China on Thursday reported its first COVID-19 death in eight months.
The death late Wednesday, during an increase in cases in Shijiazhuang City, was first reported by Beijing officials in May.
While the victim was not identified, she was already seriously ill with an unspecified underlying disease, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The news caused panic, the hashtag “New virus death in Hebei” getting 270 million views on Chinese social media platform Weibo on Thursday, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).
“I haven’t seen the word ‘virus death’ for so long, it’s a little shocking! I hope the epidemic can pass soon, “one user told AFP.
Despite the fact that China is the epicenter of the initial outbreak of the pandemic, the most recent death this week brings the initial death toll in the country to just 4,635.
So far, there have been fewer than 100,000 confirmed cases in more than a year – nearly 80 other countries are now reporting more, according to Johns Hopkins University.
China claims that it largely controlled the coronavirus through strict blockades and mass tests – although it was accused and that it hid data to hide the real charge.
More than 20 million people have been subjected to varying degrees of blockage in Hebei, Beijing and other areas, hoping to prevent infections before next month’s New Year’s holiday.
The death was announced as a global team of scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO) finally arrived in Wuhan, the Chinese city where COVID-19 was first detected, to investigate its origins. .
However, two of the 15 team members were refused entry after testing positive for coronavirus antibodies before leaving Singapore. said WHO. They are re-tested in the hope of continuing the journey.
The rest of the team arrived at Wuhan airport and passed through a makeshift transparent plastic tunnel at the airport. The researchers, who wore face masks, were greeted by airport staff in full protective gear, including masks, goggles and body suits.
They will be quarantined for two weeks, but they will “Start work immediately” working with Chinese experts by video conference while in quarantine.
It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.
With Post threads