China is easing its COVID-19 policy as the daily number of cases nears a record. This comes amid a wave of protests across the country, writes Reuters.
“The protests in China have become the largest demonstration of civil disobedience in the last 10 years since President Xi Jinping came to power. They take place as the country's economy enters a new era of much slower growth than in recent decades.
China's state media reported that despite a near-record number of cases, Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, who oversees COVID-19 measures, said the virus's ability to cause disease is waning. He also called for further "optimization" of testing, treatment and quarantine policies.
As noted by Reuters, the mention of the weakening of the pathogenicity of the virus contrasts with earlier reports from the authorities about its lethality.
Authorities in at least seven districts of Guangzhou, a major manufacturing hub north of Hong Kong, have said they are lifting temporary restrictions. In particular, the leadership of one of the districts will allow the resumption of face-to-face classes in schools and reopen restaurants and other businesses, including cinemas.
Southwest China's Chongqing will allow people with COVID-19 to come into contact if they meet certain conditions, while central China has announced an "orderly" reopening of businesses, including supermarkets, gyms and restaurants.
Earlier, at protests against coronavirus restrictions in China, political slogans were also heard – “Xi Jinping, go away!” and "We want democracy."