Beijing allows unvaccinated to access public spaces

Beijing residents can enter the public spaces as long as they provide negative nucleic acid test results taken within 72 hours, have their temperature checked and scan their health codes for COVID-19 prevention and control, an official of the capital's anti-epidemic work office said on late Thursday.

According to a report of Beijing Daily, Beijing said people can choose to be unvaccinated even though the government encourages vaccination for those above the age of 3 and with no medical condition.

The authority will carry out scientific evaluations and related services for residents on vaccination issues.

Earlier this week, the city government announced that starting on Monday, people who haven't received a COVID-19 vaccine will be restricted from entering some public venues in Beijing, which aroused heated discussions among the public.

The public spaces include educational institutions, libraries, museums, movie theaters, art galleries, cultural centers, stadiums, fitness centers, entertainment venues and internet cafes.

Hu Xijin, former editor-in-chief of Global Times, said that the government rescinding the vaccination requirement shows the power of the public opinion.