CHINA PASSED ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ TEST, SAYS XI ON PANDEMIC FIGHT

BEIJING/ LONDON: China has passed “an extraordinary and historic test” with its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday at an awards ceremony for medical professionals.

“We have passed an extraordinary and historic test,” Xi said, praising the country for a “heroic struggle” against the disease. “We quickly achieved initial success in the people’s war against the coronavirus... We are leading the world in economic recovery and in the fight against Covid-19.”

China has come under intense global scrutiny over its response to the coronavirus pandemic, with the United States and Australia leading accusations against Beijing that it covered up the origins and severity of the virus.

Xi had stern words for China’s doubters saying “selfish moves, any buck-passing and deeds that confuse right and wrong” risked inflicting damage across the world.

Tuesday’s lavish ceremony in the Great Hall of the People began with a minute’s silence for those who lost their lives during the outbreak.

UK minister says spike in Covid cases is concerning

A British government minister said on Tuesday that a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the country was concerning and he called on people to follow health guidance or risk tougher restrictions in the coming months.

“There’s a big burden on all of us now to follow the guidance as closely as we can or else we do risk greater restrictions later this year,” housing minister Robert Jenrick told Sky News television.

Other top government officials have also expressed concern about a rise in the number of Covid-19 infections in recent days.