In Shanghai, one of China’s richest cities, the health situation is particularly critical.
As of last month, about 70% of the population, or about 18 million people, have been infected with COVID-19, according to official media.
In two hospitals in the capital, hundreds of mostly elderly patients are lying on stretchers in the middle of overcrowded emergency departments. Many are equipped with oxygen tanks and subject to heart monitors.
Others are treated outside the building, on the sidewalk, because there is no room.
Even authorities admit that the extent of the COVID outbreak is now “impossible” to determine.