China is facing a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths, overwhelming crematoriums and raising concerns about the true extent of the outbreak..
According to the National Health Commission, China reported 5,241 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections and one new COVID-related death on Thursday. However, experts believe that the official figures significantly underestimate the actual number of cases and deaths, as testing and reporting have been scaled back..
Crematoriums in major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, are struggling to keep up with the demand for cremation services. Funeral homes in Beijing are reportedly operating 24 hours a day and have hired additional staff to handle the influx of bodies..
One crematorium worker in Beijing told the South China Morning Post that they were receiving 200 to 300 bodies per day, compared to just 30 to 40 a day before the surge..
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