28 Dec 2022 | 07:33 AM UTC
China: Authorities to further ease domestic COVID-19 curbs nationwide from Jan. 8 /update 55
China to stop tracking close contacts of COVID-19 cases and halt designation of high-risk areas from Jan. 8. Eased domestic curbs in place.
Event
The Chinese government plan to further ease domestic COVID-19 restrictions from Jan. 8. Authorities will stop tracking close contacts of COVID-19 patients and halt the designation of COVID-19 high-risk areas. Officials previously classified districts and neighborhoods as low or high risk depending on COVID-19 activity and typically imposed stay-home notices, mass testing, and entry and exit curbs for residents in high-risk locations.
Additionally, domestic travelers will not be required to undergo temperature screening or present a PCR test result and health code during the Spring Festival period Jan. 7- Feb. 15. As of Dec. 28, the National Health Commission has stopped publishing the daily figures of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. Officials could continue to ease measures over the coming days and weeks; however, authorities have stated that they could reimpose gathering and movement curbs depending on the country's healthcare capacity.
Officials have lifted requirements for individuals to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test and a green health code to take public transport or enter most public venues, except for schools and medical facilities. People traveling between cities and provinces are no longer required to present a negative PCR test results and undergo mandatory quarantine. Close contacts of people with COVID-19, as well as asymptomatic individuals or those with mild COVID-19 symptoms, may self-isolate at home.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Allow additional time for health screenings when arriving in or traveling across China.
