China is set to face another Covid wave as people prepare to travel to their homes to spend time with their loves during the Lunar Year.

It is believed that the Covid cases could explode as this is the first Lunar New Year holiday, also known as the Spring Festival in China, after Beijing lifted all zero-Covid restrictions.

Nearly 2.1 billion passenger trips are expected to be made during the 40-day travel period around the holiday, considered the largest annual human migration in the world. This is double to what occurred just a year ago when Beijing imposed travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus

Airports and railways stations in&nbsp;megacities like Beijing and Shanghai witnessed a massive crowd with people heading back to their hometowns for Lunar New Year celebrations, triggering fears of an outbreak, ABC News reported.

However, health officials in China believe that the country won’t experience a second wave of Covid infections in the next two to three months.

WATCH | China Covid: WHO says China reports big jump in Covid hospitalisations by 70%

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"Although a large number of people travelling during the Spring Festival may promote the spread of the epidemic to a certain extent... the current wave of the epidemic has already infected about 80 per cent of the people in the country," Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the&nbsp;China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a post on&nbsp;China's Twitter-like Weibo platform on Saturday.

He said that the possibility of... a second wave of the epidemic across the country in the next two to three months “is very small".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-claims-80-of-population-infected-by-covid-19-554725">Chances of Covid-19 rebound unlikely, 80% of population in China already infected</a>

Meanwhile, China reported nearly 13,000 Covid-related deaths between January 13 and 19, after a top health official said, according to AFP news agency.

A week ago, nearly 60,000 people died from Covid as of January 12, but there has been widespread scepticism over official data since Beijing abruptly axed anti-virus controls last month.

In a statement on Saturday, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that 681 hospitalised patients had died of respiratory failure caused by coronavirus infection, and 11,977 had died of other diseases combined with infection over the period.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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China is set to face another Covid wave as people prepare to travel to their homes to spend time with their loves during the Lunar Year. It is believed that the Covid cases could explode as this is the first Lunar New Year holiday, also known as the Spring Festival in China, after Beijing lifted all zero-Covid restrictions.

China is set to face another Covid wave as people prepare to travel to their homes to spend time with their loves during the Lunar Year. It is believed that the Covid cases could explode as this is the first Lunar New Year holiday, also known as the Spring Festival in China, after Beijing lifted all zero-Covid restrictions. Nearly 2.1 billion passenger trips are expected to be made during the 40-day travel period around the holiday, considered the largest annual human migration in the world. This is double to what occurred just a year ago when Beijing imposed travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus Airports and railways stations in megacities like Beijing and Shanghai witnessed a massive crowd with people heading back to their hometowns for Lunar New Year celebrations, triggering fears of an outbreak, ABC News reported. However, health officials in China believe that the country won’t experience a second wave of Covid infections in the next two to three months. WATCH | China Covid: WHO says China reports big jump in Covid hospitalisations by 70% "Although a large number of people travelling during the Spring Festival may promote the spread of the epidemic to a certain extent... the current wave of the epidemic has already infected about 80 per cent of the people in the country," Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a post on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform on Saturday. He said that the possibility of... a second wave of the epidemic across the country in the next two to three months “is very small". Also read | Chances of Covid-19 rebound unlikely, 80% of population in China already infected Meanwhile, China reported nearly 13,000 Covid-related deaths between January 13 and 19, after a top health official said, according to AFP news agency. A week ago, nearly 60,000 people died from Covid as of January 12, but there has been widespread scepticism over official data since Beijing abruptly axed anti-virus controls last month. In a statement on Saturday, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that 681 hospitalised patients had died of respiratory failure caused by coronavirus infection, and 11,977 had died of other diseases combined with infection over the period. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China braces for another possible Covid wave as millions travel for Lunar Year celebrations

China's Wuhan Virus tragedy is worsening. The country reported a 70% jump in hospitalisations this week.

China Covid: WHO says China reports big jump in Covid hospitalisations by 70%

China's population has declined for the first time in over six decades. The number of deaths exceeded the number of births. What does this mean for the China and the Chinese economy?

Gravitas: China's demographic disaster: Is this the end of China's dream?

Beijing had set itself a growth target of around 5.5 percent for 2022. Although, this was undermined by the government's "zero-Covid" policy. Watch further to know more.

Beijing set growth target of 5.5% for 2022

China has further tightened its grip on Hong Kong as it appoints the head of the city's National Security Agency Chief, the top representative of Beijing in Hong Kong.

China: Hong Kong security agency head promoted as Beijing's top official

Beijing has retaliated against South Korea and Japan's Covid curbs on travelers from China and has halted short-term visas for South Korean and Japanese Nationals.

