workers in crematoriums beijing affirmed on Friday that their establishments are overwhelmed by the unprecedented wave of cases of the COVID-19 in China which, according to the authorities, will soon reach rural areas of the country.
The Epidemic It is spreading rapidly across the country, a week after most of the health restrictions in place for nearly three years were lifted.
The authorities admit that it is now “impossible” for them to count the number of cases.
“We cremate 20 bodies a day, mainly the elderly. Many people have recently fallen ill,” a crematorium employee told AFP. “Of the 60 who work here, more than 10 are positive to the COVID-19but we have no choice as there is a lot of work,” he added.
Workers at two other funeral homes in Beijing, contacted by the AFPindicated that their establishments are operational 24 hours a day, offering same-day cremation services to respond to strong demand.
Another such establishment indicated that its waiting list is one week.
Official data
However, the official figures do not include any death related to the COVID-19 since December 4.
The organization to fight COVID-19 on Friday urged local governments to increase surveillance and medical care for people returning to their homes in rural areas ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays in January.
The event causes the largest population displacement in the world every year. It is expected to be even higher this year as travel restrictions between provinces have been lifted.
Chinese state media and health experts downplay the danger of the omicron variant, and respiratory disease expert Zhong Nanshan has proposed renaming the COVID-19 for “virus cold”.
Yet millions of older people have not been vaccinated, and antigen tests and anti-fever medications are in short supply. (AFP)
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