According to the National Health Commission, the majority of COVID infections are asymptomatic and minor, requiring no specific treatment. This is the clearest indication yet that China is preparing its citizens to live with the disease.
In a further easing of its regulations, China will now permit patients with asymptomatic COVID-19 or moderate symptoms to quarantine at home.
The majority of COVID infections are asymptomatic and minor, requiring no specific treatment, according to the National Health Commission.
Previously, those who tested positive for the virus had to be quarantined in overcrowded, unclean field hospitals.
It is the clearest indication yet that China is preparing its citizens to live with the sickness.
“Asymptomatic patients and mild cases can be isolated at home while reinforcing health monitoring, and if their condition worsens, they can be transferred to authorized hospitals for treatment in a timely way,” the NHC added.
Earlier this year, entire towns were quarantined, often for weeks, after the discovery of even a single positive case.
Last month, less stringent regulations meant that only affected buildings were secured.
The NHC stated that high-risk zones must be designated by building, unit, floor, and household, and cannot be arbitrarily expanded to encompass entire residential complexes and communities.
The health authority urged local governments to “resolutely rectify simplistic, one-size-fits-all” COVID preventative methods and to oppose and eliminate “formalism and bureaucracy.
The notification stated that schools that have not seen an outbreak must return to in-person instruction.
China has had some of the strictest COVID-19 regulations in the world for nearly three years under its “zero COVID” policy, treating the virus as if it were comparable to bubonic plague and cholera.
Since last week, however, top officials have acknowledged coronavirus’ diminished capacity to cause disease, and Chinese scientists have suggested that it is not more lethal than seasonal influenza.
In a further loosening of the laws, Beijing residents were permitted to enter parks, supermarkets, and offices without proof of a negative COVID-19 test as of yesterday.
No longer is a negative COVID test required to board the metro or enter the city’s airports. However, there was no mention of modifying the requirement requiring passengers to present negative tests before boarding.
Since President Xi Jinping assumed power in 2012, last month’s anti-lockdown demonstrations were the largest public display of anger on the Chinese mainland.
As a result of a vigorous police response, the protests dissipated in a matter of days, but cities and regions around the nation began reducing restrictions in a piecemeal fashion before today’s declaration.
