China Beijing lifts PCR negative test requirement for entry to marts and shopping malls

Presentation of Negative Test Results Within 48 Hours Still Required for Entry to Restaurants and Other Venues

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] Beijing, the capital of China, announced that starting from the 6th, it will no longer require confirmation of negative results from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests when entering public places such as commercial shopping malls and buildings.

China's state-run China Daily cited the city authorities' announcement on the same day, reporting that when entering public places such as shopping malls or large supermarkets, scanning the health code without a negative certificate is sufficient. The health code is a key app in China's epidemic prevention system that links personal information to track movement paths, mainly used to identify close contacts and distinguish individuals for quarantine when confirmed cases occur.

When entering enclosed spaces where eating and drinking are allowed, such as restaurants, pubs, entertainment bars, saunas, PC rooms, and indoor fitness centers, scanning the health code and presenting a negative PCR test result within 48 hours is still required. However, most of these facilities have suspended external operations, making actual use difficult. Additionally, when entering elderly care facilities, child welfare facilities, kindergartens, elementary and secondary schools, and medical institutions, scanning the code and showing a negative certificate within 48 hours is mandatory.

Furthermore, Beijing's epidemic prevention authorities stated that PCR test measures may be implemented as needed at major events, and free PCR testing will continue to be offered at existing testing sites. They also urged people to "wear personal protective equipment and masks properly, get vaccinated, and reduce unnecessary gatherings."

Meanwhile, according to the National Health Commission of China, as of the previous day, the number of new COVID-19 confirmed cases nationwide was 27,847 (22,859 asymptomatic), showing a continuous decline since peaking at 40,052 on the 27th of last month. However, administrative issues such as temporary closures of testing sites and delays in test result confirmations in various regions appear to have also influenced the downward trend.

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