GENEVA – The World Health Organisation (WHO) urged China to share more detailed information on its coronavirus situation after Beijing reported that there had been almost 60,000 Covid-19-related deaths in the country since early December.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated the importance of China’s deeper cooperation and transparency during talks with Dr Ma Xiaowei, director of the country’s National Health Commission, according to a statement on Saturday.

While Beijing reported earlier that the Omicron sub-lineages BA.5.2 and BF.7 are currently circulating in the country, the WHO asked for a more detailed breakdown of Covid-19 data from China, including information on further sequences.

The Chinese authorities reported on Saturday that there had been a total of 59,938 Covid-19-linked deaths at hospitals across the country between Dec 8 and last Thursday. Global health officials have expressed concern about a lack of timely information-sharing in China, with some countries imposing restrictions on Chinese travellers.

The WHO said it is analysing the latest information and the overall epidemiology situation in China, which is experiencing a rapid and intense wave of infections with a higher clinical impact on older people and those with underlying conditions. The outbreaks are similar to those in other countries, with increased pressure on health services.

China will continue to support the role of the WHO in pooling international efforts to fight the virus, the National Health Commission cited Dr Ma as saying in a statement. BLOOMBERG