China Covid: 60,000 Coronavirus-related deaths in just over a month
Key takeaways:
- China has reported 60,000 Coronavirus-related deaths in just over a month; the first significant death count revealed since the nation stopped its zero-Covid policy.
Despite proof of hospitals and crematoriums being held, China has been widely blamed for underreporting covid deaths.
China record 60000 deaths:
According to officials, China registered 59,938 Covid-related demises between 8 December and 12 January.
Most of those who passed away were over 80, with most having underlying diseases.
The figures show 5,503 casualties caused by respiratory loss directly due to the virus and 54,435 driven by underlying diseases combined with the virus. The actual total is probably higher because the figures refer only to deaths registered at medical facilities.
Last month, Beijing changed how it ranks Covid deaths, just counting towards its total of those who passed away of respiratory loss directly caused by the virus.
The World Health Organisation criticised the report, describing it as “too narrow”.
Beijing has always claimed that its figures are correct, calling on the WHO to “keep a scientific, factual and just position”.
Officials said that the rise of patients admitted with severe coronavirus was in early January, although the number after that remained high.
They said that they would continue to observe the situation in rural regions, concentrating on early detection and prioritising the cure of the most vulnerable.