China: Beijing retaliates against curbs on travellers

Thailand has succumbed to Beijing's bullying and opened up its border to unvaccinated Chinese tourists. What does this mean for you? Is Thailand no longer a safe destination for you? Will travelling to this country mean risking infection? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Thailand succumbs to China's bullying, opens border for unvaccinated Chinese

Massive protests have erupted in China's Henan province on late Monday. People took to the streets, fed up with Beijing's ban on firecrackers and even overturned the police car. The police said that people deliberately vandalised police cars and caused chaos.

China: Protest over firecracker ban in Henan; people go rogue, overturn police car

As data related to the recent Covid surge in China remains shrouded in mystery, more countries are imposing mandatory testing requirements on arrivals from China. The latest Australia, Canada and Morocco have imposed these precautionary measures.

China braces up to mitigate Covid surge, Taiwan offers 'necessary assistance'

Beijing and Shanghai commuters crowded subway trains, with China’s two biggest cities moving closer to living with COVID-19.

Residents in Beijing, Shanghai back to work as China eases into living with Covid

After nearly three years of intense pandemic border restrictions, China will end quarantine measures for foreign visitors as of January 8, the country's&nbsp;top health authority said on Monday. In an online post, the National Health Commission stated that travellers would only need to have a PCR test done 48 hours prior to their trip in order to enter China.

This is in the midst of an increase in instances recorded in China. With the countrywide Covid wave, China is under tremendous stress since the healthcare systems cannot handle the influx of individuals needing care in the hospitals.

Beijing has been gradually easing its zero-Covid policy, with this statement coming after it unexpectedly ended forced testing and lockdowns earlier this month.

"According to the national health quarantine law, infectious disease quarantine measures will no longer be taken against inbound travellers and goods," the National Health Commission (NHC) said.

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"People must take a PCR test in the 48 hours before arriving in China," the notice said, adding that restrictions limiting the number of international flights will also be abolished.

The NHC stated in a separate notice on Monday that the measures would go into effect on January 8 when Covid would be demoted from the top category of infectious illnesses, Class A, to a second tier Class B.

China has up until recently maintained stringent controls and essentially isolated itself from the rest of the world, in contrast to the majority of the rest of the globe where people have learned to live with the epidemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After nearly three years of intense pandemic border restrictions, China will end quarantine measures for foreign visitors as of January 8, the country's top health authority said on Monday.

After nearly three years of intense pandemic border restrictions, China will end quarantine measures for foreign visitors as of January 8, the country's top health authority said on Monday. In an online post, the National Health Commission stated that travellers would only need to have a PCR test done 48 hours prior to their trip in order to enter China. This is in the midst of an increase in instances recorded in China. With the countrywide Covid wave, China is under tremendous stress since the healthcare systems cannot handle the influx of individuals needing care in the hospitals. Beijing has been gradually easing its zero-Covid policy, with this statement coming after it unexpectedly ended forced testing and lockdowns earlier this month. "According to the national health quarantine law, infectious disease quarantine measures will no longer be taken against inbound travellers and goods," the National Health Commission (NHC) said. × "People must take a PCR test in the 48 hours before arriving in China," the notice said, adding that restrictions limiting the number of international flights will also be abolished. The NHC stated in a separate notice on Monday that the measures would go into effect on January 8 when Covid would be demoted from the top category of infectious illnesses, Class A, to a second tier Class B. China has up until recently maintained stringent controls and essentially isolated itself from the rest of the world, in contrast to the majority of the rest of the globe where people have learned to live with the epidemic. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China set to scrap quarantine for overseas arrivals starting January 8

After the unprecedented wave of coronavirus hit China, Beijing has approved the offline distribution of Paxlovid, a COVID-19 medicine by Pfizer. It will be available at community health centres, and local doctors will assist in training residents on how to use it.&nbsp;

China has been struggling with the current wave due to the rapid growth in coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, China's National Health Commission has stopped publishing the daily Covid data, reported China News Service.&nbsp;

However, the arrival date of the medicines is not known yet.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/india-news/bf7-variant-live-updates-covid-19-rt-pcr-test-on-arrival-in-india-and-mock-drills-546591">Covid BF.7 variant live updates: China lifts quarantine for inbound travels, Japan to tighten restriction for travelers from China, random RT-PCR tests across India</a>

Paxlovid, a medicine hard to access due to high demand, is the only foreign medicine authorised by China's healthcare body for national use. A few weeks ago, a Chinese healthcare app listed it online. However, the medication sold out only within a few hours of listing. It will be Paxlovid's first retail sale in China.&nbsp;

Apart from Paxlovid, China's healthcare authority has also approved Azvudine by Genuine Biotech.&nbsp;

China's abrupt abandonment of its 'zero-Covid' policy has caused a heavy social and economic toll on the nation. Panicky Chinese residents are stocking fever and cold medicines, leading to a medicine shortage in retail pharmacies.

