[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] "I think it is unrealistic." Assish Ja, the White House Coordinator leading the U.S. COVID-19 response, publicly criticized China's 'Zero COVID policy.'
On the 27th (local time), Assish Ja appeared on ABC News and responded to the question, "People are protesting China's lockdown policy, but is that policy effective?" with this statement.
Coordinator Ja said, "I do not think that (Zero COVID policy) is realistic. Certainly, it is not realistic for Americans." He added, "Our strategy is to increase immunity through vaccination. It is a way to manage highly contagious variants."
He also emphasized, "It will be very, very difficult for China to suppress it through the Zero COVID strategy," and "we recommend pursuing a strategy to vaccinate everyone, especially the elderly." He continued, "Lockdowns and Zero COVID will be very difficult to maintain."
China recently eased its lockdown-centered Zero COVID policy as President Xi Jinping entered his third term, but with infections resurging, it has strengthened high-intensity quarantine regulations again. Last week, after a fire in an apartment in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, killed 10 people, protests against the Zero COVID policy have continued daily in major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.
On this day, Coordinator Ja urged everyone to receive both the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot and the flu vaccine. He said, "It has clearly been a long two and a half years for Americans, and I know people want to move forward," adding, "You can keep moving forward while keeping your immunity up to date." He emphasized the necessity of booster shots, saying, "I have said it many times, but people do not listen."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the booster shot vaccination rate in the U.S. is estimated to be about 11%. Additionally, flu vaccination rates are estimated at 26% for adults (as of October) and 35% for children (as of early November). Coordinator Ja said, "It is very important for people to strengthen their immunity and get the new COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot ahead of the holidays," adding, "It is a good way to stay safe and healthy during the holiday season."
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