Beijing announces easing of restrictive measures against COVID-19 | world and science

Beijing announces easing of restrictions against COVID-19Liu Jin / Agence France-Presse

Posted 06/05/2022 11:54 | Updated on 05/06/2022 11:55

Beijing announced on Sunday (5) the lifting of several restrictions imposed on COVID-19 after the outbreak of an epidemic that began a month ago and raised fears of new restrictions imposed on its 22 million people.

At the end of April, the Chinese capital recorded a resurgence of the virus, with more than 1,900 positive cases, a high number for China, which has a strict policy not to spread the virus.

To curb infection, schools, non-essential businesses and public places closed their doors at the beginning of May.

Restaurants continued to operate, but only with delivery or takeout, and residents, who take Covid tests almost daily, were asked to work remotely.

After a slight easing of restrictions in recent days, the county announced the gradual return to face-to-face work and the reopening of restaurants normally from Monday (6). Schools, in turn, will reopen on June 13.

Public transportation will operate normally from Monday, but users must submit a negative covid test less than 72 hours later.

The county, which recorded 19 positive cases on Sunday, said two districts of the capital would maintain restrictions.

China has a zero-to-virus strategy, which is to impose quarantine or confinement after a few cases appear.

This policy avoided deaths, but it is an economic blow to state companies.