Xi expresses concern about coronavirus spread into China’s countryside

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In his first public comments on the wave of Covid-19 infections sweeping across the country, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday he was most worried about its spread in China’s vast countryside, where medical services and resources are insufficient.

Speaking to healthcare workers, Covid patients and local cadres via video links in a Lunar New Year message, Xi also called on frontline medical workers to increase self-protective measures during the current wave of infections, which he described as “fierce and serious”.

Praising them for their sacrifice, Xi urged the workers to take proper precautions and safeguards.

“We must strengthen the protection and care of our medical staff to ensure your health,” state broadcaster CCTV quoted Xi as saying.

Infections have soared since China abandoned its zero-Covid policy of mass lockdowns and testing.

Despite the sharp increase in cases, Xi insisted that China was on the right track.

“Our Covid control and prevention has entered a new phase, and faced a lot of pressure,” Xi said. “But the light is ahead, and persistence is victory.”

Speaking to villagers and cadres in Mianyang, a city in Sichuan province, Xi urged them to do their utmost to curb Covid from spreading.

“I am most worried about the rural areas and farmers. Medical facilities are relatively vulnerable in rural areas, and this means it’s more difficult to prevent [Covid] and the challenge is more arduous,” he said.

Joining Xi in the video calls on Wednesday were Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan and Politburo member Liu Guozhong, who is widely expected to take over as China’s top official in charge of Covid policies after Sun officially retires in March.

Since the easing of strict control measures in December, China has experienced a sharp jump of Covid-19 infections.

More than half of the 1.4 billion population is believed to have been infected, and hospitals and morgues are overwhelmed. Many pharmacies have reported a shortage of fever and pain medication, and healthcare concerns are mounting.

From December 8 to January 12, there were officially nearly 60,000 Covid-related deaths recorded.

(South China Morning Post)