Watch|&nbsp;China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th

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President Xi Jinping, in one of his first public statements on the COVID-19 pandemic, mentioned that the country requires a more focused method to protect its citizens.&nbsp;

Beijing, the capital city of China, has one of the best healthcare facilities in the country. But the abrupt ease of the zero-Covid policy and sudden surge in cases has become a problem despite the available resources.&nbsp;

China has intercepted reporting asymptomatic tests and allowed citizens to use antigen tests at home. The rural parts of China are also at risk as migrant workers in big cities will return to their hometowns during Lunar New Year in January 2023. Lack of medical resources and low vaccination rates have the potential to become reasons behind the spread of coronavirus in rural China. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

After the unprecedented wave of coronavirus hit China, Beijing has approved the offline distribution of Paxlovid, a COVID-19 medicine by Pfizer. It will be available at community health centres, and local doctors will assist in training residents on how to use it.

After the unprecedented wave of coronavirus hit China, Beijing has approved the offline distribution of Paxlovid, a COVID-19 medicine by Pfizer. It will be available at community health centres, and local doctors will assist in training residents on how to use it. China has been struggling with the current wave due to the rapid growth in coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, China's National Health Commission has stopped publishing the daily Covid data, reported China News Service. However, the arrival date of the medicines is not known yet. Also read| Covid BF.7 variant live updates: China lifts quarantine for inbound travels, Japan to tighten restriction for travelers from China, random RT-PCR tests across India Paxlovid, a medicine hard to access due to high demand, is the only foreign medicine authorised by China's healthcare body for national use. A few weeks ago, a Chinese healthcare app listed it online. However, the medication sold out only within a few hours of listing. It will be Paxlovid's first retail sale in China. Apart from Paxlovid, China's healthcare authority has also approved Azvudine by Genuine Biotech. China's abrupt abandonment of its 'zero-Covid' policy has caused a heavy social and economic toll on the nation. Panicky Chinese residents are stocking fever and cold medicines, leading to a medicine shortage in retail pharmacies. Watch| China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th President Xi Jinping, in one of his first public statements on the COVID-19 pandemic, mentioned that the country requires a more focused method to protect its citizens. Beijing, the capital city of China, has one of the best healthcare facilities in the country. But the abrupt ease of the zero-Covid policy and sudden surge in cases has become a problem despite the available resources. China has intercepted reporting asymptomatic tests and allowed citizens to use antigen tests at home. The rural parts of China are also at risk as migrant workers in big cities will return to their hometowns during Lunar New Year in January 2023. Lack of medical resources and low vaccination rates have the potential to become reasons behind the spread of coronavirus in rural China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid wave prompts Beijing to approve distribution of Pfizer antiviral medication

Commuters wearing masks filled the subway trains of Shanghai and Beijing on Monday as the two cities of China took a step towards living with Covid-19 as hospitals continued to swell up with millions of new coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

After imposing tough anti-Covid restrictions for three years, Chinese President Xi Jinping removed the zero-Covid policy, which included continuous testing and tough lockdowns, on December 7 in the aftermath of public protests and increasing outbreaks.

"Our country's new coronavirus epidemic prevention and control is facing new situations and new tasks," Xi was cited as saying by the Xinhua news agency, when he for the first time addressed the sudden change in China's Covid policy.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-xi-jinping-finally-speaks-as-china-faces-new-situation-urges-steps-to-protect-lives-546753">COVID-19: Xi Jinping finally speaks as China faces 'new situation', urges steps to 'protect' lives</a>

The virus is now spreading unchecked throughout the country, with increasing doubts about statistics of Beijing, according to which no new deaths related to Covid have been reported in the last six days.&nbsp;

According to doctors, the number of patients has multiplied by five or six times, most of them being elder.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Xinhua quoted Premier Li Keqiang as saying that the government must intensify their efforts at all levels to ensure that the demand for medical supplies and treatment is met.

"I am prepared to live with the pandemic. Lockdowns are not a long-term solution,” said Shanghai's 25-year-old resident Lin Zixin.&nbsp;

WATCH| Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: India is taking no chances

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To control Covid this year, Shanghai faced two months of strict lockdown till June 1. On Monday, the hustle-bustle on the road of the city sharply contrasted with the eerie silence that was spread across the city in May and April.&nbsp;

In the weekend, the residents of the city thronged the annual Christmas market held at Shanghai's commercial district Bund. People also visited in large numbers Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing's Universal Studios, and queued up, in Christmas-themed outfits, for rides.&nbsp;

"Now basically everyone has returned to a normal routine," said a resident of Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Commuters wearing masks filled the subway trains of Shanghai and Beijing on Monday as the two cities of China took a step towards living with Covid-19 as hospitals continued to swell up with millions of new coronavirus patients.

