China is back to life after COVID restrictions were lifted

Beijing and Shanghai residents took to the streets and crowded subways of Chinese cities on Monday as COVID restrictions have been partially lifted. 

Following three years of pandemic, the Chinese government has finally announced a shift in the "zero COVID-19" policy. Despite the initial upheaval caused by the abrupt policy change, and several weeks spent at home by Beijing and Shanghai residents fighting or trying to avoid the disease, there are some signs that the situation may be getting back on track.

The Beijing and Shanghai subways were crowded on Monday, with major traffic jams being on the highways. 

China appears to be the last major country to recognize COVID-19 as endemic. Measures taken to fight the coronavirus have caused the country's economy to slow to its lowest level in 50 years. There has also been a disruption of global supply chains and a suspension of trade.

Analysts believe the world's second-largest economy is going to experience difficulties in the short term. This is due to the continued spread of COVID-19 across industrial areas. But the situation is likely to get better over the next year.