Authorities in Beijing, the Chinese capital, have announced that they will no longer require negative tests to enter supermarkets, shopping malls and state offices in an attempt to relax measures imposed against the coronavirus in the face of a wave of protests in several parts of the country.
The local government has indicated in a statement that such tests will no longer be required to enter some public spaces and has indicated that it will only be necessary to «scan the health codes before entering these public places».
The new measures have been implemented in the face of criticism from a large part of the population against the Chinese government’s ‘zero COVID’ policy. Now, public transport users will also be able to access the facilities without presenting negative tests. They will also not be required to enter residential areas or to travel to other locations.
This type of mass testing has been essential for the Asian giant in tracking COVID-19 contacts in the midst of the pandemic. However, some venues will continue to maintain this measure, such as cafes, bars, karaoke bars, hospitals and day care centers, among others.
The local authorities have pointed out that the different districts of Beijing will have to improve the testing service and have reminded the importance of using masks and reducing contacts.
