China’s “zero-covid” response was born in a moment of chaos and danger for Communist Party leaders. We explain how to read the country’s new pandemic-policy changes
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskThe policy was born in a moment of chaos and danger for Communist Party leaders: the covid outbreak in Wuhan in early 2020. Despite the censors’ best efforts, all of China saw online videos of gravely ill patients in hospital corridors and body bags in car parks. Horrified leaders knew that many places in their country had weaker hospitals than Wuhan, a city of 14m. Swiftly, officials locked China down and closed its borders.
In the first phase of the zero-covid policy, officials used travel curbs, mass testing and quarantines to keep the virus out. Given China’s large population and poor health-care system, this was a rational if costly policy and prevented many deaths. It was popular, too, for life was relatively normal for many inside this China-size bubble. Propaganda chiefs highlighted the contrast with soaring casualty counts in America, Britain and other rich countries.
Instead, once the virus breached China’s defences and many areas saw outbreaks, the country switched to a second phase, dubbed “dynamic zero-covid”. China built nationwide systems to find each infected person and isolate them within hours, before tracing and isolating hundreds or even thousands of their close contacts. The “dynamic” bit nods to the impossibility of avoiding cases altogether. The ambition, rather, is to crush waves rapidly.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Investors are becoming too optimistic about the world economyA rare surge of optimism is running through financial markets. But investors are getting ahead of themselves
Consulte Mais informação »
Chinese state media changes its mind, suggests videogames are good actuallyChinese media reckons games could be a valuable tool in the country's competition with western countries.
Consulte Mais informação »
How to build a net-zero chalet\n\t\t\tJournalists in 50+ countries follow the constant flow of money made and lost in oil & gas while\n\t\t\ttracking emerging trends and opportunities in the future of energy. Don’t miss our exclusive\n\t\t\tnewsletter, Energy Source.\n\t\t
Consulte Mais informação »
Robbie Williams’ Wife Ayda Field Reveals Why It’s Zero Fun Sharing A Bed With The Singer“I’m just holding on to a thread.”
Consulte Mais informação »
Environment groups warn Hunt's energy plans are 'too little too late' and risk net zero targetJeremy Hunt’s action plan to cut greenhouse gases has been criticised as “too little too late” by environmental campaigners, who accused him of failing to upgrade Britain’s housing stock fast enough and deterring investment in green energy
Consulte Mais informação »
Indonesia’s tilt at King CoalJokowi, as Indonesia’s leader is known, won power by vowing to shake up an oligarchic system. But the coal industry seems to have found a place on his team
Consulte Mais informação »