Commuters wearing masks filled the subway trains of Shanghai and Beijing on Monday as the two cities of China took a step towards living with Covid-19 as hospitals continued to swell up with millions of new coronavirus patients. After imposing tough anti-Covid restrictions for three years, Chinese President Xi Jinping removed the zero-Covid policy, which included continuous testing and tough lockdowns, on December 7 in the aftermath of public protests and increasing outbreaks. "Our country's new coronavirus epidemic prevention and control is facing new situations and new tasks," Xi was cited as saying by the Xinhua news agency, when he for the first time addressed the sudden change in China's Covid policy. ALSO READ| COVID-19: Xi Jinping finally speaks as China faces 'new situation', urges steps to 'protect' lives The virus is now spreading unchecked throughout the country, with increasing doubts about statistics of Beijing, according to which no new deaths related to Covid have been reported in the last six days. According to doctors, the number of patients has multiplied by five or six times, most of them being elder. Meanwhile, Xinhua quoted Premier Li Keqiang as saying that the government must intensify their efforts at all levels to ensure that the demand for medical supplies and treatment is met. "I am prepared to live with the pandemic. Lockdowns are not a long-term solution,” said Shanghai's 25-year-old resident Lin Zixin. WATCH| Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: India is taking no chances To control Covid this year, Shanghai faced two months of strict lockdown till June 1. On Monday, the hustle-bustle on the road of the city sharply contrasted with the eerie silence that was spread across the city in May and April. In the weekend, the residents of the city thronged the annual Christmas market held at Shanghai's commercial district Bund. People also visited in large numbers Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing's Universal Studios, and queued up, in Christmas-themed outfits, for rides. "Now basically everyone has returned to a normal routine," said a resident of Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

People return to work in Beijing as China takes a step towards living with Covid

Hospitals in China struggle with spike in Covid cases. Even as China records zero covid deaths now data firm is claiming that the real scale of infection could be far greater than what the official data is showing. Watch to know further.

China battles surge in Covid cases, medics blame government for 'insufficient planning'

Almost 250 million people in China might have caught Covid-19 in the first 20 days of December. The figure is according to an internal estimate of Beijing Health Officials, accessed by the Financial Times and Bloomberg News. The numbers were reportedly presented in an internal meeting of the National Health Commission.

China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency

The Chinese government said on Wednesday that there were no new deaths due to Covid on Tuesday after it changed the criteria for recording virus deaths. The move comes as China is seeing a spike in infections.&nbsp;

According to the new criteria, only those Covid patients who directly died of respiratory failure caused by the virus would be counted under Covid death statistics.&nbsp;

Earlier, patients who died of an illness while being infected with Covid were also counted as a virus death. This way of reporting Covid deaths accounted for a huge number of fatalities in other countries, according to a report by news agency AFP on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-is-china-a-threat-to-the-world-beijings-new-covid-wave-a-wild-card-warn-experts-544965">Explained: Is China a threat to the world? Beijing's new Covid wave a 'wild card', warn experts</a>

Since the government announced the decision to lift the zero-Covid policy last week, China reported a total of seven virus deaths- all in the capital Beijing. However, one death was removed from the official tally given the changed criteria.

China has recorded more than 10 million Covid cases and over 31,370 deaths since the onset of the pandemic, according to figures shown by the World Health Organization (WHO).&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Covid spreading in China after zero-covid policy eased

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The current spike in infections, after the lifting of restrictions, is being caused by the Omicron subvariant BF.7. Hospitals and crematoriums across China are struggling to cope with the worsening pandemic situation.&nbsp;

In the capital Beijing, a queue of about 40 hearses was seen at a crematorium in the Tongzhou district, according to a report by news agency Reuters on Wednesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-steps-up-measures-amidst-china-covid-explosion-expert-says-hybrid-immunity-will-help-country-544957">India steps up measures amidst China Covid explosion, expert says 'hybrid immunity' will help country</a>

Funeral home workers said that some Beijing residents have to wait for days to cremate relatives or pay a steep fee to secure faster services. Last week, two Beijing funeral homes told AFP that there were operating round the clock, offering same-day cremation services to keep up with the recent surge in deaths.&nbsp;

In Chongqing city, a crematorium worker said the building ran out of space to keep dead bodies. While in the central city of Changsha, two companies specialising in burial clothing told AFP on Wednesday that they saw an uptick in customers.

Meanwhile, a leading Chinese health expert has said that Beijing would face a surge in cases over the next two weeks, adding authorities must act quickly and prepare fever clinics, and emergency and severe treatment resources.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Chinese government said on Wednesday that there were no new deaths due to Covid on Tuesday after it changed the criteria for recording virus deaths. The move comes as China is seeing a spike in infections.

