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Coronavirus: cities in China roll back testing in a sign of shift in strict zero-Covid policy
- Several cities call for use of rapid antigen tests after some exempted from PCR testing
- Authorities have not publicly acknowledged weekend protests, but NHC spokesman says Beijing is ‘constantly studying and adjusting’ Covid-19 restrictions
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Zhuang Pinghuiin Beijing
Several Chinese cities have rolled back PCR testing, a cornerstone of China’s zero-Covid response, and called for the use of rapid antigen tests in a sign that virus control rules are being further relaxed in the country.
Beijing authorities asked hospitals not to turn patients away if they have provided a negative PCR test within the previous 48 hours. Instead, they can take a rapid antigen test and be admitted to different areas depending on the results.
Children under three years old are exempted from PCR tests, with their carers’ results checked instead but in patients and their caretakers must still present their results.
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The new measures were announced on Thursday after the capital stopped demanding frequent PCR testing for those who do not have regular social interactions – such as the elderly, young children and people who stay at home for work and school – to ensure no one is turned away from healthcare.
Some major cities across China have moved to cut back PCR testing after the State Council arrived at its 20-point playbook of measures to refine Covid-19 controls and minimise interruption to the economy and social activities.
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Guangzhou health authorities said earlier the city would no longer have district-wide PCR testing and on Thursday stated that only people in “risky” posts – people with a higher chance of getting and spreading Covid-19 – must be tested regularly.
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