Today, Explained China’s pursuit of ‘Zero Covid’
Nov 11, 2021
Emily Feng, NPR's China correspondent based in Beijing, provides insightful analysis of China's controversial 'Zero Covid' policy. She reveals the challenges faced by residents in border towns like Rayleigh, where lockdowns threaten economic survival. Feng discusses how these stringent measures impact public support and personal freedoms while maintaining some economic stability. She also addresses the potential easing of restrictions amid significant international events, emphasizing the broader ramifications for China's economy and global relations.
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Community Monitoring and Lockdowns
- Community centers monitor travelers and enforce quarantines.
- Neighborhoods face strict lockdowns with mass testing if a COVID case is detected.
Arbitrary Quarantine in Ruili
- Mr. Wong's wife was quarantined for 45 days after visiting a market.
- She was finally released after he pulled strings, followed by another two-week hotel quarantine.
Public Support for Zero-COVID
- Chinese citizens support zero-COVID policies because they allow for a relatively normal life.
- The extreme costs are borne by a small, often unseen group of people.