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China announced the relaxation of some of its hardline COVID-19 restrictions on Friday after authorities had vowed to stick to a zero-tolerance virus approach despite mounting economic damage.
The country is the last major economy welded to a strategy of stamping out virus flare-ups as they occur, through a combination of snap lockdowns, mass testing, and lengthy quarantines.
Top leaders had pledged to stick “unswervingly” to the policy, which has forced business closures, roiled international supply chains, and weighed heavily on growth.
But a notice from the country’s disease control agency on Friday said the Politburo Standing Committee — the apex of power in China – met Thursday to rubber stamp limited relaxations.
According to the notice, the quarantine period for inbound travelers will be cut from 10 days to eight, consisting of five days in a state isolation center and three days at home.
Inbound arrivals will still be required to undergo six nucleic acid tests and will not be allowed to freely set foot outside during those eight days, the notice says.
