Funviralpark Chinese officials estimate that about 250 million people in the country have contracted COVID-19 in the past three weeks.
Sun Yang, deputy director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, announced the figures at a closed-door meeting of senior officials.–A level official, according to the Financial Times. On Tuesday alone he infected 37 million people, a figure that makes him 18% of the population.
The Sun reported that infection rates continue to rise, with more than half of the population in Beijing and Sichuan already infected, two people familiar with the matter said.
Beijing abruptly backtracked on its ‘no new coronavirus’ policy, mandating lockdowns and extensive testing if even a few cases were detected. Many thought the policy was too restrictive and that at least 10 people could die in a high-rise fire.
China wrestles massive COVID wave with full emergency wards and overcrowded crematoria: ‘Many are dying’
People wait to see a doctor at the Fever Clinic area of Tongren Hospital in Shanghai’s Changning district December 23, 2022 – China is battling a wave of coronavirus infections. The government has redefined the criteria for counting Covid-19 deaths.
(Photo by Hector Retamar/AFP via Getty Images)
The death sparked nationwide outcry and demands on the government, which Beijing agreed to, but the sudden change and lack of preparedness, including inadequate vaccination levels, caused infection rates to skyrocket.
Washington and the World Health Organization are urging Beijing to be more transparent about case numbers, disease severity and other health numbers. The official report of Wednesday’s meeting provided few details about what the senior officials discussed.
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China is also moving to narrow the definition of what is considered a COVID-related death, which will reduce the official death toll. Authorities have reported only eight such deaths since December 1.
People receive treatment at the Fever Clinic area of a hospital in Shanghai’s Changning District, December 23, 2022 – China is battling a wave of coronavirus infections. The government has redefined the criteria for counting Covid-19 deaths.
((Photo by Hector Retamar/AFP via Getty Images))
Hospitals in Baoding and Langfang have been forced to refuse ambulances and sick patients seeking treatment, while health administrators have sought to treat patients in intensive care units that exceed the capacity of benches or floors. officials said.
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Crematoria have also had to evict people as workers struggle to keep up with the surge in death tolls, an employee told The Associated Press.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – DECEMBER 24, 2022 – Patients line up outside a fever clinic at a hospital in Shanghai, China, December 24, 2022.
((future publication via CFOTO/Getty Images))
“Too many people are dying,” said mortician Zhao Yongsheng. In his shop he estimated that in a day he burned 20 to 30 bodies. “They work day and night, but they can’t burn everything.”
Witnesses to Reuters saw a line of about 40 hearses waiting to enter the parking lot outside the crematorium carrying 20 coffins. Smoke billowed from his furnace, and although he likely died from COVID-19, it has yet to be confirmed.
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Some residents have reported waiting days to have their relatives cremated or having to pay exorbitant fees to ensure “prompt arrangements.”
Lawrence Richard of Fox News and Associated Press contributed to this report.
