Ending “zero covid” in the world’s most populous nation is long overdue. If rushed without safeguards, it could result in more than 1.5 million preventable deaths. China has shunned Western-produced vaccines and is unlikely to accept direct U.S. assistance. China’s goal must be to reduce severe illness and death. This is a tall order in a country where only 6.6 percent of those 60 and older receive influenza shots. The government could encourage the young and healthy to return to normal activities while emphasizing the elderly are most at risk.
