China has abandoned its COVID-19 zero-tolerance policy, which included severe restrictions on potentially coming into contact with those who fall ill, Forbes magazine reported. Minutes of a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee, which discussed plans for “overall improvement” of the economy in 2023, published Dec. 7, do not include the phrase “dynamic COVID Zero” that was used earlier.

On the same day, China’s National Health Commission outlined 10 measures easing anti-COVID requirements. High-risk zones will now be imposed “by building, apartment, floor and household” rather than by territorial administrative unit. In areas where there are no high-risk zones, it is prohibited to restrict the movement of people, suspend production and other business activities.

Moreover, mandatory PCR testing has been eliminated for those whose jobs do not involve a high risk of infection or do not involve contact with children or the elderly. A certificate of vaccination is also no longer required to travel within the country or to enter public places. In cases of a mild or asymptomatic course of the disease, it is permitted to remain on isolation at home.

Hong Kong-listed Chinese stocks posted their strongest month-on-month gains in nearly 20 years in November on expectations of easing restrictions in China. Shares of the country’s three largest airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, rose more than 10 percent in Hong Kong on news of the new easing.