Xiaohui Shen

The direct and indirect effects of China's Zero-COVID policies: A mixed-methods study.

China's Zero-COVID aims to approach the cases to zero for saving lives. China implemented the COVID policy to contain the virus transmission since the first outbreak in Wuhan, which brought plenty of time for the world to get prepared. In year three of the pandemic, due to inadequate medical infrastructure and low herd immunity in China, China faces endless intermittent lockdowns. 

This study aims to systematically explore the trajectory of COVID-19 in China, the direct and indirect effects of both the disease, and policy restrictions on people's health and real-life experience. This study offers a perspective in China on patients' health and experience, the general public's life experience during and after zero-COVID, and communities' support. The findings from individual perceptions of essential services, requirements and gaps between lockdown and reopening can not only contribute to an understanding of the COVID picture in China but also inform policy discussion and support for people in the future epidemic.