In December, COVID infections in China have spiked to an estimated 250 million cases, according reports citing leaked Chinese health official notes.
Andy Wong/AP
Before the note was leaked, Chinese officials were said to have downplayed surging cases in the country. Notably, China narrowed its definition of COVID-related deaths to only those who have died from pneumonia or respiratory failure in December.
China then announced plans to stop publishing daily figures for COVID cases and deaths on December 25, reported state-run outlet The Global Times, citing the National Health Commission.
This move comes after China’s announcement on December 7 that it would be reversing its zero-COVID regulations after mass protests began in late November.
China’s reopening has resulted in hospitals, morgues, and crematoriums overflowing with thousands of patients and people who have died from the virus.
Starting January 8, travelers in China will no longer have to undergo hotel quarantine and home isolation.
But China’s surging COVID cases and relaxed restrictions have spooked several countries into tightening travel restrictions for passengers arriving from China. Take a look at five countries that have responded to China’s spiking number of cases.
