How China is Dealing with COVID: an Expat's Perspective

I asked one of my friends in China how they're dealing with the COVID thing. Here's his response.

In the beginning the panic was only here in China, and so it was all over the Western, and I guess the world's news and media, but recently as it (COVID) became a more global issue, I guess what's going on here gets less coverage.

I returned to China from the UK in March, and I didn't need a test, although Chinese nationals did. I did, however, need to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival at my destination. This was enforced by community wardens (volunteers) who had a welcome package waiting for me, and were on call if needed for any emergencies during those 14 days. From what I understand, foreigners are not allowed to enter the country unless they have been tested 48hs before they enter. And even then they must still quarantine where they arrive and then again at their final destination. The time varies depending on local rules. After my quarantine period ended and I was out and about again, the worst had passed. it was under control.

Life is 90% back to normal now. People choose if they want to wear a mask or not, and they are only enforced in some areas (airport, underground, tourist attractions, some malls). At the malls and tourist attractions you only need to wear a mask to get in. Once inside it seems optional, though I'm pretty sure it shouldn't be. Lots of people have become very blasé and the police don't tend to enforce the rules as new cases are rare and it's no longer a big problem.

Many places have a QR code at the entrance that you scan and it creates a traffic light type system to show if you have been in contact with anyone who is infected. I assume you are barred entry/get carted off if you fail. This is a working "track and trace" system. Sure the government probably know where I am 24hrs a day, and can listen to me when I am talking (via my phone) if they wish, but at least I can live my life normally and do things like go outside. A small price to pay.

As a foreigner (as it's now a foreigner problem) there is an increased fear of us. Many places go to I get double checked, or I have to fill in forms whereas locals, or local looking people get to breeze on by without the need for these rules. It seems illogical and discriminatory, but it's all done in a polite and friendly way. I guess it would rub some people the wrong way, but I'm pretty laid back. It feels a little bit like 2003, when I first came here and foreigners were scarce and viewed with amusement.

If anything does pop up it's dealt with hard and fast. The needs of many outweigh the needs of a few. Sure, a few people might get their nose put out of place, but long term I see it as a sensible plan.