Beijing lifted numerous anti-Covid restrictions on Sunday, allowing Beijing to finally leave China’s capital. This is a relief for the 22 million residents of China, who had feared a similar situation in Shanghai.
Monday marks a gradual return of work. Restaurants will be able to receive their customers once again starting Monday. Public transport will continue as normal. Public places will require a screening test that lasts less than 72 hours. Schools will reopen June 13.
The restrictions will be maintained in two districts of the capital, according to Beijing. Beijing reported 19 cases on Sunday. Health officials have called for “vigilance” after half of the country’s provincial governments reported an epidemic in the past seven days.
Beijing was hit by a Covid-19 epidemic rebound at April’s end. There were more than 1,900 cases of positive, which is a high number for China, which has a strict zero Covid policy. In order to stop the spread of the virus, schools, public places, and non-essential businesses were closed by May 1. Restaurants could not sell take-out. Residents were tested almost daily and encouraged to work at home.
The April 1st metropolis was completely closed down, which paralyzed local activity, and in turn, reduced the growth of second world economies.