Softer China Stance on Covid Emerges in Media, Official Rhetoric

The persistence of the country’s worst outbreak since the pandemic began could also make these softer signs a short-lived diversion on its tortuous path. National case counts remain elevated, with more than 36,000 infections reported for Tuesday across every province. A rising death toll, which hasn’t yet been seen despite increasing case loads, could drive a reconsideration as the country’s health care infrastructure remains vulnerable.