Your Thursday briefing: China's scolded Covid data

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Image"Stats don't make sense," said one expert. restrictions is under control, China has no clear picture of its Covid-19 infections.

Even the most basic question of how many people are infected is difficult to answer: China has relaxed the mass testing requirements and made reporting home test results voluntary. The government yesterday said it would stop reporting asymptomatic infections, which have made up most positive test results in the past.

The country's official data on Covid may be hazy, but there is strong anecdotal evidence of a growing number of cases. Hospitals are also overcrowded.

The lack of reliable information could have major economic implications. Foreign companies and investors are unsure how long it will take for the Chinese economy to recover. And shoppers are still hesitant to re-enter stores and restaurants after years of enforced closures.

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