as “high risk” to a minimum by limiting restrictions to part of a residential building. But other moves, such as decreased testing, have made some uneasy as Covid-19 cases have steadily climbed this month.

The situation is really severe, and we’re anxious and helpless

Muhan, university student

The State Council announced changes to China’s Covid-19 measures on Friday, aiming to target the pandemic in a “scientific and precise” way.

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China’s changes to Covid-19 controls get mixed reaction as new cases stoke fears

Chinese cities call off mass testing and loosen restrictions after central government adjusts pandemic measures However, some residents worry changes go too far as infections climb to six-month high

Chinese cities call off mass testing and loosen restrictions after central government adjusts pandemic measures

However, some residents worry changes go too far as infections climb to six-month high