The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the COVID-19 surge in China, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday, in his first virtual briefing for the year.
"We continue to ask China for more rapid, regular, reliable data on hospitalizations and deaths, as well as more comprehensive, real-time viral sequencing," he said, speaking from Geneva.
#COVID19 will no doubt still be a major topic of discussion, but I believe and hope that with the right efforts this will be the year the COVID19 public health emergency officially ends. Happy New Year. https://t.co/yelKZPo1LA
DrTedros
WHO is concerned about the risk to life in the world's most populous country and reiterated the importance of stepping up vaccination coverage, including booster doses, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older persons.
Comprehensive data needed
"With circulation in China so high and comprehensive data not forthcoming - as I said last week it is understandable that some countries are taking steps they believe will protect their own citizens," Tedros added.
A number of countries, including the United States from tomorrow, have announced new COVID testing requirements for travellers from China to gain domestic entry, amid concerns over the spread of latest variants.
