COVID-19 Prevention in China: Transitional Confusion Amid Easing Measures and Opposing Voices

Some Quarantine Measures Eased, but Gap with Field Reality Remains
Government-Affiliated Commentator Hoo Si-jin Criticizes as "Too Hasty"

In front of a large shopping mall in Wangjing, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, delivery workers are picking up restaurant food for delivery. This scene is due to the suspension of operations at large shopping malls and the complete ban on dining inside restaurants to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
(Photo by Kim Hyunjung)

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] As Chinese epidemic prevention authorities signal a relaxation of regulations, frontline sites are experiencing transitional confusion over the 'Zero COVID' guidelines. This is due to inconsistent guidelines related to the core local epidemic prevention method, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and some voices opposing the adjustments as being too hasty.

According to reports from local media including the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 5th, major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and some regions like Zhejiang Province have eased the previously mandatory PCR testing measures. From this day, in Beijing and Shanghai, it is no longer necessary to show a negative PCR test certificate when using public transportation such as subways and buses. In Shanghai, the economic capital, it was also announced that certificates will not be checked for entry into public places like parks and amusement parks. Zhejiang Province plans not to verify PCR test results when using public transportation or public places in most cities including Hangzhou, Ningbo, Taizhou, and Wenzhou. Officially, scanning related health codes will not be required in most places except nursing homes, welfare facilities, primary and secondary schools, and kindergartens.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also indirectly hinted at the possibility of a "With COVID" approach during a meeting with Charles Michel, President of the European Union (EU) Council, in Beijing on the 1st, stating that "the Omicron virus is less deadly than Delta, opening the way for easing lockdowns."

However, on the ground, confusion persists due to inconsistent epidemic prevention intensity without clear standards and PCR testing sites frequently closing. In Beijing, full online classes for elementary, middle, and high schools, which began in mid-last month, are still ongoing, and measures that impact daily life such as remote work policies for private companies and bans on dining in restaurants remain in place.

The biggest problem is the operation system of testing sites. In areas with relatively high proportions of confirmed cases, such as Chaoyang District in Beijing, testing sites that normally operate have been suddenly closed or only operate in the morning without clear standards. As a result, among expatriates, sharing information about operating testing sites through group chats on WeChat (China’s messenger) has become routine.

There are also voices opposing the relaxation of epidemic prevention. Hu Xijin, a well-known pro-government commentator and former editor of the Global Times, wrote on his personal social media account the day before, "I do not support ending nucleic acid testing and abolishing health codes." He criticized the move as "too hasty and breaking societal expectations and tolerance," emphasizing that "a buffer period for various adjustments is necessary to protect the elderly and children and to ensure a smooth retreat." Regarding the recent rapid lifting of mandatory PCR testing, he predicted, "The trend in confirmed cases will have greater errors than before, and in reality, more infections will occur," adding, "Information at this stage will be confusing, and some policy conflicts will inevitably arise."

Hu’s post received over 42,500 'likes' expressing agreement. However, some opposed, commenting, "Ordinary people wait up to 6 to 7 hours to get nucleic acid tests. It’s very hard," and "I have had my salary cut several times and have to repay a 4,000 yuan mortgage every month. Hu Xijin, I hope you can analyze the issue from the perspective of more ordinary people."

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