China reports its first coronavirus-related deaths in over a year

China, where COVID-19 is thought to have originated, is reporting its first deaths related to the coronavirus since January last year. 

Authorities reported two COVID deaths there on Saturday — both elderly patients with underlying conditions, an official with the National Health Commission said, The Associated Press reports. One of them was not vaccinated against the virus. 

The deaths come as China is fighting its worst outbreak of the virus in two years. They also come as sharp contrasts emerge in the global battle with the virus, as another new variant — BA.2 — develops.