CHINA, Dec 15: The COVID-19 situation in China has gotten worse in recent times where patients were seen receiving intravenous (IV) drips on the streets outside a clinic.
Videos that have been circulating online even showed patients receiving their IV drips in privately-owned cars, due to a massive number of symptomatic infections.
As of December 14, the country confirmed a total of 371,918 cases of infections with symptoms.
At the same time, China’s National Health Commission statement on Thursday reported 2,000 new symptomatic infections on December 14th, a slight decrease from 2,291 which was recorded a day earlier.
The loosening of COVID-19 restrictions implemented this month has caused long queues outside clinics and hospitals.
Authorities are worried that this is a worrying sign that a new wave of infections is building, even though statistics have gradually decreased and COVID-19 testing has eased.
Pharmacies are also being thronged by residents to avoid crowds that are queuing for consultations outside of clinics and hospitals, stocking up on medicines to face the coming days of a surge in infection.
A 20-year-old resident surnamed Xie said he is worried of getting infected, due to the reopening of the country’s border.
“The virus is spreading so fast. I’m afraid that I’ll also get sick.
“As for medicine, you need to buy some cold medicine. But if you really do get infected, it seems that the usual fever medicine doesn’t really work,” added Xie.
Laborer Shan on the other hand has stocked up his medical supplies in advance and advised people to test themselves regularly if they are feeling unwell.
“I also tested positive before, but after staying at home for a few days, taking some medicine and drinking a lot water, after two or three days, you’ll test negative. It’s not a big problem,” said Shan. – TVS
