China COVID guidelines 'converging to int'l standard': OCBC

The move aimed to minimise disruption to economic growth.

The Chinese National Health Commission updated its new diagnosis and treatment guidelines for COVID-19.

For diagnosis, it lowered the cycle threshold value for negative polymerase chain reaction tests from 40 to 35.

For treatment, China employed a layered approach, with moderate to severe cases treated in hospitals and mild cases treated at designated isolation facilities.

OCBC Treasury Research said this change was significant because it will reduce disruptions to people's living standards and economic activities. For them, it also meant China's definition of COVID-negative converged with international standards, which means earlier discharge of patients and shorter hospital admissions.

However, OCBC added it is too early to say whether there is a significant easing of COVID policies in China.