BEIJING (Reuters – China won’t abandon its zero-tolerance policy toward local COVID-19 victims anytime soon. Experts say the policy allows it to swiftly quell local epidemics while spreading the virus outside of its own borders.

China continually improves its COVID-fighting capabilities to stop isolated cases becoming larger outbreaks. It has mass tested, locked downs targeted at specific locations, and travel restrictions.

Zhong Nanshan, an expert in respiratory diseases who contributed to China’s COVID strategy early 2020, stated that “the policy (in China), will remain for the long-term.”

The virus-control situation globally will determine how long the infection lasts.

China experienced a massive outbreak of symptomatic infection in July-August. Between Oct. 17th and Nov. 1, 538 cases of local symptomatic infections were reported in the most recent flareup. This was mostly in northern China.

The lower incidence rate has meant that China’s tourism and leisure sectors are under pressure.

Travel agencies are not allowed to organize tourism within certain provinces since Oct. 23. This restriction affects trips to almost one-third the 31 provincial-level regions on the mainland, including Beijing.

Infections have forced many cities to close indoor cultural and entertainment venues. Many concerts, theatre performances and marathons have been cancelled or postponed.

For most international travelers arriving in China, there is a week-long quarantine period.

As they strive to ensure a normal economic and social environment, certain countries in Asia-Pacific are opening their doors to select international travelers who have been fully vaccinated.

What about ANOTHER YEAR

Gavekal Dragonomics analyst ErnanCui wrote that China is likely to continue its policy of zero tolerance for domestic cases after successful cluster containment and widespread support for restricting international travel.

Cui stated that officials believe abandoning the zero-tolerance policy would only solve one problem.

Zhong, a specialist in respiratory disease, told state media CGTN the current 2% global death rate for the disease, despite vaccines, was not acceptable in China.

Zhong explained that “zero tolerance” is a significant cost, and spreading the virus can be more expensive.

Zhong explained that while some countries loosen their restrictions, they still reported small clusters. This led to an outbreak of new infections, which has forced them to reverse course.

This back and forth between policymakers is more expensive, and it has a bigger impact on public opinion, he said.

According to state TV, the cost of COVID treatment – averaging 20,000 Yuan per patient and occasionally more than 1 Million Yuan for critically ill patients – was 2.8 billion Yuan ($438 millions) at end-June.