Tense over Eased Quarantine in China: "Fever Reducer Stockpiling" vs "Recovery in One Week"

China Eases Zero-COVID Policy
Citizens Stockpile Fever Reducers Nationwide
Zhong Nanshan: "99% of Omicron Variant Cases Recover Within a Week, Up to Ten Days"

On the 9th (local time), in front of a pharmacy in Beijing, China, citizens are lined up while a man is examining the medicine he purchased. Recently, as the Chinese government eased COVID-19 prevention regulations, major cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou have experienced a rush to stockpile prevention supplies and medicines. In particular, due to the authorities' reduction of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, citizens are facing difficulties in purchasing self-test kits. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Expectations and concerns are growing in China following the easing of quarantine measures. Chinese government authorities are reassuring residents that even if they contract COVID-19, most will recover within a week.

According to foreign media on the 9th, concerns over a shortage of medicines have arisen in China due to the relaxation of COVID-19 quarantine regulations, leading to a scarcity of pharmaceuticals. In particular, a rationing system was implemented for fever-reducing painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol.

As the Chinese government allowed mild COVID-19 patients to undergo home treatment instead of facility isolation, millions of citizens began stockpiling medicines.

Doctors are also facing an influx of patients.

Protests demanding the easing of COVID-19 restrictions have erupted across China, prompting the government to step back from its ‘Zero COVID’ policy. However, it is said that the response to the policy change has not been properly implemented.

Instead, the Chinese government is emphasizing that early treatment is possible after infection with COVID-19.

Zhong Nanshan, a leading infectious disease expert and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, stated at the Chinese Medical Association’s Respiratory Pathology virtual annual conference held on the 9th, "99% of those infected with the Omicron variant recover within a week, or at most ten days," adding, "There is no need to fear infection."

Zhong emphasized vaccination, explaining, "The most important thing for the elderly is to prevent progression to severe illness even if infected." Vaccination can prevent severe cases.

Since early this year, he has advocated moving away from ‘Zero COVID’ and promoting precise epidemic control.