Workers at Beijing crematoriums said Friday that their establishments are overwhelmed by the unprecedented wave of Covid cases in China which, according to the authorities, will soon reach rural areas of the country.
The epidemic is spreading rapidly across the country, a week after most of the health restrictions in place for nearly three years were lifted.
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The authorities admit that it is now “impossible” count the number of cases.
“We cremate 20 bodies a day, mainly the elderly. A lot of people got sick recently.” explained to AFP an employee of a crematorium. “Of the 60 who work here, more than 10 are positive for covid, but we have no choice since there is a lot of work”, he added.
Workers at two other Beijing funeral homes, contacted by AFP, said their establishments are operating 24 hours a day, offering same-day cremation services to respond to strong demand.
Another such establishment indicated that its waiting list is one week.
However, the official figures do not include any covid-related deaths since December 4.
The anti-Covid organization on Friday urged local governments to increase surveillance and medical care for people returning to their homes in rural areas ahead of the Chinese New Year holidays in January.
The event causes the largest population displacement in the world every year. It is expected to be even higher this year as travel restrictions between provinces have been lifted.
Source: AFP
Source: Gestion
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