The World Health Organization (WHO) is reacting to the measures taken by various countries in the face of the surge in Covid-19 cases in China. “In the absence of complete information from China, it is understandable that countries take the measures they believe will protect their populations”said on Twitter Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the WHO.
“In order to be able to carry out a full risk assessment of the Covid-19 situation in China, WHO needs more detailed information”he added.
The statements come after the United States joined other countries, including Japan and Italy, in imposing testing on travelers from China. A European health agency, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), however, said on Thursday that such measures were not currently justified in the European Union.
Chinese hospitals overwhelmed
“We are concerned about the development of the situation” in China, “and we continue to encourage China to track down the virus and vaccinate those most at risk”the WHO chief added on Thursday.
Chinese hospitals are overwhelmed by a large number of Covid-19 infections, as Beijing has taken the decision to lift the “zero Covid” policy. Chinese authorities this week announced the end of mandatory quarantine on arrival in China, prompting many Chinese to plan to travel abroad.
