The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will be rolling back some of its most extreme Zero COVID restrictions, such as lockdowns and school closures, following impassioned protests across the country..The National Health Commission released a 10-point announcement on Wednesday claiming that lockdowns will only be restricted to individual buildings, as opposed to the previous policy of restricting entire neighourhoods. Lockdowns can last a maximum of five days unless new cases are discovered. .COVID-19 tests and proof of health displayed on a phone app will no longer be required, apart from nurseries, elderly care facilities, and schools..People who test positive for COVID-19 will be allowed to isolate at home, rather than being forced into quarantine camps..The Chinese government announced plans last week to vaccinate millions of people in their 70s and 80s, which is a condition for ending the Zero COVID restrictions. Several experts have cited concerns that China's low vaccination rates could lead to an explosion in cases if it lifts restrictions..READ MORE: ANALYSIS: When it comes to ending its Zero COVID strategy, China is 'between a rock and a hard place' .Health experts and economists warn it will be mid-2023 or maybe 2024 before vaccination rates are high enough and hospitals are prepared to handle a possible rash of infections..The announcement comes following recent protests against the CCP's strict Zero COVID policies, which have been extraordinarily disruptive to the lives of ordinary Chinese citizens. Almost three years of restrictions have led to unemployment, food shortages, and even suicides in China, while simultaneously disrupting international trade..The catalyst for the demonstrations was a November 25 apartment fire in the Urumqi that killed 10 people. Health authorities had welded people into their homes, and firetrucks could not get close to the buildings because of COVID-19 restrictions..Soon after, protests popped up in the cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Wuhan, and Lanzhou. People gathered in the middle of intersections to chant "Xi Jinping! Step down! CCP! Step down!" and "We don't want lifelong rulers. We don't want emperors.".READ MORE: WATCH: China revolts against government's Zero COVID policies.The National Health Commission made no reference to the apartment fire or protests when announcing its policy changes on Wednesday.
