The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult and challenging time for people all around the world. It has caused widespread suffering and loss of life, and has had a significant impact on individuals, communities, and societies. It is important to recognise that the virus does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or nationality, and that people of all backgrounds have been affected by it. While it is important to identify the origins of the virus and to understand how it has spread, it is not helpful or productive to place blame on any particular group or country. Instead, it is important to focus on finding ways to address the pandemic and to support one another as we work to overcome this global health crisis.
Here are my thoughts about why we shouldn't put blame on Chinese,
To date, there is no definitive evidence to support that the origin of COVID-19 is in Wuhan or China. Existing evidence only substantiates the argument that Wuhan is the place that recorded the first major COVID-19 outbreak, and this is something in need of noting. Being the location that witnessed the first major COVID-19 outbreak does not lead to the conclusion that Wuhan is the first place that experienced a human COVID-19 infection, nor it is the origin of the COVID-19 virus. Recent evidence shows that, as early as December 2019, there were traces of COVID-19 found in some areas of Europe.
All the major countries tried to prepare their own vaccines and prove to the world that they have the capability to prepare for these pandemics on their own and China is no exception. According to WHO, the chines vaccine as per a large multi-country Phase 3 trial has shown that 2 doses, administered at an interval of 21 days, have an efficacy of 79% against symptomatic COVID-19 infection 14 or more days after the second dose. Vaccine efficacy against hospitalisation was 79%. The trial was not designed and powered to demonstrate efficacy against severe disease in persons with comorbidities, in pregnancy, or in persons aged 60 years and above. Women were underrepresented in the trial.
For some reason, people are reluctant to take the vaccines mostly because of the worry about side-effects. As per the government statement in November 2021, around 30% of people aged 60 and up — or roughly 80 million people — were not vaccinated and boosted as of Nov. 11. Among those 80 or older, the ratio was closer to 60%. So the government has decided to impose a Zero Covid Policy.
To move beyond Zero COVID, China would need to vaccinate a much higher percentage of its citizens, including the vulnerable elderly, and make significant improvements to China’s health care infrastructure. The country’s ICU capacity, for example, is wanting—China has at least seven times fewer per capita than that of the United States. Add the fact that many Chinese have not developed any form of herd immunity after suppressing the virus for so long, leading to the potential for more severe illnesses. Given these challenges, the Chinese leadership faces a double-edged sword: relax Zero COVID restrictions and risk a high infection and fatality rate, or continue along the current path and risk continued citizen anger, frustration, and resentment.
The Chinese people are craving freedom from lockdowns, and the country has no choice but to loosen restrictions. However, due to the challenges mentioned above, the virus is likely to spread globally once again..
Let's hope that the world has developed immunity to the virus through herd immunity, vaccination, and the natural weakening of the virus over time.
All the best to all of us!
References : https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/9/e003746
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