China has implemented the Zero Covid policy for three years, and despite some of its mistakes, it has generally gotten more credit than credit. But now, sadly, China has greatly deregulated Covid. In some cities, nucleic acid test results are no longer required, and in Baoding, Hebei, even positive patients are not quarantined. I saw some complaints from Baoding residents on Weibo. Under the local government’s “live with the virus” policy, some people tested positive for antigens but could not be tested for nucleic acid. Some people complained that people in their neighborhoods were infected with the virus and had fevers up to 39 degrees but could not contact with a hospital, perhaps because of a run on medical resources.
My city is still trying to eliminate Covid, but it’s clear that it’s not as determined as it used to be. I don’t know how to do personal protection, and I can’t always stay home. But the most deadly thing would be the medical crowding issue. I’ve seen the terrible condition of the NHS since 2020