China begins relaxing Covid measures

While the relaxation sent a wave of relief through Chinese society, much uncertainty remains and the move was not met with universal acclaim.

A man walks on all four limbs as a form of exercise in the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing (Ng Han Guan/AP)

China has started relaxing its strict “zero-Covid” policy amid steps to restore normal life – but also trepidation over a possible broader outbreak once controls are eased.

The country reported 21,165 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, though it was unclear whether the lower number reflected fewer infections or a reduction in testing.