Authorities in Beijing and Guangzhou have eased some zero-Covid measures and warned that essential exits must not be blocked amid calls for an end to lockdowns following last week’s deadly fire in Urumqi, South China Morning Post said, Report informs.

Health authorities in Beijing said high-risk areas should be defined by units and buildings. These areas could be expanded when transmission risks were unclear or transmission was widespread in the community but only after “rigorous assessment.”

Curbs in Urumqi were relaxed soon after the protests, with deliveries and district-wide transport resuming on November 29, allowing residents to shop and work in low-risk areas.