Over the weekend, a dozen or more cities across China adjusted their COVID policies, including eliminating frequent mass PCR testing and negative test result requirements for using public transportation.
Some cities are urging their residents not to use PCR testing unless necessary, and others are allowing some with positive tests to quarantine at home, rather than in healthcare facilities.
Chinese officials state that the omicron variant’s lessened virulence are the basis for the changes, which also follow protests in some areas of the country.
In Shanghai this week, a negative nucleic acid test result is no longer required to use public transit. Shenzhen will no longer require a negative test result for public transit or pharmacies, but will require a negative test result for an airport or train station.
Residents of Beijing no longer need to show negative test results for public transit, and close contacts of those with COVID can sometimes quarantine at home.
Speaking at a public forum in Shanghai over the weekend, epidemiologist Zhang Wenhong said that building immunity is key. Rather than attempting to completely clear the virus, its virulence must be kept at a very low level.
Respiratory expert Wang Guangfa told Global Times on Dec. 4 that “We are now shifting our strategy from preventing the virus to preventing severe cases and deaths.”
