A spike in cases is predicted as the country changes strategy.

On 8 December, China’s central government lifted almost all of its severe COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, responding to popular discontent two weeks after protests sprang up around the country, reports the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

The new changes will mean travel between regions and entry to most venues will no longer be restricted by the health code or require proof of a recent negative test.

The health code will still restrict access to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics.

The relaxing of the health code system was one of 10 new prevention and control measures put forward by the government.

Other measures include a reduction in the number of neighbours locked down when a case is discovered and all lockdowns should end after five days if no new cases emerge.

Those with mild or no symptoms are now allowed to quarantine at home instead of at government centres.

The end of zero COVID was announced by China’s vice premier Sun Chunlan.

“With the decreasing toxicity of the omicron variant, the increasing vaccination rate, and the accumulating experience of outbreak control and prevention, China’s pandemic containment faces a new stage and mission,” she said.

However, experts are predicting a difficult winter, the BMJ reported, with the onset of the flu season and as the Chinese mix more freely.

‘The health code will still restrict access to schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics.’