Rome, April 17: A recent report estimates that the number of deaths from COVID-19 in China among individuals aged 65 and older ranges between 1.44 million and 2.56 million excess deaths. These figures align with independent studies and significantly exceed official statistics.
According to a report by Italy’s online magazine ‘Bitter Winter,’ “For three years, China endured a massive health crisis of its own making. The ‘Zero COVID’ policy included extensive testing, digital surveillance, quarantining entire apartment blocks, and strict lockdowns that were far more severe than those in other countries. This was portrayed as a success of discipline and governmental strength. While other nations faced multiple waves of infection, China managed to largely contain the virus through stringent regulations. In fact, even a cough could lead to an entire area being sealed off.”
The report indicates that by the end of 2022, this strategy began to falter. The Omicron variant rendered these restrictions less effective, allowing the virus to infiltrate the system.
After months of “strange and harsh restrictions,” public anger erupted, leading to protests in China not seen since 1989. Citizens demanded an end to lockdowns, with some even calling for President Xi Jinping’s resignation.
In a matter of days, the government made a swift decision to end the ‘Zero COVID’ policy on December 7, 2022. Xi Jinping presented this as a personal victory. However, the report states that conditions did not reflect a triumph. Infections surged rapidly, putting immense pressure on China’s healthcare system. Fever medications disappeared from pharmacies within hours, hospitals became overcrowded, and there was a shortage of antiviral drugs.
The report also noted that during the last week of 2022, deaths among certain demographics surged to ten times the normal rate. The mortality rate reached 1,030 percent above normal in one week, dropping to 680 percent the following week, and returning to normal levels by February 2023.
Although this crisis subsided within five weeks, its impact was significant. Total deaths increased by 19 percent in 2022 and by 24 percent in 2023.
The report concludes that the real tragedy was not merely reopening the country but doing so abruptly, expecting that a virus held at bay for three years would wait until the system was ready. While Xi Jinping declared victory, the true narrative was reflected in the mourning that followed.
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