As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, China reported an alarming number of deaths due to the virus in June. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that 239 people had passed away from the infection, a significant increase from the 164 reported in May and a stark contrast to the zero reported in April and March.

The drastic decrease in deaths in earlier months can be attributed to China's ‘zero-COVID’ containment strategy, which involved strict lockdowns, quarantines, border closures, and mass testing.

This approach was abruptly lifted in December with little preparation, leading to a surge in fatalities with approximately 60,000 people losing their lives. The deaths in June were a result of both respiratory failure due to infection as well as underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.

"China reported Thursday that 239 people died from COVID-19 in June.. Two of the deaths in June were from respiratory failure caused by infection.. the others involved underlying conditions.. China reported 99,292,081 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 121,490 deaths to WHO..…

— Hiroshi Yasuda (保田浩志) (@Yash25571056) July 6, 2023

This number is expected to be even higher if preventive measures are not implemented immediately. In the time between January 3, 2020 to July 5, 2021, China has reported a total of 99,292,081 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with the World Health Organisation, and 121,490 deaths due to the virus.

China's approach to combat the virus has been successful to a certain degree, but with the sudden lift of containment measures, the country is now facing a fresh wave of fatalities.

It is essential that the Chinese government takes stringent precautions and implements preventative measures to ensure that the death toll does not go higher. The 'zero-COVID' containment strategy has been effective in the past, and it is imperative that officials in China take a more cautious approach to ensure that the virus is brought under control as soon as possible.

It is also essential that the country provides adequate medical aid to those affected by the virus, and educates the public on the importance of following preventive measures such as social distancing and wearing masks.

The virus is still active in China, and the country needs to take strict measures to ensure that the death toll does not rise further. It is only through stringent containment measures and preventive practices that the spread of the virus can be effectively contained.