There has been a desire around the world to shield political decisions with science, so I understand the basic logic of the remarks by the Chinese ambassador to the UK (In China, here is what we want the west to know about our Covid response, 30 December). Politics is about the allocation of resources, however, and science always has to operate within a political framework, so it is not the case that decisions have been made on a scientific basis only.
That said, from a strictly public health point of view, the recent opening up of China would best have seen elderly people fully vaccinated with both domestic and international vaccines in advance. It would have taken place in the summer, so as not to disrupt the school calendar and to slow down the rate of infection. Basic medicines would have been made available in sufficient quantities so there was no need for hoarding.
