Due to the spread of the corona virus, the Chinese economic metropolis of Shanghai is calling on the population not to travel during the Christmas weekend and to stay at home. The city’s health commission especially appealed to young people to avoid large gatherings on Saturdays. With about 26 million inhabitants, Shanghai is the largest city in China.
Although Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in the People’s Republic, many young couples and families spend the holidays together. Shanghai usually hosts a large Christmas market in a luxury shopping area, restaurants and shops offer sales. However, this has been restricted due to the coronavirus.
Health system not sufficiently prepared
The omicron variant of the virus is currently rampant in China after the government abruptly backed away from its strict zero-Covid policy and lifted strict testing regulations and travel restrictions. Many people applauded the relaxation. However, the health system is insufficiently prepared for the wave of infections. Hospitals are overcrowded and pharmacies are short of medicines.
Significantly less testing than before
China registered 4,128 new corona cases with symptoms on Saturday, up from 3,761 the day before, according to the National Health Commission. No other deaths related to the virus were reported, leaving the official total at 5,241. However, the data does not provide a reliable picture of the situation because significantly fewer tests are performed.
The infection rate is probably much higher
The actual number of infections is probably much higher. For example, Bloomberg News reported Friday, citing estimates from the government’s top health agency, that nearly 37 million people have been infected with the coronavirus in a single day in the past week.
In addition, UK-based health data company Airfinity said this week that the true number of new infections is likely to exceed a million a day, with deaths exceeding 5,000. This is in “stark contrast” to the official data.
Health authorities no longer publish infection figures
In addition, the national health commission has stopped the daily publication of infection and death figures. Relevant information would now be released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for reference and research purposes, the committee said Sunday. How often this should happen remained open. No reasons were given for the move.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
