COVID in China

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People had long been expecting some kind of roadmap out of the country's draconian zero-COVID policy. But nothing like this has involved ripping apart the main fabric of the policy without actually announcing formally an end to it. This follows a surge in the number of infections, but authorities are now saying that the current mutation of the Omicron virus is simply not as much a risk.

With astonishing speed, the machinery of testing, tracing and lockdowns is being dismantled. We examine the risks that will pose to a country that is not prepared for big outbreaks. A winemaker’s lawsuit in Napa Valley reveals why many Californians believe regulators are unfriendly to business. And a clever solution to spare sharks from becoming unwanted “bycatch”. Help us make the show better: take our listener survey at http://economist.com/intelligencesurvey For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer