China relaxes Covid norms, but fear of infection persists

China has begun relaxing its zero-Covid policy but is expected to witness a wave of new infections in the coming months.
China state-affiliated media Yicai Global stated, “China is expected to return to pre-pandemic life by the first half of 2023, as omicron will peak around the #SpringFestival until early March, per a model developed by Zhong Nanshan’s team.”
China’s ruling government lifted its rigid Covid-19 pandemic restrictions after protests sprang up all over the country.
An article in the journal, BMJ, states, “There is broad consensus among experts that increased vaccination of the elderly, ideally with modern mRNA vaccines, is the best and probably only way that China can avert a surge.”
As of now, re-opening queues have been more of a feature outside pharmacies than at malls and shops.