Apr 29, 2022
China's Shanghai reported no Covid deaths for more than a month after the current outbreak began early March.
Image Source: AP
But suddenly the death toll has started climbing there. 285 deaths were reported since Apr 17 from 5 lakh cases.
Image Source: Reuters
By comparison, Hong Kong recorded over 9,000 deaths since Feb with about 1.2 million confirmed infections.
Image Source: iStock
Shanghai has an unusually large proportion of asymptomatic cases. This surprises international observers.
Image Source: AP
Some experts say Shanghai's low death count is due to under-reporting; that the toll is at least twice this.
Image Source: AP
They say due to the very strict lockdowns, people may not be aware of neighbours dying inside their homes.
Image Source: AP
China's govt and state media have repeatedly dismissed claims that Covid deaths have been under-reported.
Image Source: iStock
It is a fact though that the young were more infected. And that Shanghai's elderly are now better vaccinated.
Image Source: AFP
Some experts also argue that under-reporting would only make it harder for the govt to justify the lockdowns.
Image Source: Reuters
So which is closer to the truth? China's opaque system and data make it difficult to reach a proper conclusion.
Image Source: AP
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