Advertisement
Where is the exit from China’s zero tolerance on Covid-19?
- The country has kept the disease at bay with tough restrictions but outbreaks are becoming more frequent and containment may not be sustainable
- Other nations are looking for their own ways to coexist with the pathogen and make sure that their health systems are not stretched to breaking point
Reading Time:6 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
99+
As China enters another winter with Covid-19, there is no sign that the coronavirus that causes the disease is going away. There is also no sign that the country will ease its reliance on “zero-tolerance” tight controls and restrictions to contain the spread within its borders.
But as other countries look for ways to live with the pathogen and its mutations, there have been questions about just how long China should maintain its fortress-like approach.
Over the past two years, China has contained more than 30 sporadic outbreaks of the coronavirus, including ones caused by the more contagious Delta variant.
Its latest outbreak started a month ago and involves more than 1,000 cases in 21 provinces and regions.
In addition to mass vaccination, authorities have largely kept the disease in check with a combination of closed borders, strict lockdowns, long quarantines and repeated testing.
It all adds up to what is called a zero-tolerance policy – a hugely popular approach that has enabled life to return largely to normal in cities free of outbreaks.
It has also been effective, with just two deaths from the disease in the year to November 12.
Advertisement