Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that there "light is ahead" of China as he worried about the country's COVID-19 pandemic surge extending to rural regions with insufficient medical facilities.
The Chinese leader's remarks came as millions of city dwellers embarked on what was formerly the largest yearly migration before the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus: a trip back to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their relatives.
Xi Jinping noted in his Lunar New Year greetings, broadcasted by CCTV that China's COVID-19 management remains "in a time of stress, but the light is ahead," per Reuters.
"I am most worried about the rural areas and farmers. Medical facilities are relatively weak in rural areas, thus prevention is difficult and the task is arduous," Xi Jinping said, noting that the government prioritizes the elderly in the anti-COVID-19 program.
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After grieving relatives who perished in the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of millions of Chinese will travel to reunite with family for the Lunar New Year holidays commencing Jan. 21, per CNA.
After three years of testing, travel restrictions, and lockdowns, China abruptly ended its zero-COVID policy in December 2022. Many feel bereaved and angry at the lack of planning to safeguard the elderly.
COVID-19 Caused Thousands of Elderly Deaths
On Saturday, China reported a significant increase in COVID-19 hospital deaths, saying that roughly 60,000 people had died in hospitals since the country abandoned its zero-COVID policy last month, according to a GMA News report.
A Chinese government official claimed Saturday that the average age of those who died was 80 years old, with 90% of the victims being 65 or older.
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