China is Relaxing Zero-COVID but Experts are Worried

The Chinese government has eased some of its strict zero-COVID policies with new guidelines issued on Wednesday December 7th. The changes include relaxed testing requirements and travel restrictions, while, for the first time, people infected with COVID-19 who have mild or no symptoms are allowed to isolate at home instead of in centrally managed facilities.

These guidelines represent a significant shift from the strict policies that China has maintained for the past three years, which involved mass testing, strict lockdowns and border closures. However, some infectious disease experts are worried that the slew of infections these changes will bring could potentially overwhelm hospitals if not properly managed. The lack of clear goals and guidance in the new policy has also raised concerns about a messy transition process away from zero-COVID.

The updated guidelines no longer require mass testing across entire cities, and instead advocate for movement restrictions in high-risk communities, buildings and households. People are no longer required to show evidence of a negative test to travel between regions or access public transport and other venues, except for high-risk settings like nursing homes. The guidelines also prioritize boosting China’s low rates of vaccination, particularly among older people, with mobile clinics designed to allay people’s fears.

However, some aspects of the new rules appear to be ambiguous and open to interpretation by local governments. The timing of the changes is also not ideal, coinciding with peak influenza season as well as the Spring Festival holiday, when many people will be travelling around the country. Researchers stress that clearer guidance is required on mask mandates, work-from-home policies and school closures, among other issues, in order to safely navigate the coming surge in infections.

(Source: Nature on December 9, 2022) https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-04382-0