Criticism of the lack of data from China
With a view to the corona wave in China, the WHO continues to press for more information from the Chinese authorities. Tedros expressed understanding for countries that have introduced testing regulations for travelers from China. “We continue to urge China to provide faster, regular and reliable data on hospital admissions and deaths, as well as more comprehensive real-time virus sequencing,” Tedros said. “Because the virus circulation in China is so high and comprehensive data is not provided, it is understandable that some countries are taking measures to protect their own citizens.” The requirement for tests are not travel restrictions, said WHO emergency response coordinator Mike Ryan.
WHO assumes higher number of corona deaths in China
He criticized the narrow Chinese definition for the statistics of corona deaths. Only infected people who die of respiratory problems are counted. According to the WHO, however, the complications that can lead to death from Covid-19 are much more extensive. The Chinese definition is far too narrow, Ryan said. The WHO therefore assumes that the true number of Covid 19 deaths is significantly higher.
Pakistan had previously reacted with concern to the first reports of infection in the country. Authorities have been instructed to tighten controls at airports and border crossings. The National Institute of Health suspects that the XBB.1.5 variant entered Pakistan via China. Both countries maintain intensive economic relations with each other.
XBB.1.5 seems more contagious but not more dangerous
The Munich virologist Ulrike Protzer does not believe that a new variant could become more dangerous. Rather, the virus has specialized in becoming more and more contagious and this could continue in development.
Virologist Oliver Keppler points out that it is important not to point the finger at individual countries that are currently severely affected – whether that is China or the USA. That would be inappropriate. “One should always be aware that new variants of SARS-CoV-2 can arise and spread from anywhere in the world, including here, every day.”