Video: Chinese pray for health – the number of COVID deaths is increasing

STORY: New Year celebrations kicked off in China on Sunday. After three years of pandemic and financial hardship, many were also hoping for health in the new year. Long queues formed in front of the famous Lama Temple in Beijing, which had been repeatedly closed during the pandemic. Thousands of people waited to pray for their loved ones. Authorities had reported almost 13,000 new deaths from the virus for the week of January 13-19. “We must work to solve these problems and move on,” said this Beijing-based man. “I hope we will have a better future and everyone can have a better life.” It’s the first Lunar New Year festival in two years without COVID-19 restrictions. For many, there was no stopping them. As of New Year’s Eve, more than 26 million journeys were made on trains, highways, ships and planes — while still half the pre-pandemic level, but about 50% more than last year, state broadcaster CCTV reported. Real estate agent Guo Jin, celebrating with his family, wishes business prosperity, but most importantly, good health for the resumption of production. “We have a senior in our family, he’s in his eighties, I hope he stays healthy.” With millions of migrant workers also heading home for the Lunar New Year, health experts are particularly concerned about those living in China’s vast rural areas, where medical care is poorer.

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