[Beijing Diary] This Is What Chinese-Style With-Corona Looks Like

Inside a large shopping mall in Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, on the afternoon of the 11th. Although entry is now allowed without a PCR test result due to eased quarantine guidelines, stores are still not open. (Photo by Kim Hyunjung)

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] "Finally, the situation is getting better. Congratulations."

Over the past few days, I have received messages of congratulations and comfort from Korea. Family and friends ask if they can soon visit and inquire about the atmosphere here. Changes are definitely happening. In public places such as large shopping malls, supermarkets, and outdoor parks, PCR test results are no longer checked, and intercity travel has become freer compared to before. The quarantine standards for facilities, which made the spread of COVID-19 frightening, have also been greatly relaxed, allowing self-quarantine for asymptomatic or mild cases?one of the biggest improvements. Seeing the recovery of the yuan's value and Chinese company stock prices, it seems the market views this as the early stage of 'With-Corona.'

However, the changes felt on the ground are far from scientific and convenient, and somehow subtly twisted. Despite the drastic easing of quarantine measures, it is difficult to see this as a victory of blank protests or the abolition of zero-COVID. They loosened but did not fully loosen, eliminated but did not completely eliminate.

A representative example is the PCR test. On the 7th, the State Council announced, "Except for special places such as nursing homes, welfare facilities, medical institutions, daycare centers, and elementary and secondary schools, PCR negative certificates and health codes will not be checked," but Beijing's quarantine authorities stated on the same day that a 48-hour negative certificate is required for entry into restaurants, cafes, bars, and PC rooms. In this administrative system where detailed guidelines are left to local authorities, the State Council's announcement is only a broad framework, not a strict rule. Liberation from the hassle of PCR applies only to those who plan to have all three meals at home and meet outsiders only in subzero parks.

In front of a pharmacy located in Wangjing, Chaoyang District, Beijing, on the 9th. (Left) After the quarantine authorities announced the easing of zero-COVID measures, a queue of people waiting to purchase emergency medicines such as fever reducers grows daily. (Right) Some medicines are sold out, and the pharmacy has posted notices indicating that the items are unavailable. (Photo by Kim Hyunjung)

Another problem is that PCR testing sites operating everywhere are quietly closing. They open one day, close the next, and it is uncertain whether they will open or close the day after. They operate in the morning, but testing staff disappear in the afternoon. In group WeChat chats (China's messenger) where acquaintances gather, information about which testing sites are open is frequently shared.

Even if you find an operating testing site, it is too early to feel reassured. Since early this month in Beijing, there have been issues where PCR test results are not entered into the app. Initially thought to be a simple error, the situation is simultaneous and ongoing. It is said that testing companies are deliberately not entering the results. Notices saying "We don't know either, so please don't ask why the results are not showing" are posted at testing counters. In the past, PCR test results from the previous day were updated in the health kit at least by the next morning and used as entry passes for restaurants or cafes. However, recently, testimonies have surged saying "I took the test three times a day and barely received the results." The reporter also, if planning to eat lunch or dinner outside, performs the '1 day 1+∝ swab' mission by visiting open testing sites from two days before, considering the 'luck-based test results.' If there were a PCR convenience index for Beijing's quarantine, it would undoubtedly have plummeted compared to before the easing.

Beijing looks more like a 'ghost city' than ever. In Chaoyang District, where many Koreans live, most restaurants are either closed or only operate delivery. Even shopping malls with freer access have only their entrances open; to exaggerate slightly, the only place to go is the restroom.

Korean residents who have lived in China for over 10 years unanimously say, "This is the worst time." Self-employed people cannot open their shops, purchasing agents face a bleak future as deliveries stop, office workers still work from home, and parents take care of their children at home. If this daily life can be called 'With-Corona,' I would definitely add the adjective 'Chinese-style' before it.