In response to an increase in COVID-19 cases, China is building additional intensive care units and working to fortify hospitals. Beijing relaxed restrictions on anti-virus measures that kept millions of people inside their homes, stunted economic growth and sparked unrest on December 7.
As the big nation attempts to limit viral transmission, the Communist Party in power appears to be winding down its "zero-COVID" strategy. But the most recent actions indicate that it will allow additional cases without imposing quarantines or halting travel or business. However, several shops and businesses were shut down in Beijing on Sunday. Businesses have been forced to shut down as infected workers quarantine at home.
After the mainland relaxed its zero-Covid policy, experts warned that the number of cases will explode.
According to state media, a cabinet meeting on Thursday ordered the "full mobilisation" of hospitals, including hiring more staff to ensure their "combat efficacy" and increasing medicine supplies. Officials were instructed to monitor the health of everyone in their community who is 65 or older.
Zhong Nanshan, a prominent Chinese epidemiologist, told state media that the Omicron strain of the virus prevalent in China was highly transmissible and one infected person could spread it to as many as 18 others.
"We can see that hundreds of thousands or tens of thousands of people are infected in several major cities," Zhong said.
