If ‘Zero COVID’ is removed, China is afraid of 1.5 million deaths

A fence at a blocked residential area in Shanghai, China, May 10 – Photo: REUTERS

The above warning was raised by Chinese and American scientists in a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine. The researchers are from Fudan University School of Medicine in Shanghai (China) and Indiana University (USA) among other research institutions.

This warning follows several recently published reports from senior medical advisers in China. These advisers say a “Zero COVID” approach (screening and wiping out infections in the community) is still needed to defeat the pandemic in China.

With “Zero COVID”, Chinese authorities blockade large residential areas to prevent the spread of the virus in response to any outbreak, even if only a few people have results. positive test.

“China has a 2-dose vaccination rate of more than 90% of the population and a booster vaccination rate of more than 40% by March 2022. However, if the outbreak due to the Omicron variant does not abate, we will predict that the Chinese health system will be overwhelmed, with a significant shortage of intensive care units (ICUs),” the researchers said in their model.

In China, the Beijing city government continues to tighten epidemic control after more cases were recorded. Beijing health authorities said that from May 12, people entering public places are required to provide a certificate of negative test for SARS-CoV-2 virus within 48 hours.

Starting from May 10, Beijing will conduct nucleic acid testing across the city by county and by day. As of May 9, Beijing has organized nine batches of nucleic acid tests across the region.

While counties are implementing new batches of mass testing, all restaurants across the city continue to suspend on-site dining services, concerts, entertainment venues, gyms. and Internet cafes are also temporarily closed. Some shopping malls and parks have announced closures.

In addition, primary and secondary schools, kindergartens and vocational schools in Beijing are also temporarily closed and teaching will be carried out online.

The Politburo of China determined to maintain the policy of ‘zero COVID’

TTO – China’s top political leaders pledged to have policy packages to support industries and small businesses. After this commitment, China’s stock market immediately prospered, reflecting the hopeful sentiment of investors.