Beijing Scraps Negative Covid Test Requirements for Most Public Places

China’s capital Beijing announced that negative Covid tests will no longer be required to enter most public areas, such as supermarkets and commercial buildings, the city government said in a statement on Tuesday, in what is seen as an accelerated exit from the harsh Covid zero policy.

However, the city still demands negative test results to enter Internet cafés, schools, bars, so-called KTV lounges, indoor gyms, and elderly care centers.

Reuters reported on Monday, citing two persons with knowledge of the matter, that China could announce a further easing of restrictions on Covid as early as Wednesday.

Goldman Sachs expects that China will fully reopen in April after the necessary medical preparations are completed, the winter flu season has ended, and the reveal rush surrounding the Lunar New Year has passed.