Xi urges action to preserve lives after lifting of Covid measures

One million individuals might pass away in next months, Medicine shortages affecting population, study

Picture source - Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged officials to take action to preserve lives in his first public words on Monday over Covid-19 since Beijing substantially lifted strict containment measures last month.

China which was primarily sealed off from the rest of the globe during the epidemic is currently going through the largest infection increase ever recorded after suddenly removing the economic-defeating restrictions.

According to studies, one million individuals might pass away in the next months. Medicine shortages are currently affecting a large portion of the population and an inflow of elderly people who lacked the recommended vaccinations was placing pressure on emergency medical facilities.

According to CCTV, the Chinese state broadcaster, Xi has issued an order stating that “Covid-19 prevention and control in China are currently confronting a new circumstance and new duties.”

Xi added further that to safeguard people’s lives more effectively, safety and health they should start the patriotic health campaign in a more focused manner, and construct a community line of defence for epidemic prevention and control.

China’s National Health Commission on Sunday declared it will stop releasing daily countrywide infection and death numbers as hospitals and cemeteries around the nation were overflowing with Covid patients and fatalities.

The parameters by which Covid-19 fatalities were counted were also reduced last week by Beijing, which experts said would reduce the number of deaths related to the virus. The winter spike has coincided with two significant public holidays that will draw millions of migrant workers home to be with families next month.

Authorities have urged for a guaranteed supply of medications and medical care throughout New Year and the week-long Lunar New Year vacation, which starts on January 21, as they prepare for the virus to hit under-resourced rural areas hard.