Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou

The authorities in the Chinese city of Guangzhou have decided to abruptly put an end to COVID-19 restrictions in the aftermath of a scuffle between the police and protesters who have been holding demonstrations against the lockdowns imposed as part of the Zero-Covid policy and even the top security body of China has called for a crackdown on the “hostile forces”.

The lifting of restrictions was not carried out in all districts as the authorities said that they are still trying to keep the Covid cases in control. In the official statement, local leaders made it clear that the restrictions will continue till the cases go down and the risk of infection is within control.

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The districts of Haizhu, Baiyun, Fanyu, Tianhe, Conghua, Huadu and Liwan saw the end of temporary lockdowns. The district of Conghua also announced that it will allow the reopening of schools and people in most areas will be able to visit restaurants and other commercial locations.

The southwestern city of Chongqing will allow close contacts of people with COVID-19, who fulfil certain conditions, to quarantine at home, a city official said.

Guangzhou is an important city for the Chinese economy due to the presence of several manufacturing centers. With the rise of COVID-19 cases, the manufacturing units have faced closure in the recent past and that has left a number of people around the city unemployed.

Both the US and Canada have criticised China for using force against the Zero-Covid protestors and the government was urged to preserve the citizens’ right to peaceful protest. The statements were issued after the clashes in Guangzhou which resulted in multiple arrests.

(With inputs from agencies)