According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report released on January 15, 2021, China experienced a major surge in Covid-19 hospitalisations in the week prior. Beijing reported 63,307 Covid-19 hospitalisations, the highest weekly figure since the pandemic began more than three years ago. Additionally, China reported nearly 60,000 Covid-related hospital deaths for the same period. However, the WHO has requested more detailed data, including on deaths, excess mortality and genetic sequences, in order to include these deaths in their tally.
These figures come as China has gradually eased its three-year anti-virus regime of frequent testing, travel curbs and mass lockdowns, which was put in place in early December. Since then, cases have surged across the country. The WHO report serves as a reminder of the continued presence of Covid-19 and the need for detailed data to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the virus and its impacts.
Public health officials must be equipped with better data to effectively track and respond to the virus. This data is essential in order to make informed decisions and take the necessary precautions to protect people from the virus. With the recent surge in Covid-19 hospitalisations in China, it is clear that the virus is still a very real and present threat all over the world.