"Going on an Overseas Trip"... Chinese People in Their 20s 'Self-Infect' with COVID-19

Some Young People in China Expose Themselves to COVID for Immunity Formation
Impact of 'Zero COVID' Policy Abolition... Increased Anxiety Among Elderly

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Sung-wook] It has been reported that among young people in China, there is a phenomenon of deliberately exposing themselves to the COVID-19 virus.

According to a recent report by the UK’s BBC, some young people in China are voluntarily getting infected with COVID-19 in order to be able to travel abroad.

Last month, Chinese quarantine authorities suddenly abolished the ‘Zero COVID’ policy and, as a final measure, opened the borders to allow overseas travel.

With mass testing, strict quarantine, and full lockdowns disappearing, a ‘self-infection’ phenomenon is emerging among the younger generation.

A 27-year-old man from Shanghai, Mr. A, who stated that he had not received any Chinese COVID-19 vaccines, told the BBC, “I voluntarily exposed myself to the coronavirus,” explaining, “Because I did not want to change my vacation plans.” He added, “If I deliberately control the timing of my infection, I can definitely recover during the holiday and will not get infected again afterward.” He also said, “It is true that I did not anticipate the severe muscle pain that comes with the infection, but other symptoms were mostly as expected.”

On the 10th (local time), Chinese tourists visiting Bangkok, Thailand. [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Another resident of Shanghai, a 26-year-old woman, Ms. B, said, “I met a friend who tested positive in order to catch COVID.” However, she lamented, “I thought it would be similar to catching a cold, but it was much more painful,” and said recovery was difficult. Ms. C, a 29-year-old woman working at a state-owned enterprise in Zhejiang Province, said, “I was thrilled when I heard the borders were reopening,” adding, “I’m excited that I can visit other parts of China to see concerts.”

Ms. C said, “When I had to ask my manager for permission to travel, I felt life was absurd,” and added, “I just hope life returns to normal.” She explained, “I have not tested positive for COVID-19 yet, but my husband has been wearing a mask at home for 25 hours straight,” and said, “I don’t want to be sick at the same time as my husband. But severe symptoms are very rare, so the virus is not that scary.”

However, anxiety about COVID-19 infections among the elderly is increasing. Ms. C said, “When my grandfather caught COVID, his condition worsened, but he refused to go to the hospital.” She also explained that recent reports of a surge in COVID-19 deaths causing hospitals and crematoriums to be crowded have increased her worries, saying, “I heard stories that bodies are piled high at funeral homes.”