The number of fatalities in Beijing’s most recent COVID-19 epidemic in China has gradually risen. Following the relaxation of strict rules, feverish patients in hospitals and an increase in funeral homes are signs that the virus is spreading more quickly.
Unofficial sources indicate that many deaths have been linked to the coronavirus. More of these incidents, according to victims’ families, burial service employees, and other sources.
They were caused by COVID-19. Because they feared retaliation, these people only agreed to speak on the condition that their identities remain hidden. This most recent outbreak’s official strategy and course remain unclear and mysterious.
The National Health Commission said on Tuesday that there had been five additional deaths in China, bringing the total number of fatalities to 5,242.
By worldwide standards, this is a meagre figure, but it may climb sharply if the government abandons its “zero COVID” policy, which calls for mandatory testing, lockdowns, and quarantines. These measures have slowed the economy and sparked sporadic demonstrations.
Because people are still healing and undergoing tests at home, China is now unable to count new instances. Because of this, it is considerably harder for the nation to determine the severity of the present outbreak and its trajectory.
Some scientific models predict that as the population grows, the death rate will also rise.
China tries to persuade older adults who are hesitant to be immunised and those who are at high risk of getting immunised, but with little success.
Recently, immunisation clinics have generally been vacant. Additionally, there hasn’t been much coverage in state-run media.
Before the Lunar New Year travel surge in January, it is also essential to strengthen health services in small cities and rural hinterlands. As a result, migrant labourers will go back to their homes.
The number of fever clinics has expanded in both urban and rural locations. People are asked to stay at home if they are not dangerously unwell. As long as there is no fever, employees are reportedly asked to return to work because hospitals are short on staff.
Chinese authorities do not count deaths brought on by COVID-19. They do not include those brought on by underlying illnesses like diabetes or heart disease, which might raise the possibility of life-threatening sickness.
According to regulations in many other nations, every death where the coronavirus has been a factor or contributor is deemed attributable to COVID-19.
China has long been proud of its tight “zero COVID” policy, which aims to reduce the number of cases and fatalities. It compared itself with the United States, where over a million people had died.
However, the nation and society in China have been under a great deal of strain due to the country’s travel restrictions, quarantines, and required testing policies. The Communist Party appears to have been persuaded by this to modify its approach and pay attention to outside advice.