Corona keeps the most populous country in the world in check with millions of people alone with new lockdowns. That costs money in the long run. Now the supporters of this strict line are apparently crumbling. The party is feverishly looking for a way out - and is very cautiously approaching the first easing.
China's leaders are considering opening up after nearly three years of strict pandemic restrictions, according to sources informed, but are doing so slowly and have not set a timetable. According to people familiar with the discussions, government officials are concerned about the cost of the zero-tolerance approach that has led to city and province lockdowns.
They are weighing the potential cost of reopening to public health and supporting the Communist Party. As a result, they were proceeding cautiously despite the mounting impact of the Covid measures, it said. However, they point out that there is still a long way to go before the economy returns to pre-crisis levels. That could drag on until the end of 2023.
Uncertainty over China's Covid strategy has led to a guessing game in financial markets, with some on the lookout for signs that China was about to start easing its Covid policies. The Chinese Communist Party Congress in October was seen as a possible turning point in the fight against Covid, but little has changed in the country's approach to containing the disease.
On Saturday, officials from China's National Health Commission reiterated their commitment to a resolute zero-Covid strategy, which they said is essential to protecting people's lives.
There may be some progress in easing border controls for travelers from abroad. Beijing is likely to reduce the length of hotel quarantine required of arriving travelers by early next year, to seven days, say people involved in the talks.
Domestically, government officials have informed retailers that the frequency of PCR testing may be reduced later this month, in part because of the high cost of bulk testing, people familiar with the matter said. The government plans to reduce the thousands of PCR testing stations set up across the country as part of a campaign, citing the cost.
At the same time, it is difficult for the leadership to adopt more comprehensive easing measures this year. Many of the measures would be retained. The country will continue to act aggressively to combat even small outbreaks through mass testing and lockdowns, it said. People would still have to enter health codes on their phones to enter public spaces, and travelers entering the country would have to undergo quarantines and Covid tests.
