China’s top Covid-19 official denies authorities are easing controls and calls for swift response to new outbreaks

The Chinese official leading the country’s Covid-19 response has said the authorities are not relaxing controls and urged cities to take decisive measures to contain outbreaks quickly.

Some moves by Beijing in recent weeks – including shorter quarantine requirements for inbound travellers and allowing more international flights – have raised hopes that the country will move away from its zero-Covid approach.