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China records almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths after abrupt shift in policy

  • The figures are the first official toll to be released since the country suddenly lifted most controls last month
  • Most of those who died were over 65, the country’s National Health Commission says

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Patients wait on stretchers at Tongren hospital in Shanghai earlier this month. Photo: AFP

China said on Saturday it had recorded almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths between December 8 and January 12, and the current wave has already peaked.

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It is the first time China has released a death toll since its abrupt pivot away from the zero-Covid policy last month.

Jiao Yahui, director of the National Health Commission’s medical affairs department, said medical institutes had recorded 5,503 deaths as a result of respiratory failure triggered by Covid infection and 54,435 deaths of people infected with Covid-19 but with underlying conditions, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases.

The average age of those who died was 80.3, and 90 per cent of fatalities were aged 65 or over.

Jiao also said the current wave of cases had peaked. “The number of fever clinic visitors is generally on a downward trend after peaking, both in cities and rural areas,” she added.

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Jiao said the number of emergency patients was also declining and the ratio of patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 was steadily falling as well.

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