Emerging COVID-19 crisis in China 'could shake the world': WaPo Editorial Board

China is facing a new COVID-19 crisis that could severely affect the world after President Xi Jinping lifted the lockdown measures earlier this month, the Washington Post Editorial Board says.

President Jinping originally lifted the “zero-covid” lockdown policy due to the negative impact it had on the economy – which triggered public protests throughout the country last month.

He declared an end to the policy on December 7.

READ MORE: COVID-19 origins: Investigating a 'complex and grave situation' inside a Wuhan lab

China’s normally cool, calm and collected government, according to the Post, seems to be rattled by the new omicron variant that can potentially permeate throughout the nation. Residents have started to stay at home out of pure fear of its impact.

The country traded the more powerful mRNA vaccines for “less-effective Chinese-made shots, and because the omicron variant hasn’t impacted much of the population, residents are less immune to the virus. The only possible saving grace to the outbreak is the CanSino Biologics aerosol vaccine, which is serving as a booster “in the form of an inhaled mist taking in through the mouth” in addition to imported mRNA shots.

Of China’s 60-and-over population, only approximately 69 percent have had booster shots, and an even less percentage of residents over 80 have received theirs.

The nation has already seen an uptick in deaths recently and is expected to see at least one million more in the next few months.

READ MORE: 'How many more need to die?' Global health experts blast US for refusing to pause COVID-19 patents

In an attempt to mitigate this significant health crisis, China has enacted a campaign to attract more hesitant residents to vaccinate.

Although vastly unpredictable, the current outbreak could continue to generate new variants over time on a global scale.

READ MORE: Watch: Dr. Anthony Fauci condemns the 'unconscionable' politicization of COVID-19 vaccines