Coronavirus wave in China: WHO asks Beijing for greater transparency

WHO has called on China for more transparency in relation to the surge in the coronavirus. At the same time, the World Health Organization has offered Beijing its help in the fight against the rampant virus.

In a meeting with Chinese officials, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for more transparency regarding the rise in coronavirus cases in the country.

WHO has “once again called for the regular sharing of specific real-time data on the epidemiological situation,” the organization said. This included “more genetic sequencing data” and data on “hospital admissions, intensive care unit utilization and deaths,” he said.

WHO has also requested data on vaccinations, particularly for people at particularly high risk and those over the age of 60.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin rejected allegations that his country did not provide enough data. “Since the outbreak of the epidemic, China has shared relevant information and data with the international community, including WHO, in an open and transparent manner,” he said.

WHO offers help to Beijing

WHO said it had reiterated “the importance of vaccinations and boosters” and offered to help Beijing, the statement said.

China is currently experiencing the highest increase in Covid infections in the world and hospitals are overcrowded in many places. In early December, Beijing withdrew from its strict zero-Covid policy in a radical about-face. Since then, the corona restrictions have been significantly relaxed.

Several countries are tightening entry requirements

Countries like Italy, the US, France, Spain, Britain and Japan have already tightened entry requirements for travelers from China this week. The WHO had recently been “very concerned” about the corona situation in China and asked for “detailed information”.

At Friday’s meeting, representatives of China’s National Health Commission and the National Agency for Disease Control and Prevention briefed WHO on Beijing’s strategy, he said.

The World Health Organization has “highlighted the importance of monitoring and timely release of data to help China and the global community design careful risk assessments” and prepare appropriate responses.