China States COVID-19 Death Counts Must Be Signed as 'Pneumonia·Respiratory Failure'

"Hong Kong Counts All Cases Dying Within 28 Days After Positive Test as COVID-19 Deaths"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Amid widespread speculation that the official number of COVID-19 deaths in China may not reflect reality, the National Health Commission (NHC) of China announced on the 20th that only COVID-19 patients who died from pneumonia or respiratory failure will be included in the official death statistics, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.

According to the report, Wang Guichang, head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Peking University First Hospital, stated at a press conference hosted by the NHC that day, "Deaths caused by pneumonia and respiratory failure will be classified as COVID-19 deaths, while deaths due to other underlying conditions such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases will not be considered COVID-19 deaths."

Previously, China had relaxed its strictly maintained COVID-19 lockdown policies. While allowing self-quarantine for those with mild symptoms, citizens were encouraged to use rapid antigen tests instead of PCR tests. Following this, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in China surged sharply. According to Chinese authorities, the number of deaths due to COVID-19 was 2 on the 19th and 5 on the day of the report, totaling 7. All of these deaths reportedly occurred in Beijing, where the increase in confirmed cases was steep.

Regarding this, Director Wang emphasized, "The main cause of death after Omicron virus infection is chronic disease, but respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 is rare," adding, "While the risks of COVID-19 should not be overlooked, it is also necessary to view the situation from a scientific perspective."

However, China initially applied broad criteria for COVID-19 death statistics. SCMP noted, "The officially reported death count so far has included people who suffered heart attacks after being infected with the virus, as well as elderly individuals with multiple comorbidities."

SCMP also pointed out that other countries apply broad criteria in their death statistics. It reported, "In Hong Kong, anyone who dies within 28 days after their first positive (COVID-19) test is counted as a COVID-19 death."