Everyone returning to capital city Beijing would now have to undergo isolation for 14 days, according to an announcement on the website of the state-run television channel on Friday. Those who do not comply will be held accountable, the order issued by a Communist Party wing said. Top government officials had met on Tuesday and Wednesday and issued orders to help people return to workplaces. Millions of people on vacation to celebrate the Chinese New Year are now stuck at their hometowns.
More countries suspend trade links
The new coronavirus epidemic has claimed more than 1,500 lives by Saturday with China’s Hubei province reporting 139 more deaths. More and more countries are suspending trade and travel links with China as they look to contain the deadly virus infection. One death each has been reported in Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Japan. The first confirmed case of new coronavirus in Africa was reported in Egypt on Friday.
China’s foreign minister slams overreaction
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi said the new coronavirus epidemic is under control and the country’s efforts to contain the disease are comprehensive. He criticised other countries for what he called the “overreaction” on the issue. Yi told Reuters that China has taken complete prevention and control efforts, adding that other countries may not be able to do this. There is no need for the US to take steps that will hit trade and tourism, he said.
How covid-19 kills
The new coronavirus infection starts with fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Some people may experience a headache, sore throat and fatigue — and a very few of them diarrhoea. It will look like you have caught a cold or flu. The infection goes on to attack the lungs and things become serious as the virus will begin to replicate, destroying lung cells. The infection can result in pneumonia and the air sacs will be filled with fluid, making it harder to breathe. It becomes harder for the lungs to get oxygen to your blood, potentially triggering a cascade of problems — the liver and kidney die without oxygen. This is how the disease progresses in most cases.