Authorities in Beijing on Monday reported two new deaths after easing the restriction that were imposed earlier under Zero-Covid policy as it faced criticism and protest from its citizens. According to the National Health Commission, China reported 5,237 deaths from Covid-19 in the last three years.  Amid this, US-based Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in its latest projection said that the country’s sudden lifting of the restrictions could result in a surge in cases and “over a million deaths through 2023.” The National Health Commission, China in its latest briefing said that it reported 1,995 new cases of confirmed infections on December 18, yesterday. As cases surge in the Chinese mainland days after it lifted the “Zero-Covid” strategy, here’s a look at some snaps from the situation in China. All pictures by AFP.