On Saturday, the WHO Director General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, received new data from the Chinese government, which stated that more than 60,000 people had died due to COVID between December 8 and January 12. He stated that he appreciated the release of the data, but he needs further data about the origin of the virus. On the same day, Dr. Jiao Yahui, the head of the Bureau of Medical Administration, announced there had been 59,938 COVID deaths between December 8 and January 12.

While talking with Mr. Ma Xiaowei, director of China′s National Health Commission, he stated that this information will help to get a better understanding of the epidemiological situation and the impact of this wave in China. In the meeting, Mr. Ma discussed a wide range of topics, including outpatient clinics, hospitalizations, patients requiring emergency treatment and critical care, and hospital deaths related to the COVID-19 infection.

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization criticized the new definition for being too limited and an understatement of the outbreak′s real effects. In response, the Chinese government stated that not all deaths had to be attributed.  

(Source: https://www.newkerala.com/news/2023/6503.htm )