China will now allow people with asymptomatic COVID-19 or mild symptoms to quarantine at home in another relaxation of its rules.

Most cases are asymptomatic infections and mild cases, with no special treatment required, the National Health Commission said announced.

It is the biggest sign yet that China is preparing its people to live with the disease.

“Asymptomatic persons and mild cases can be isolated at home while strengthening health monitoring, and they can transfer to designated hospitals for treatment in a timely manner if their condition worsens,” the NHC said.

For almost three years, China has had some of the most restrictive COVID-19 policies in the world, managing the virus as a disease on par with bubonic plague and cholera.

But since last week, top officials have acknowledged the reduced ability of the new coronavirus to cause disease, while Chinese experts have suggested it is not more deadly than seasonal influenza.

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