WHO questions China’s “Covid zero” policy: “It is unsustainable”

The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesuson Tuesday considered the “zero covid” policy promoted by China to curb the pandemic “it doesn’t maintain”.

“When we talk about the covid-zero approach, we don’t think it’s sustainable, considering the current evolution of the virus and our forecasts,” Tedros said at a news conference in Geneva.

“As Dr. Tedros said, you have to be flexible in circumstances, as we see in the data (…) and he talked in detail with Chinese colleagues,” said the director of health emergencies. . , Michael Ryan, the AFP agency reported

He recalled that at one time this technique made it possible for China to show the result of several deaths in relation to its population. “It’s something China wants to protect,” he admits.

In the face of the rising death toll since February and March, it makes sense for the government to react, Ryan insisted.

“But all your actions, as we have repeated from the beginning, must be done with respect for individuals and human rights“, He added.

Last week, China re -declared that it was continuing its zero Covid strategy, despite growing frustration in Shanghai, where detained residents are now protesting. rattling their pots on the windows.

The measures address the worst epidemic outbreak in the country since the beginning of 2020 and even the number of infections they are minimal Compared to other countries, the authorities strictly apply the “zero Covid” policy and impose lockdowns throughout the city once certain cases are identified.

After Shanghai, the busiest city in the country detained since the beginning of April, Beijing has been under travel restrictions for a week and many public places (restaurants, cafes, gyms) have been closed.

With information from Telam

DD