Beijing Withdraws Vaccine Mandate after Waves of Comments on “Suitability”

Just one day after announcing that the city will step up its Covid-19 measures, Beijing walked back on the plan to enforce vaccination requirements for most people before being allowed to enter public venues.

Beijing Daily, a state-run local newspaper, stated that the vaccine mandate generated attention and misgivings among city residents as people were exchanging comments on social platforms, discussing who would be suitable to not get or not get vaccinated, especially in complex situations for elderly or pregnant people.

On Wednesday, Beijing stated that starting next Monday, vaccinations in most of the people in Beijing are required before being allowed to enter in-person training centers, sports centers, entertainment venues and other social gathering spots.

The measure came after a resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities this week.