The Daily A ‘Zero Covid’ Olympics
Feb 4, 2022
Amy Qin, an international correspondent for The New York Times, delivers gripping insights from Beijing during the Winter Olympics. She discusses China’s stringent 'zero Covid' strategy and its implications for public sentiment and governance. Qin provides a vivid picture of life in the Olympic bubble, where athletes encounter health protocols that include hazmat-suited officials and strict quarantine measures. The episode reveals how the government balances public health concerns with political strategies amidst rising discontent among citizens.
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Return to Beijing
- Amy Qin returns to Beijing for the Olympics, greeted by workers in hazmat suits.
- She feels isolated in the "super bubble," confined to hotels and venues.
Zero-COVID Policy
- China's zero-COVID policy aims to eliminate the virus within its borders.
- This policy is particularly challenging with the influx of international travelers for the Olympics.
Origins of Zero-COVID
- China's zero-COVID strategy arose from the initial outbreak in Wuhan and the government's subsequent actions.
- Xi Jinping's visit to Wuhan, after initial absence, marked a turning point in the narrative and solidified the policy.