The Chinese government said on Wednesday that there were no new deaths due to Covid on Tuesday after it changed the criteria for recording virus deaths. The move comes as China is seeing a spike in infections. According to the new criteria, only those Covid patients who directly died of respiratory failure caused by the virus would be counted under Covid death statistics. Earlier, patients who died of an illness while being infected with Covid were also counted as a virus death. This way of reporting Covid deaths accounted for a huge number of fatalities in other countries, according to a report by news agency AFP on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Explained: Is China a threat to the world? Beijing's new Covid wave a 'wild card', warn experts Since the government announced the decision to lift the zero-Covid policy last week, China reported a total of seven virus deaths- all in the capital Beijing. However, one death was removed from the official tally given the changed criteria. China has recorded more than 10 million Covid cases and over 31,370 deaths since the onset of the pandemic, according to figures shown by the World Health Organization (WHO). ALSO WATCH | WION Fineprint: Covid spreading in China after zero-covid policy eased × The current spike in infections, after the lifting of restrictions, is being caused by the Omicron subvariant BF.7. Hospitals and crematoriums across China are struggling to cope with the worsening pandemic situation. In the capital Beijing, a queue of about 40 hearses was seen at a crematorium in the Tongzhou district, according to a report by news agency Reuters on Wednesday. ALSO READ | India steps up measures amidst China Covid explosion, expert says 'hybrid immunity' will help country Funeral home workers said that some Beijing residents have to wait for days to cremate relatives or pay a steep fee to secure faster services. Last week, two Beijing funeral homes told AFP that there were operating round the clock, offering same-day cremation services to keep up with the recent surge in deaths. In Chongqing city, a crematorium worker said the building ran out of space to keep dead bodies. While in the central city of Changsha, two companies specialising in burial clothing told AFP on Wednesday that they saw an uptick in customers. Meanwhile, a leading Chinese health expert has said that Beijing would face a surge in cases over the next two weeks, adding authorities must act quickly and prepare fever clinics, and emergency and severe treatment resources. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid spike in China: Govt says no new deaths seen after changing criteria

Australian foreign minister Penny Wong on Tuesday urged the release of citizens held in China, as she prepared to embark on a landmark visit to Beijing. Wong is set to be the first top Australian diplomat to visit China in four years.

Penny Wong urges China to release Australian citizens

China's Covid crisis has refreshed the horrific memories of the pandemic that started in 2019. Local media reports say that long lines could be seen at crematorium in the nation's capital - Beijing. As healthcare nears collapse after recent surge in cases, China relaxed its controversial zero-Covid policy.

Covid pressurises funeral services in China's Beijing; long lines at crematoriums

The United States has now launched a 'China House' unit, a new diplomatic approach that is aimed at sharpening its policy towards Beijing. The US state department has launched this long plan unit on Friday and it was formerly called the office of China coordination.

US to improve policymaking towards China; Secretary Blinken brings new approach to deal with China

Days after China eased its Covid restrictions, Beijing now says it is impossible to track the true scale of infections in the country. Officials have warned of new cases in Beijing after abruptly scaling down its zero-Covid policy.

China scales down on Covid restrictions amid concerns of surge

After the US and Russia, China is the new space power. Beijing is steadily working to conquer the final frontier and Washington is wary of the Chinese plans. The head of the US space command said, "China is building capabilities that put most US assets at risk".

China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk'

The Chinese government has decided to drop the need for people living in Beijing to show negative COVID-19 tests in order to enter supermarkets and offices. The decision was taken in the aftermath of massive protests all around the country due to the latest set of lockdowns and restrictions.

The government-owned newspaper China Daily carried the headline “Beijing readies itself for life again” with the report listing the reliefs that were provided to the citizens. The newspaper also reported that people in the Chinese capital were “gradually embracing” the normalcy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-implement-emergency-power-shutdowns-after-latest-russian-missile-strikes-540542">Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes</a>

Apart of the supermarkets and offices, the need to show Covid reports were also dropped for some public transports. The subways started using the access cards once again and these were the biggest concessions made by the Communist Party of China in recent times as infections started to go up.

Reports also suggested that China can announce 10 new nationwide reliefs from the COVID-19 restrictions. According to Reuters, the protests around the country came as a shock for the government and the relaxation of rules is also expected to provide a boost to the Chinese economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/five-people-sentenced-to-death-in-iran-over-killing-of-basij-paramilitary-member-540589">Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member</a>

“The most difficult period has passed,” the official Xinhua news agency.

According to official data, over 90 per cent of China has been completely vaccinated and Tong Zhaohui, the director of the Beijing Institute of Respiratory Diseases, also told reporters on Monday that the latest strain of the Omicron variant has caused lesser cases than the 2009 influenza outbreak.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Chinese government has decided to drop the need for people living in Beijing to show negative COVID-19 tests in order to enter supermarkets and offices. The decision was taken in the aftermath of massive protests all around the country due to the latest set of lockdowns and restrictions.

