China: The Chinese authorities are hustling to increase the number of intensive care beds, medical personnel, and medical supplies as COVID-19 spreads rapidly across the nation.

Since the abrupt removal of the strict zero-COVID rule cases has exploded in China. A full picture of the impact is difficult to gauge. According to the statement, authorities have conceded it is “impossible” for the testing system to keep track, and the narrow parameters for attributing deaths to the virus mean the official count – fewer than 10 this week – is at odds with widespread anecdotal reports of fatalities and high traffic at funeral homes.

Fever clinics in Guangzhou, a city of 15 million, have been expanded to accommodate as many as 110,000 patients every day, up from 40,000. It is also working to increase the number of ICU beds from 455 to 1,385.

As it and other locations struggle to improve the supply of over-the-counter drugs, Nanjing city has implemented purchase restrictions on ibuprofen and other drugs. After the outbreak was linked to blood shortages, the National Health Commission (NHC) amended its criteria to let donors give blood seven days after their most recent COVID positive test.

The current wave is anticipated to reach its height in major cities this month, followed by the second and third waves, which are expected to arrive after travel for the lunar new year and the ensuing return to work. Despite this, the government has pushed ahead with the reopening. China’s economy has been damaged by a property sector collapse and the zero-COVID induced disruptions to production and supply chains.

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