One Change to China's Lockdown-Style Quarantine... Calls for Adoption of Western Methods Raised

Achieving Zero COVID Goal Difficult and Negatively Impacting Economic Growth
Calls to Maintain Lockdown Methods Remain Strong, "Easing Quarantine Policies Premature, Disaster if Relaxed"

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Voices calling for a revision of China's lockdown-style COVID-19 prevention policy have begun to emerge within China. Given that the Omicron variant is not fatal, there is a need to adopt the self-quarantine method being implemented in the West.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Considering that even mentioning the Chinese-style prevention policy is practically taboo, this represents a considerable change. It is also possible that Chinese authorities may partially adjust the prevention policy to achieve this year's economic growth target of 'over 5.5%.'

The state-run Global Times reported on the 30th that more than 70,000 local infections were confirmed across China in about a month since March 1, but there were only two deaths (patients with underlying conditions and unvaccinated individuals) due to COVID-19.

The outlet also conveyed experts' opinions that the transmission speed of the Omicron virus is so fast that it is difficult for China to achieve its long-pursued 'zero COVID' goal.

The media also cited an American infectious disease expert from the University of California who said that China’s prevention policy needs adjustment.

Professor Zhang Zhuofeng of the University of California advised that Chinese authorities should revise their prevention policy of group quarantine by allowing self-quarantine for patients with mild symptoms, the outlet reported.

It also added the overseas example of Singapore, which introduced self-quarantine policies and remote medical consultations starting in September last year.

However, there is still strong support for maintaining the Chinese-style prevention policy. Advocates of the existing policy argue that Western-style prevention measures are a last resort used when the healthcare system collapses.

As COVID-19 rapidly spread in Shanghai, Shanghai health authorities discussed the issue of self-quarantine but faced opposition, the Global Times reported.

Zheng Guang, former chief epidemiologist at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opposed the idea, saying, "Allowing self-quarantine for confirmed cases is premature," and warned, "Relaxing prevention policies such as self-quarantine without a prepared medical system would be a great disaster."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.