The Chinese government has decided to drop the need for people living in Beijing to show negative COVID-19 tests in order to enter supermarkets and offices. The decision was taken in the aftermath of massive protests all around the country due to the latest set of lockdowns and restrictions. The government-owned newspaper China Daily carried the headline “Beijing readies itself for life again” with the report listing the reliefs that were provided to the citizens. The newspaper also reported that people in the Chinese capital were “gradually embracing” the normalcy. Also read | Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes Apart of the supermarkets and offices, the need to show Covid reports were also dropped for some public transports. The subways started using the access cards once again and these were the biggest concessions made by the Communist Party of China in recent times as infections started to go up. Reports also suggested that China can announce 10 new nationwide reliefs from the COVID-19 restrictions. According to Reuters, the protests around the country came as a shock for the government and the relaxation of rules is also expected to provide a boost to the Chinese economy. Also read | Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member “The most difficult period has passed,” the official Xinhua news agency. According to official data, over 90 per cent of China has been completely vaccinated and Tong Zhaohui, the director of the Beijing Institute of Respiratory Diseases, also told reporters on Monday that the latest strain of the Omicron variant has caused lesser cases than the 2009 influenza outbreak. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing ‘readies itself for life again’ as authorities drop some COVID-19 tests

China is taking baby steps towards easing its stringent zero-covid policy, but this has raised new fears. According to scientists, mainland China faces the risk of more than 2 million deaths if all the curbs are lifted.

WION Fineprint: China faces fear of 2 MN deaths due to COVID

Chinese citizen can finally heave a sigh of relief slowly but surely China appear to be progressing towards easing its Covid curbs. A small departure from Beijing's strict Covid policy, something which had frustrated the Chinese citizens over a long period of time.

China Covid: Covid-19 curbs eased further; no longer mandatory negative tests in Shenzhen, Beijing

Fine particles have been found in the polluted air of China which is leading to the death of 64,000 babies every year while they are still in their wombs, a study conducted by researchers claims.&nbsp;The statistics reflect such shocking figures despite efforts being made by Beijing to control pollution in the past 10 years and more. 
 
The study analysed 137 countries in which it was discovered that exposure to particles, which are generally produced when fossil fuels are burnt and which are smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), has led to 40% of stillbirths in Latin America, Asia and Africa in the year 2015.

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In the study which analysed all the countries where world's 98% of stillbirths occur, China was ranked in fourth place based on fetal deaths related to PM2.5, as per the study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. 
 
The Peking University's researchers, headed by Xue Tao, pointed out the measures adopted by the Chinese authorities in the past decade to control air pollution have reduced the number of such deaths. 
 
“Improved air quality in some of the 137 countries (e.g. China) might underlie the reduction in the global burden of stillbirths. Therefore, meeting the World Health Organisation air quality targets could prevent stillbirths,” the researchers wrote. 
 
Although how polluted air is responsible for stillbirth is widely known, this is the first study that has been conducted to calculate the exact number of fetal death recorded. In a 2020 report, Unicef described the phenomenon as a “neglected tragedy”.

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The study overall found that a 10 µg/m3 increase in exposure to PM2.5 was resulting in an 11% increase in the cases of stillbirth. The researchers claim that when pollution particles pass through the placenta they may cause “irreversible embryonic damage”. It is also suspected to disturb oxygen transmission to the fetus. 
 
“In recent years, China has been working hard on treating air pollution and seen rapid improvement in air quality as a result, which is of great importance to the protection of the health of pregnant women and children,” Zhu Tong, the study's another leading author said. 
 
“However, a great population and uneven social development mean there are still a big number of pregnant women exposed to air pollution,” he added.

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Fine particles have been found in the polluted air of China which is leading to the death of 64,000 babies every year while they are still in their wombs, a study conducted by researchers claims.

Fine particles have been found in the polluted air of China which is leading to the death of 64,000 babies every year while they are still in their wombs, a study conducted by researchers claims. The statistics reflect such shocking figures despite efforts being made by Beijing to control pollution in the past 10 years and more. The study analysed 137 countries in which it was discovered that exposure to particles, which are generally produced when fossil fuels are burnt and which are smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), has led to 40% of stillbirths in Latin America, Asia and Africa in the year 2015. ALSO READ| Playing piano may help deal with mental health issues like depression: Study In the study which analysed all the countries where world's 98% of stillbirths occur, China was ranked in fourth place based on fetal deaths related to PM2.5, as per the study published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. The Peking University's researchers, headed by Xue Tao, pointed out the measures adopted by the Chinese authorities in the past decade to control air pollution have reduced the number of such deaths. “Improved air quality in some of the 137 countries (e.g. China) might underlie the reduction in the global burden of stillbirths. Therefore, meeting the World Health Organisation air quality targets could prevent stillbirths,” the researchers wrote. Although how polluted air is responsible for stillbirth is widely known, this is the first study that has been conducted to calculate the exact number of fetal death recorded. In a 2020 report, Unicef described the phenomenon as a “neglected tragedy”. ALSO READ| Experimental drug slows down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients: Here’s what you need to know The study overall found that a 10 µg/m3 increase in exposure to PM2.5 was resulting in an 11% increase in the cases of stillbirth. The researchers claim that when pollution particles pass through the placenta they may cause “irreversible embryonic damage”. It is also suspected to disturb oxygen transmission to the fetus. “In recent years, China has been working hard on treating air pollution and seen rapid improvement in air quality as a result, which is of great importance to the protection of the health of pregnant women and children,” Zhu Tong, the study's another leading author said. “However, a great population and uneven social development mean there are still a big number of pregnant women exposed to air pollution,” he added.

