China Reports Nearly 60,000 Covid-Related Deaths Since Early December

China has reported a significant increase in Covid-related deaths since early December, with nearly 60,000 fatalities reported as of Saturday.

At a press conference in Beijing, the National Health Commission (NHC) reported that 5,503 of the deaths were due to respiratory failure caused by Covid-19, while 54,435 were from other illnesses combined with Covid-19.

The NHC also noted that the majority of these deaths occurred in hospitals, which left open the possibility that the actual death toll could be higher.

Jiao Yahui, head of the NHC’s medical affairs department, said that the “emergency peak” of the surge appears to have passed, but urged caution as the virus continues to spread.

The Chinese government has been criticized for failing to release data on Covid-related deaths, but the NHC’s announcement on Saturday provides a more accurate picture of the situation.

The Chinese government is continuing to take measures to contain the virus, including travel restrictions, social distancing, and mask-wearing. It is also encouraging citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible.