Virus Briefing: China stems protests

And what are the pandemic after effects you're dealing with?

View in browser|nytimes.com December 5, 2022 Here's your update on the coronavirus pandemic and other virus news. By Jonathan Wolfe How is the pandemic shaping the way you live now? We always knew that the pandemic would set off a series of ripple effects that would shape our lives for years to come. But now, as we approach our fourth pandemic year, many of us are just beginning to manage and live with them. These disruptions have made life harder for many (like students who continue to struggle after school shutdowns) but have also opened up doors to new opportunities for others (like some disabled workers, as remote work has gained acceptance). As we come to the end of the year, and we take stock of where we are, we're asking readers about Covid's aftereffects. We'd like to know: What is the aftereffect of the pandemic that is most notably shaping the way you live now? Tell us about it. We may use your response in an upcoming newsletter. Now onto the news … TOP NEWS Kevin Frayer/Getty Images China Stems Wave of Protest, but Ripples of Resistance Remain Students, residents, lawyers and workers are still challenging the country's Covid-19 restrictions, even though the intensity of the political chants has been dialed back. By Chang Che, Chris Buckley, Amy Chang Chien and Joy Dong Peter Parks/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images Covid Protests in China Raise Hope for Solidarity Among Activists Abroad People opposing Beijing over issues like Hong Kong, Taiwan or the persecution of Uyghurs see the moment as an opportunity to find common cause. By Tiffany May and John Liu Christopher Lee for The New York Times Chinese Abroad: Worried, Wary and Protesting Chinese expatriates in the United States are elated but nervous as they watch the protests at home. By Amelia Nierenberg Qilai Shen for The New York Times The Chinese Dream, Denied The world's harshest Covid restrictions exemplify how Xi Jinping's authoritarian excesses have rewritten Beijing's longstanding social contract with its people. By Vivian Wang Kevin Frayer/Getty Images After Fanning Covid Fears, China Must Now Try to Allay Them Beijing had long warned that the only effective response was testing, quarantine and lockdowns. As it shifts policy, it must change how it portrays the risks. By Keith Bradsher Phil Walter/Getty Images Her Baby Needs Heart Surgery. But She Is Demanding 'Unvaccinated' Blood. New Zealand's health service is seeking to take temporary custody of a critically ill infant so it can perform a lifesaving operation. By Emanuel Stoakes What else we're following The World Health Organization estimates that 90 percent of the world has some resistance to Covid, The Guardian reports. U.S. Covid hospitalizations reached their highest point in three months after a post-Thanksgiving increase, The Washington Post reports. Congress may roll back the military's Covid vaccine policy, Politico reports. New Zealand is launching an inquiry into its coronavirus response and how it can better prepare for future pandemics, The Associated Press reports. New Zealand's health service is attempting to take temporary custody of a critically ill infant whose parents are refusing a surgery unless the child receives "unvaccinated" blood. Email your thoughts to virusbriefing@nytimes.com. Did a friend forward you the briefing? Sign up here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Virus Briefing from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018