‘Airborne baby killer’: Air pollution in China kills 64,000 babies in womb every year, says study

Chinese citizen can finally heave a sigh of relief slowly but surely China appear to be progressing towards easing its Covid curbs. A small departure from Beijing's strict Covid policy, something which had frustrated the Chinese citizens over a long period of time. But should China end its zero-Covid policy?

WION Wideangle: Should China end its zero-Covid policy? | WION Shorts

The Chinese government has decided to ease COVID-19 restrictions as part of the Zero-Covid initiative as Beijing will allow some infected people to isolate at home. The Chaoyang district – one of the most densely populated districts – will be the first place where the concessions will be tested and according to a report on Bloomberg, the infected individuals will not have to travel to government quarantine sites. This will be a massive step for the authorities after the cities of Guangzhou and Chongqing announced an easing of restrictions in the aftermath of widespread protests.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-reports-5006-covid-cases-as-china-stumbles-through-worst-outbreak-538948">Beijing reports 5,006 Covid cases as China stumbles through worst outbreak</a>

In the past few days, several cities saw protests in opposition to the fresh set of restrictions and some of them even turned violent in Guangzhou as the police clashed with protesters on the streets. It has also promoted responses from the United States and Canada who urged China to not use any kind of force against the protesters.&nbsp;

The new rules reportedly will allow people to quarantine at home after signing a letter committing to not going outside during the period and having a sensor fitted on their doors. However, there will be some respite for the elderly or pregnant women who will find it difficult to travel to a facility.&nbsp;

While the announcement will come as good news for the citizens, the number of COVID-19 cases in the Chinese capital continue to rise. On Wednesday, Beijing recorded 5006 cases – most in recent times.&nbsp;

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Outgoing Vice Premier Sun Chunlan met national health officials and said that the country is “new stage and mission” as the government may look to alter its course slightly on the Covid issue&nbsp;

“As the omicron variant becomes less pathogenic, more people get vaccinated and our experience in Covid prevention accumulates, our fight against the pandemic is at a new stage and it comes with new tasks,” she said during the meeting, according to state media outlet Xinhua.&nbsp;

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The Chinese government has decided to ease COVID-19 restrictions as part of the Zero-Covid initiative as Beijing will allow some infected people to isolate at home.

The Chinese government has decided to ease COVID-19 restrictions as part of the Zero-Covid initiative as Beijing will allow some infected people to isolate at home. The Chaoyang district – one of the most densely populated districts – will be the first place where the concessions will be tested and according to a report on Bloomberg, the infected individuals will not have to travel to government quarantine sites. This will be a massive step for the authorities after the cities of Guangzhou and Chongqing announced an easing of restrictions in the aftermath of widespread protests. Also read | Beijing reports 5,006 Covid cases as China stumbles through worst outbreak In the past few days, several cities saw protests in opposition to the fresh set of restrictions and some of them even turned violent in Guangzhou as the police clashed with protesters on the streets. It has also promoted responses from the United States and Canada who urged China to not use any kind of force against the protesters. The new rules reportedly will allow people to quarantine at home after signing a letter committing to not going outside during the period and having a sensor fitted on their doors. However, there will be some respite for the elderly or pregnant women who will find it difficult to travel to a facility. While the announcement will come as good news for the citizens, the number of COVID-19 cases in the Chinese capital continue to rise. On Wednesday, Beijing recorded 5006 cases – most in recent times. Also read | Zelensky urges Elon Musk to visit Ukraine before proposing peace Outgoing Vice Premier Sun Chunlan met national health officials and said that the country is “new stage and mission” as the government may look to alter its course slightly on the Covid issue “As the omicron variant becomes less pathogenic, more people get vaccinated and our experience in Covid prevention accumulates, our fight against the pandemic is at a new stage and it comes with new tasks,” she said during the meeting, according to state media outlet Xinhua.

China eases Covid restrictions in Beijing, hints at possible change in stance: Report

Protests erupt in China's Xinjiang region, capital Beijing and Shanghai as public anger grows over prolonged covid-19 lockdowns in the country. China has seen a hike in the number of cases recently.

Protests flare across China over zero-Covid policy

Protests against China’s stringent COVID-19 restrictions erupted across the country including the financial hub Shanghai where hundreds of people hit the streets and reportedly chanted, “Down with the Chinese Communist Party, down with Xi Jinping”. This comes after a deadly fire in a high-rise building in China’s Xinjiang region on Thursday&nbsp;killed at least 10 people as curbs allegedly obstructed escape and rescue operations.

