China Braces For New Wave Of Covid Variant From XBB Variant, Could See 65 mn Cases Weekly

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

China is bracing for a formidable wave of coronavirus cases, as reported by Bloomberg, citing a senior health adviser. The anticipated surge in the pandemic is expected to reach its peak by the end of June, with the country projected to record approximately 65 million infections on a weekly basis.

China has been grappling with a surge in Covid cases since April, primarily driven by the Omicron variant, XBB. Local media reports, referencing a presentation by respiratory disease specialist Zhong Nanshan at a biotech conference in Guangzhou, suggest that the country is likely to report 40 million infections in a single week by the end of this month, before reaching a peak of 65 million weekly infections by the end of June.

This new outbreak could potentially become the most significant wave of infections since China abandoned its zero-Covid policy in December 2022.

During the previous wave, China had reported a staggering 37 million coronavirus cases in a single day, marking the highest single-day spike recorded in the country. The sudden surge in infections had led to widespread panic buying as citizens rushed to stock up on essential supplies. The healthcare system in China faced unprecedented strain, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of patients and shortages of critical medicines impacting the nation.

This forthcoming surge in cases is poised to present a significant challenge for China as it grapples with the ramifications of the XBB variant. The country will need to mobilize resources and implement stringent measures to curtail the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on public health.

As China braces itself for this potential wave of infections, authorities will be closely monitoring the situation and working tirelessly to protect the well-being of its citizens. Efforts to reinforce healthcare infrastructure, ensure adequate medical supplies, and implement robust containment measures will be paramount in combating the XBB variant and curbing its rapid transmission across the nation.

Story first published: Thursday, May 25, 2023, 22:45 [IST]