If they can see world cup crowds unmasked then they can see that the world was living relatively restriction free for the past 12 months.
Probably to do with people being fed up of being literally chained to their homes, and the (preventable?) fire deaths in Xinjiang has tipped people over the edge. Don't forget, large parts of the country was living relatively restrictions free throughout covid.
So, contrary to some beliefs on past china threads, it looks like the chinese people don't like to be controlled, can think for themselves and aren't scared to voice their disapproval. Never underestimate people power. Even if just 2-3% of the population rise up, it will be impossible for the government control.
The timing is also very interesting. Taiwan president has just announced she is stepping down at the next election due to her party losing the mid terms. The bloke touted to take her place is a 41 year old and supposedly pro Beijing. Would have been prime time for pro gov propaganda, but this has thrown the spanner in the works.