In an unprecedented protest against China’s leadership, people in various cities and universities took to the streets across the country late Saturday and early Sunday. In Shanghai, media reports suggest that residents gathered on late November 26 on the city’s Wulumuqi Road (named after Urumqi).&nbsp;

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The&nbsp;building fire in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region&nbsp;has&nbsp;led to widespread public anger which many say&nbsp;have&nbsp;resulted in the recent&nbsp;protests. As many&nbsp;internet users believe that people from the building could not escape in time because of the COVID-19 induced partial lockdown that the building was under at the time. However, the city officials denied these claims but later issued an apology.&nbsp;

Videos circulating on Chinese social media show hundreds of people in downtown Shanghai initially lighting candles for the victims of the Xinjiang fire, on Saturday evening. Subsequently, the crowd held blank sheets of paper, a symbol against censorship and later chanted, “Lift lockdown for Urumqi, lift lockdown for Xinjiang, lift lockdown for all of China!”

Such protests in China are rare since they can result in harsh penalties.&nbsp;

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Reportedly, the situation had eventually&nbsp;subsided by Sunday morning in Shanghai as police had tried to break up the crowd. This comes after similar protests erupted in China's&nbsp; Xinjiang region on Saturday following the fire in Urumqi where the crowds reportedly chanted, "End the lockdown!”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, several photos and videos of university students protesting also emerged overnight. Demonstrations were seen&nbsp;in China’s capital Beijing, said a report by CNN, at around 1:00 am (local time) on Sunday at Peking University. While photos and videos from China’s Nanjing Communications University also emerged on Saturday night.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sees-fourth-straight-day-of-record-number-of-covid-cases-537804">China sees fourth straight day of record number of Covid cases</a>

As public anger grows amid three years of lockdowns, restrictions, and daily Covid tests, protests in China are on the rise with many against the country’s zero-Covid measures. Protests were largely&nbsp;seen from&nbsp;Zhengzhou to Guangzhou where earlier this month&nbsp;people marched in Guangzhou's&nbsp;Haizhu district. However, Beijing continues to struggle as a record number of Covid cases have been reported for four consecutive days now.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Protests against China’s stringent COVID-19 restrictions erupted across the country including the financial hub Shanghai where hundreds of people hit the streets and reportedly chanted, “Down with the Chinese Communist Party, down with Xi Jinping”.

Protests against China’s stringent COVID-19 restrictions erupted across the country including the financial hub Shanghai where hundreds of people hit the streets and reportedly chanted, “Down with the Chinese Communist Party, down with Xi Jinping”. This comes after a deadly fire in a high-rise building in China’s Xinjiang region on Thursday killed at least 10 people as curbs allegedly obstructed escape and rescue operations. In an unprecedented protest against China’s leadership, people in various cities and universities took to the streets across the country late Saturday and early Sunday. In Shanghai, media reports suggest that residents gathered on late November 26 on the city’s Wulumuqi Road (named after Urumqi). ALSO READ | China: Huge protests erupt in Xinjiang, locals blame strict Covid curbs for 10 casualties in blaze The building fire in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region has led to widespread public anger which many say have resulted in the recent protests. As many internet users believe that people from the building could not escape in time because of the COVID-19 induced partial lockdown that the building was under at the time. However, the city officials denied these claims but later issued an apology. Videos circulating on Chinese social media show hundreds of people in downtown Shanghai initially lighting candles for the victims of the Xinjiang fire, on Saturday evening. Subsequently, the crowd held blank sheets of paper, a symbol against censorship and later chanted, “Lift lockdown for Urumqi, lift lockdown for Xinjiang, lift lockdown for all of China!” Such protests in China are rare since they can result in harsh penalties. ALSO WATCH | China COVID protests: People break COVID barriers in Haizhu district Reportedly, the situation had eventually subsided by Sunday morning in Shanghai as police had tried to break up the crowd. This comes after similar protests erupted in China's Xinjiang region on Saturday following the fire in Urumqi where the crowds reportedly chanted, "End the lockdown!” Meanwhile, several photos and videos of university students protesting also emerged overnight. Demonstrations were seen in China’s capital Beijing, said a report by CNN, at around 1:00 am (local time) on Sunday at Peking University. While photos and videos from China’s Nanjing Communications University also emerged on Saturday night. ALSO READ | China sees fourth straight day of record number of Covid cases As public anger grows amid three years of lockdowns, restrictions, and daily Covid tests, protests in China are on the rise with many against the country’s zero-Covid measures. Protests were largely seen from Zhengzhou to Guangzhou where earlier this month people marched in Guangzhou's Haizhu district. However, Beijing continues to struggle as a record number of Covid cases have been reported for four consecutive days now. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China’s stringent ‘zero-Covid’ curbs trigger outrage, protests across the country

China: Protests erupt in Beijing, Xinjiang and Shanghai, public anger grows over Covid lockdowns

WION Fineprint | China: Anger mounts over Zero-Covid policy, protests break out in Beijing, Shanghai

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