China's strict zero-COVID policy may be gone, but it has been replaced by chaos, confusion and risk.

Beijing — China may be pivoting away from its strict zero-COVID measures, but you'd never know it in Beijing. Everyone in the capital is confused.

The city of more than 21 million people doesn't have a coherent plan, government computer systems are overwhelmed and COVID help-line staff reached on the phone aren't sure how this brave new world will function.

It's no surprise residents are staying home to avoid breaking rules that haven't yet been spelled out.