China's capital significantly eases COVID-19 measures

Beijing announced the relaxation of several COVID-19 pandemic control measures on Wednesday night during a news conference, with rules relating to cross-city travel, medical services, and school all eased.

People are no longer required to provide negative results from nucleic acid tests or health codes in order to enter the capital, said Zhong Dongbo, deputy head of the city's health commission.

"They won't be asked to take three tests daily after their arrival in the city, either," he added.

However, the city will continue to provide nucleic acid tests for free, with a better layout of testing site locations.

Quarantine measures have also been relaxed, with infected people with no symptoms or mild symptoms now able to self-quarantine at home.

The city will also work to ensure there are adequate medical services, in the event of an increase in COVID-19 infections, Zhong said.

Qualified hospitals can now set up fever clinics, if they are able to do so.

Zhong also reminded people that there is no need to store up medicine. All drug stores, both online and offline, will ensure there is enough medicine to meet demand.

Schools without COVID-19 outbreaks should restart or continue on-campus courses. And all supermarkets, restaurants, sports stadiums, and libraries should also open to students, Zhong said.