China reports almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths in a month

CHINA'S HEALTH AUTHORITIES have reported almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths in just over a month, the first major death toll released by the government since it loosened its virus restrictions in early December. China has been widely accused of underreporting its number of coronavirus fatalities since the abandonment of its zero-Covid policy. Only a few dozen deaths had been recorded officially in December before today's announcement, despite evidence of crematoriums and hospitals being overrun. But a National Health Commission (NHC) official said China had recorded 59,938 Covid-related deaths between 8 December, 2022, and 12 January. The figure refers only to deaths…