China is going through a “very difficult” time after it decided to end its strict “zero COVID” health policy, World Health Organization (WHO) spokeswoman Margaret Harris said in Geneva on Tuesday, as quoted by Reuters and Agerpres.

Chinese authorities in early December suddenly eased medical restrictions that had previously allowed the country to keep the coronavirus epidemic under control, following public protests against draconian measures related to COVID-19.

Beijing’s decision, which was welcomed by many residents, also fueled fears that the number of coronavirus infections could rise.

Asked about major changes in Beijing’s health policy, a WHO spokeswoman said on Tuesday that China was facing a “very difficult and difficult” period.

“It’s always very difficult for any country to come out of a situation where they’ve had very, very tight controls,” she said, adding that other countries such as Australia have gone through the same situation.

“I’ve always said, don’t get into quarantines too easily and too quickly, because it’s very, very hard to get out,” she said.

Among the challenges facing China, according to the WHO, are ensuring the population is “adequately vaccinated” and preparing hospitals for both a potential surge in COVID-19 cases and a potential influx of people who could be affected by the virus.

“There are many, many things that you have to implement at the community level, at the hospital level, at the national level to sustain this transition,” Harris added.