The coronavirus, which was first identified in China nearly three years ago, is now spreading throughout the country. In December, the country announced an abrupt reopening, leaving many people unprepared and under-vaccinated. Experts predict between one million and two million deaths in the country in 2021 due to the virus, with various factors influencing the final number. Vaccination rates have increased, but many people are still vulnerable to infection, and hospitals and crematoria are overwhelmed. India has asked its state governments to remain alert to the potential for the virus to spread. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington predicts death tolls could reach one million by the end of 2023 if the virus spreads unchecked. China has approved various drugs to combat the virus, but it is unclear how widely available they are. The better the rate of transmission can be controlled in China, the better the outcome for the rest of the world.
The coronavirus is an infectious disease which is still spreading throughout China. Since it was first identified in the country nearly three years ago, the virus has impacted millions of people. In December, China announced an abrupt reopening, leaving many people unprepared and unable to get vaccinated. This has led to predictions that between one million and two million in the country may die due to the virus in 2021, with various factors influencing the final number. Hospitals and crematoria are overwhelmed, and India has asked state governments to remain alert to the potential for the virus to spread. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington believes that one million deaths could occur by the end of 2023 if the virus continues to spread unchecked. China has approved various drugs to combat the virus, but it is unclear how widely available they are. Controlling the rate of transmission in China is important for the rest of the world, as it could help to prevent a larger outbreak.