US Official: "China's 'Zero COVID' Strategy Unlikely to Be Effective"

Medical staff wearing protective suits are collecting samples from residents at a COVID-19 testing site installed in Beijing, the capital of China, on the 7th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] A U.S. official overseeing the country's COVID-19 response pointed out that China's large-scale lockdown strategy does not seem likely to be effective. Instead, the importance of vaccination and booster shots was emphasized.

On the 17th (local time), Ashish Jha, White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, stated in an interview with Fox News Sunday, "China's 'Zero COVID' strategy, which is being pursued to stop COVID-19, does not seem likely to be effective," adding that it should not become a model for the U.S.

He mentioned, "At this point, with highly transmissible variants, I think it is very difficult to reduce the spread through lockdowns." China implemented strict lockdown policies, including prohibiting citizens from going out, when COVID-19 spread in Shanghai last month, but has been easing these measures since last week.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Coordinator Jha emphasized that the Biden administration is focusing on vaccination, boosters, and available COVID-19 treatments. Regarding the recent reinstatement of indoor mask mandates in places like Philadelphia, he responded, "Some may choose this path, and others may not," adding that such decisions should be made at the local level.

Regarding the recent spread of new variants, he predicted that the next two weeks will be a critical period to assess the COVID-19 trend.

He said, "People say that after 15 more days, we will have a better understanding of whether this situation leads to severe illness, hospitalization, or death," adding, "Fifteen days is a fairly reasonable time to gather more information and make more sustained decisions."

He also emphasized that the vaccines currently used for inoculation are effective against BA.2. Appearing on ABC, Coordinator Jha stated, "Our vaccines are holding up well. Especially if you have received a booster shot, you should be fine."