China improves ability to handle senior COVID-19 cases

China has stepped up its ability to treat seniors infected with the novel coronavirus, Jiao Yahui, director of the National Health Commission's Bureau of Medical Administration, said on Tuesday.

Jiao said during a news briefing that about 65 percent of serious infections are found in people above age 60.

China has set up a sub-intensive care unit ward that is equipped with more healthcare staff than regular wards, as well as more advanced oxygen supply systems and monitoring devices.

She said that such wards are designed to receive infected seniors deemed at high risk of developing severe symptoms but who have not met requirements for being admitted into intensive care units.