ISLAMABAD: Beijing will tighten its Covid-19 restrictions with extra testing measures, officials stated on Saturday, as the start of the Labor Day vacation was hampered by the capital\u2019s lingering illnesses.
\nThe five-day holiday is usually one of China\u2019s busiest travel times, but the country\u2019s worst Covid recurrence since the pandemic\u2019s early stages is expected to keep many at home.
\nFaced with the highly transmissible Omicron variety, Chinese officials have reaffirmed their zero-Covid policy, focusing on mass testing and lockdowns to eliminate viral clusters.
\nDespite rising economic expenses and popular dissatisfaction, Beijing has stated that after the Christmas season, access to public areas will be further restricted.
\nAccording to a notification on the city\u2019s official WeChat page, starting May 5, a negative Covid test done within the previous week would be required to enter \u201call kinds of public areas and to take public transport.\u201d
\nAccording to the new requirements, participants in activities like athletic events and group trips will also need to demonstrate a negative Covid test done within 48 hours, as well as confirmation of \u201cfull vaccination.\u201d
\nOn Saturday, China reported over 10,700 domestic Covid cases, including asymptomatic cases, the majority of which were in Shanghai, the country\u2019s economic powerhouse.<\/p>\n