With this ten-point plan, China wants to relax

Something is happening in China. While people in Western countries have long been strolling closely together through the Christmas markets, mandatory testing, isolation and quarantine for the Chinese were still the order of the day. Until now.

After the nationwide protests against the zero-Covid policy and the strict lockdowns, the government is now reconsidering: China is easing the harsh measures. On Wednesday, the government in Beijing presented the new ten-point plan, which is intended to contain the virus. An overview:

From now on there are no more nationwide lockdowns. In the future, lockdowns may only apply to buildings, residential units, floors or households. In addition, it is not possible to extend this “arbitrarily” to the neighborhood, street or the entire area.

The handling of the PCR tests must be further optimized. Not only the size, but also the frequency of the tests must be reduced. The need for Covid certificates or negative PCR tests also disappears when people travel between regions. With the exception of nursing homes, (hospital) homes, childcare and schools, negative PCR evidence is no longer required for employees. Also, covid certificates are no longer checked. Important state organs, large companies and other special institutions could still act according to their own prevention plans.

Asymptomatic people or infected people with mild symptoms should be able to self-isolate at home in the future. After six or seven days of isolation, people can test themselves clear after two negative PCR tests. People who have been in close contact with a Covid-positive person must also be isolated. However, this can be withdrawn if the PCR test is negative on the fifth day.

Buildings, floors or households that are locked must be able to be dismantled quickly. If there are no new infections after five days, the lockdowns must be lifted immediately.

The basic needs of the people for medicines must always be ensured. Pharmacies across the country must function normally and not close at will. The online and offline purchase of self-care medicines should not be restricted.

Vaccination should be promoted, especially in the elderly. For fear of side effects, the elderly in the country of 1.4 billion people did not get vaccinated or boosters. Only 40 percent of people over 80 have received a booster injection. Communities must create incentives to increase older people’s enthusiasm for vaccination.

In the future, risk groups should be strengthened and supported at an early stage. General practitioners must quickly identify heart, circulatory or other disorders and also check whether or not the elderly person has been vaccinated against Corona. These measures are intended to treat seniors as well as possible.

Professional groups that contribute to basic medical care or the normal functioning of society must continue to be given priority. According to this, staff from the health department, public security, transportation and logistics, grocery stores and other staff providing basic medical care and normal social operations, among others, will be placed on the “white list” so that they can comply with the basic needs of the masses during the can effectively cover the epidemic situation.

It should always be ensured that the public has access to medical treatment. It is therefore strictly forbidden to block emergency exits, apartment doors and community doors in any way. In addition, care must also be strengthened: employees and patients must always have access to psychological counselling.

School lessons should be physical whenever possible and not virtual. In addition, supermarkets, canteens, stadiums and libraries on campus must also be open as usual. Schools with corona cases must accurately demarcate the risk areas and also ensure a normal educational and living situation beyond that. (dzc)