Jakarta –
COVID-19 in China is ‘crazy’ again, epidemiologist Wu Zunyou estimates that the country is facing three waves in a row. Also, in the midst of next month’s Chinese New Year celebrations or holidays, a spike in cases is hard to avoid.
In the center of the Chinese capital, Beijing, the implementation of the Omicron variant is very rapid and has an impact on a series of services, from catering, to delivery, to crematoria. Funeral homes in the city of 22 million people are also struggling to meet residents’ cremation demands, as many employees and hearse drivers fall ill.
Beijing’s largest funeral home, Babaoshan, also known for handling the remains of Chinese officials and leaders, is starting to fill up. Several hearses were seen entering and the private parking lot was also full.
“Right now it’s difficult to order a hearse so many relatives transport the bodies in their own vehicles,” said an employee who declined to be named.
Smoke billowed from the crematorium, where a group of people had gathered to collect the ashes. Even so, the extent of the increase in COVID-19-related deaths is unclear.
So far, the Chinese government has even claimed zero cases of COVID-19 deaths since December 7. However, many have doubted the COVID-19 figures since authorities halted mass testing previously carried out.
Take on 3 waves at the same time
Children asked to go back to school online During the COVID-19 rampage, in Guangzhou, those who attended online classes as well as preschoolers should not prepare to go back to school, the education bureau said .
Meanwhile, Wu epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention said the current epidemic will peak in winter and progress in three waves over about three months, according to state media reports on the his speech.
The first wave will occur from mid-December to January, mainly affecting cities in China before the second wave occurs from January to mid-February 2023.
This is because it was triggered by mobility ahead of the New Year holidays for a week. China will celebrate the Chinese New Year from January 21st. Usually, hundreds of millions of people go home to spend time with their families.
“The third wave of cases will last from late February to mid-March as people return to work after the holidays,” Wu said.
“In the eastern province of Zhejiang, home to many high-tech businesses and industries, the first wave is expected to peak around mid-January, although it could be earlier,” health officials said at a news conference on Sunday.
“This period coincides with the Chinese New Year, and the displacement of the population will accelerate the spread of the epidemic,” said Chen Zhong, deputy executive director of the provincial epidemic control task force.
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