Amid nationwide protests against its zero-Covid policy which impose stringent restrictions on people, the Chinese cities of Guangzhou and Chongqing announced easing of curbs.
The development came a day after residents of southern Guangzhou clashed with police following a string of protests against the Covid restrictions.
As part of easing of restrictions, the southwestern Chinese cities will reportedly allow close contact of Covid-postive people subject to conditions such as home quarantine.
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Guangzhou authorities lifted the lockdown but did not cite the protests as the reason.
A Reuters report suggested that relaxations don't suggest a u-turn in China's zero-Covid policy amid record number of coronavirus cases being reported across the country.