China’s funeral homes, hospitals overwhelmed even as official Covid figures remain low
China covid
Hospitals and funeral homes in China on Wednesday faced intense pressure as the surge in the nation's COVID-19 cases and the dearth of resources hit the nation of 1.4 billion people.China recently began taking down its strict Zero-Covid restriction measures which have been in place for almost three years. This abrupt change has sparked an outbreak that is fast exhausting the nation's hospitals.
Watch |China: Hospitals under seige as covid crisis worsens
Experts warn that the virus is spreading "largely unchecked" in the nation, and is likely infectingclose to a million people every day.
However with China's National Health Commission (NHC) announcing that it will no longer be publishing daily data and the nation for seven consecutive days reporting zero deaths, the international community has raised questions about the reported data.
)
Was Jeffrey Epstein really involved in cannibalism? Here's what DOJ files reveal
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What is 'Condition Red' & why USS Abraham Lincoln's crew is running 24x7
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Target locked? How satellites can help the USS Abraham Lincoln set its primary targets in Iran
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'US vs Iran’: What can be the reason Iran is not afraid of USS Abraham Lincoln?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Different from any fighter jet’: How the B-2 bomber turns in the air
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How B-2 bomber pilots can eject themselves in an emergency
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Epstein files released: DOJ reveals disturbing photo of Bill Clinton in pool with Ghislaine Maxwell & a mystery woman
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Which is the US’s largest and most expensive helicopter?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
What was the maximum speed of the Iranian drone shot down by the USS Abraham Lincoln?
On Tuesday, China reported three new Covid related deaths up from one on Monday, however, these numbers are inconsistent with what funeral parlours are reporting and also go against what much less populous countries went through upon reopening.
Funeral homes are reportedly full, performing 200 funerals a day up from 30-50 a day before China opened up.
Also read |COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China
Hospitals too have reported being "extremely busy". Talking to Reuters, an ambulance driver who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, "I’ve been doing this job for 30 years and this is the busiest I have ever known it".
An emergency department pharmacy staff said,“Almost all of the patients have COVID" and that hospitals don't have Covid-specific medicines so they've just been providing medicine for particular symptoms.
Recent days have also seen multiple countries impose travel restrictions on travellers from China as the international community remains concerned about similar outbreaks. Japan, Malaysia and India have imposed restrictions while the USA is reportedly considering doing the same.
(With inputs from agencies)
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.
