China has reported 60,000 deaths related to COVID-19 over the course of just over a month.
Marking the first significant release of death toll information since the country abandoned its zero-COVID policy.
Despite accusations of underreporting, Chinese officials have recorded 59,938 COVID-related deaths between December 8 and January 12.
A majority of those who died were over 80 and had underlying health conditions.
The reported figures include 5,503 deaths directly caused by respiratory failure from the virus, and 54,435 deaths.
However, it is believed that the actual total is likely to be higher as the figures only account for deaths recorded in medical facilities.