China COVID Lockdown: Vice-premier signals minor relaxation in COVID policy after violent protests in Guangzhou

Following widespread protests over restrictive zero-COVID rules, major Chinese cities have begun to remove COVID lockdowns and reduce restrictions. Less than 24 hours after violent protests in Guangzhou,. authorities announced the removal of lockdowns in at least seven areas of the enormous port metropolis north of Hong Kong.

Some rallies also heard cries for democracy and the rule of law, as well as, in Shanghai, for President Xi Jinping to stand down.

According to state media source Xinhua China's vice-premier, Sun Chunlan, made the remarks to national health authorities on Wednesday. Despite ongoing high case counts, many locations, including Shanghai, started to relax lockdowns.


On Wednesday, restrictions in big cities like Guangzhou were quickly relaxed after the city saw violent rallies that led to fights between protestors and police. Some restrictions were also lifted in other significant cities, like Shanghai and Chongqing. This contradicts a prior warning from officials that the nation must maintain a rigorous zero-Covid policy.

Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan recently said that the virus capacity to spread illness was weakening. "As the severity of the Omicron virus diminishes, more people get immunized, and expertise in controlling the virus accumulates”.

China recorded 36,061 cases on Wednesday, a modest decrease from the previous day's total of 37,828. Despite the relatively large number, several regions have started to relax restrictions.

FAQ

1- What is the name of the most recent Covid variant?
Currently, BA.5 (dark green) is the most common COVID-19 variation in the United States, followed by BA.4.6. CDC Variant Proportions as of November 1, 2022.

2- How can I stay away from Omicron?
The most effective measures to reduce the transmission of the virus are to be vaccinated and get a booster when eligible, wear masks inside, wash your hands often, avoid gatherings, and maintain your distance from others.