Corono Virus Outbreak in China: Expert warns of 3 waves with deaths likely in millions

China is grappling to handle enormous Covid surge mounting further pressure on the country's healthcare facilities since the government lifted its stringent anti-virus control following public protest against the zero-Covid policy. 

According to reports, several Chinese cities, including Beijing are under the grip of fast spreading Omicron variant of coronavirus. Health officials confirmed that Chinese cities are currently hit by highly transmissible Omicron strains mainly BA.5.2 and BF.7, which are spreading like wildfire.

Eric Feigl-Ding, an epidemiologist and health economist, said hospitals across China are overwhelmed since Covid restrictions were removed. Feigl-Ding shared a video on his Twitter handle showing a hospital brimming with patients. He further warned that deaths due to Covid could be in millions.

Leading Chinese epidemiologists say the epidemic will peak in January and February, although the number of Covid infections will continue to increase in a short term.

Epidemiologist Wu Zunyou has said the current spike in infections would run until mid-January, while the second wave would then be triggered by mass travel in January around the week-long Lunar New Year celebrations which begin on January 21.

The third surge in cases would run from late February to mid-March as people return to work after the holiday, Dr Wu was quoted in the media as saying.