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Sunday, December 4, 2022

Shanghai Eases Covid Rules as China’s Policy Shift Expands

 Shanghai eased some of its Covid restrictions, joining other top-tier Chinese cities as authorities accelerate a shift toward reopening the economy after thousands of demonstrators took to the streets last weekend to voice their anger at the nation’s stringent policies.

The financial hub will scrap PCR testing requirements to enter outdoor public venues such as parks as well as ride public transit effective Monday, city authorities said in a statement Sunday. Measures will “continue to be optimized and adjusted” in line with national policy and the situation, according to the statement.

Shanghai, which saw a grueling two-month lockdown earlier in the year, joins other metropolises such as Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou in relaxing curbs in recent days. Top government officials over the past week signaled a transition away from the harshest containment measures, which have weighed on the economy and triggered anti-lockdown protests as public discontent grew.

The rapid unwinding of requirements has led to a sharp drop in the number of testing booths in some cities, causing unusually-long queues. Authorities in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, one of the Chinese capital’s worst-hit areas in the current outbreak, on Saturday said they were “deeply sorry” for inadequate coordination that led to excessively long waiting times and restored some sites.

China reported 30,889 new local Covid cases on Saturday, down from 32,206 the day before, according to the latest official data.

Restrictions are also being rolled back in Zhengzhou city, home to Apple Inc.’s largest manufacturing site in China. Authorities announced on Sunday the immediate end of mandatory Covid testing to enter buses, subway, taxis and other public venues besides for those who depart from the city or go to karaoke bars and internet cafes.

https://www.yahoo.com/now/more-china-cities-ease-curbs-041834787.html

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