China is loosening up its restrictions after three years of strict lockdowns paralyzing cities and industries, and people protesting their discontent with the country’s “zero COVID” strategy.
On Wednesday, China’s National Health Commission announced the policy change. Individuals with mild symptoms can now quarantine at home instead of a government facility.
Domestic travel will no longer require health status checks on mobile apps. The frequency and need of a negative PCR test will be reduced, though not eliminated.
The length of a lockdown now has an official limit of five days after zero new cases, whereas previously a lockdown could be open-ended in length.
Last month, China saw widespread protests after ten people died in a deadly fire in the Xinjiang province, after being locked up in their homes unable to escape.
