China’s Opening Its Doors Jan. 8th, What’s Next?
The zero-covid policy is gone; what’s next for China?
Over the past two years, China’s residents have been gripped by fear of not only covid but also by the scenario what will happen if they catch it.
I’m sure you’ve seen the news about the consequences of the zero-covid policy within China. City-wide week-long lockdowns and GPS tracking QR codes that follow our every step. If you came into contact with someone with the virus, your QR code would turn red, and you’d be quarantined inside your home or a “covid camp” for weeks.
These anti-covid measures set up quite the precedent within China and eventually boiled over with multiple protests across the country. However, the zero-covid policy has been lifted as of December this year.
Furthermore, on Monday, December 26th, Chinese officials announced that they would be downgrading covid management from category A to category B on January 8th.
This news encompasses no longer quarantining victims of the virus or their close contacts and adds that targeting incoming travelers and cargo coming into China will also have their restraints loosened.
What does the loosening of the Covid-policy mean for China?
Speaking matter of factly, the announcement contained a few interesting takes that have been points of contention throughout the zero-covid policy’s tenure. Some of these include:
- Gradually resuming entry and exit for passengers engaging in tourism.
- No more sealing or designation of high-risk covid areas.
- No more mandatory quarantining for individuals entering China.
- A shift from focusing on all patients to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Hospitals are being asked to make fever wards to help those most susceptible to the virus’ symptoms.
- Visitors and expats entering China still need 48 hours of negative PCR tests to enter the country.
These changes are a stark contrast to just a month ago when individuals were still being carted off to covid wellness camps. Many expats and locals are hopeful that this will help with the revival of the tourism industry within China.
Along with tourism, we can expect a large influx of expats to refresh the ranks of the foreign job market within China in the coming two years. This is after a significant exodus of expats throughout the zero-covid policy.
However, flight tickets will take time to become more available. Flights from the USA to China are nearly $3,000 per one-way flight. As demand rises, we’ll have to see how Chinese airlines respond.
Overall no matter the outcome, we are due to see significant changes within China. What do you think these changes will bring? Drop a comment so we can chat about it!
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