China Eases Mandatory PCR Testing and Allows Self-Quarantine for Confirmed Cases... Resumption of In-Person Classes (Comprehensive)

On the 7th, the State Council Announces '10 Optimized Epidemic Prevention Measures'

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] China has significantly eased its COVID-19 prevention policies. The requirement to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result for interregional travel has been abolished, and self-quarantine for asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 cases is now permitted.

On the 7th, the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council of China announced 10 optimized epidemic prevention measures reflecting these changes. According to the authorities' new measures, high-risk areas will be classified by building, unit, floor, and household without arbitrary expansion, and all forms of temporary lockdowns will be prohibited.

Nucleic acid testing has been optimized so that, except for special places such as nursing homes, welfare facilities, medical institutions, daycare centers, and primary and secondary schools, negative certificates and health codes will no longer be checked. Major institutions and large enterprises can choose their own control measures. PCR test negative certificates or health codes will not be checked for interregional travel. Mandatory nucleic acid testing for newly arrived individuals will also no longer be conducted.

The controversial quarantine methods have also been improved. Asymptomatic and mild cases can choose between self-quarantine and centralized quarantine for treatment. During self-quarantine, health monitoring will be strengthened, and specific guidelines require passing nucleic acid tests within a certain period. Close contacts can also choose between self-quarantine and centralized quarantine, and quarantine will be lifted if they test negative on the fifth day.

Online school classes will be switched to face-to-face instruction. The State Council stated that schools in each region should implement scientific and precise epidemic prevention measures, but if there is no epidemic, normal offline educational activities should be conducted. It also clarified that on-campus stores, playgrounds, and libraries should be open as usual.

Additionally, local governments and frontline authorities were urged to ensure rapid lockdowns and swift lifting of restrictions in high-risk areas, guarantee basic rights for purchasing medicines, strengthen vaccination for the elderly, and improve the medical system. Reflecting on the recent fire accident in Urumqi, Xinjiang, the authorities emphasized that access to medical care and emergency exits must not be obstructed during lockdowns. In particular, blocking fire emergency exits and common entrances is strictly prohibited.