China’s vice-premier signals shift in Covid stance as some lockdowns eased

Sun Chunlan says Omicron less pathogenic as Beijing appears to respond to zero-Covid protests by relaxing some measures

• China's zero-Covid policy explained in 30 seconds

One of China's most senior pandemic response officials has said the country is entering a new stage and mission" in the latest indication of the government's changing approach after mass protests against its zero-Covid policy.

Sun Chunlan, China's vice-premier, made the comments to national health officials on Wednesday, according to the state media outlet Xinhua. It came as several regions including Shanghai began to lift lockdowns despite continuing high case numbers.