Chinese Cities Ease COVID-19 Restrictions

Some communities in Chinese cities still dealing with the spread of COVID-19 have begun to relax testing requirements and quarantine rules ahead of an anticipated shift in national policies regarding the coronavirus, following widespread social unrest. However, the uneven easing of COVID-19 restrictions could fuel anxiety among some residents who suddenly feel more vulnerable to a disease that authorities have long described as deadly, even as recently as this week. Pharmacies in Beijing report that purchases of N95 masks, which offer significantly higher protection than disposable surgical masks, have increased this week. Some individuals wearing N95 masks mentioned they received them from their employers.