According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of CoV infections in China had increased rapidly even before the strict restrictions were recently eased. The “explosion” in cases in China and the “increased intensity of transmission” had “begun long before the relaxation of the zero-Covid policy,” said the head of the WHO emergency department, Michael Ryan, at a news conference in Geneva yesterday. The benefits of control measures have changed in view of the high level of contagion from the omicron variant.
The virus did not suddenly get out of control because China lifted restrictions. The disease had spread so rapidly “because the control measures themselves might not stop them”. He believes that with their abrupt regarding-face, the Chinese authorities have “strategically decided” that the strict rules are “no longer the best option” for them, Ryan said.
US offered help
The US offered to help China fight the pandemic, ignoring tensions between the two countries. “We have made it clear that we are ready to help in any way we can,” National Security Spokesman John Kirby told reporters. However, China has not asked for any help so far.
