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China’s top Covid official confirms cases at ‘low level’ in bid to ease Lunar New Year worries
- Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan says Covid-19 prevention efforts ‘stable and orderly’, citing steady decrease in severe infections
- However, another wave of outbreaks is expected as people travel for family holiday gatherings
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China’s top Covid-19 official confirmed that infections were at a “low level” as authorities attempt to reassure residents ahead of the Lunar New Year.
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During a hospital visit on Thursday, Sun Chunlan, the vice-premier who has led Covid-19 policy for the past three years, said prevention efforts were now “stable and orderly” and medical services were “effective”, citing a “steady” decrease in severe cases in hospitals.
“We already have mature treatment methods and effective medication for Covid-19 and should strengthen arrangements to treat severe cases,” she said.
Sun said treatment of severe cases was still a “tough task” that should be handled by high-level hospitals.
Her speech followed the release of the latest figures showing that China has passed its Covid-19 peak and demand for medical services has returned to normal.
Positive cases have dropped 44.3 per cent since peaking nationwide on January 5, National Health Commission official Guo Yanhong said on Thursday.
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She said the number of patients at fever clinics and emergency services also peaked between late December and early January.
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