Some of those protesters, tracked down by China’s security apparatus, now face an anxious wait about their fate. Amid the caution, state broadcaster CCTV announced further easing, with tourism and entertainment venues – including theatres, libraries, internet cafes, and table game centers no longer requiring COVID tests and health codes. China’s tally of 5,235 COVID-related deaths is a tiny fraction of its population of 1.4 billion, and extremely low by global standards. Some experts have warned that the toll could rise above 1.5 million if the exit is too hasty. Manufacturers remain cautious too, retaining COVID curbs until they get a clearer picture of just how workplaces will be affected by the easing of stringent measures.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 10, 2022 22:52 UTC