Edmund Lim

Opinion | Six steps China can take to move beyond ‘zero-Covid’ policy and reopen

With public dissatisfaction over the government’s handling of the pandemic spilling over into protests, China needs transparency, clear communication and an effective plan that includes focusing on vaccination

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People hold white sheets of paper in protest over China’s Covid-19 restrictions after a vigil for the victims of a fire in Urumqi in Beijing on November 27. Photo: Reuters

Edmund Lim

Published: 3:15pm, 28 Nov 2022

Tension and dissatisfaction with the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and the government are rising in several Chinese cities. Before further turmoil breaks out, here are six suggestions to help improve the situation.

First, there needs to be a truthful acknowledgement of the present situation. In the second half of 2020, President Xi Jinping and his team managed to control the spread of Covid-19.

However, more contagious variants have developed and Covid-19 cases are rapidly spreading throughout the country. The “dynamic zero-Covid” policy can no longer work. A successful change of strategy, with sound plans, is required.

Second, there should be clear communication of an effective plan for the path ahead. Xi has long been an advocate of a zero-Covid policy. In many ways, this approach has helped limit the spread of the virus. However, there have been high economic costs, as well as serious impact on people’s well-being and constraints on living.

It would be timely to embark on a scientific, methodical change of approach beyond the recent initial measures such as reducing the quarantine period. For a huge country such as China, communication and implementation should be done systematically, from the central government to local officials in the provinces and towns.

The plan and subsequent steps, along with the cost-benefit analysis, should be presented clearly to the people.