China’s efforts to beat coronavirus epidemic

Medical workers in protective suits attend to novel coronavirus patients at the intensive care unit (ICU) of a designated hospital in Wuhan, Hubei province, China 6 February – Reuters

Since the outbreak of the disease, the Chinese Government has taken a series of decisive and rigorous prevention and control measures. The speed, intensity and coverage of China’s response have been unprecedented in the world. 

First, the Chinese Government has attached great importance to epidemic prevention and control.

President Xi Jinping has made important instructions on many occasions, emphasising that the safety of life and health of the people are the top priority. He also called twice the meetings of the top leadership and set up a task force to map out plans of epidemic prevention.

Premier Li Keqiang went to Wuhan to lead the counter-virus efforts. The whole nation has been mobilised; prevention and control efforts have been deployed and strengthened across the country. 

China has gone all out to fight the disease:

• At the national level, the relevant government departments are taking up their responsibility; the military has been mobilised to help;
• In all the places, the counter-virus task forces are led by key Party and government officials.
• At the very front line of treatment and care, medical workers are making selfless sacrifice and showing tremendous courage.
• In the communities, the people stand united and stay self-isolation to wage a “people’s war” against an invisible enemy.
• The vigorous measures are taking effect gradually. On the whole, the epidemic is preventable, controllable and curable.

Second, the Chinese Government has demonstrated a great sense of responsibility.

Since the outbreak, the Chinese Government has taken the most comprehensive and strict prevention and control measures, many of which go far beyond the requirements of the international health regulations. By taking these measures, China is safeguarding the safety of life and health of not only the Chinese people, but also people of the whole world. 

China is doing its best to safeguard global public health:

• Temporary measures of collective quarantine have been implemented in Wuhan and other places to prevent further spread of the disease.
• More than 6,000 medical professionals from all over the country have arrived in Hubei Province, including Wuhan.
• Medical supplies such as masks, hazmat suits and medicines, and daily necessities such as meat and vegetable have been transported to the affected areas without delay.
• Two specialised hospitals, Huoshenshan Hospital and Leishenshan Hospital, were built in 10 days and have started to receive and treat the critically ill.

Although a large number of people have been infected with this virus, the mortality rate in China, which stands at 2.1%, is very low. This is much lower than Ebola (40.4%), SARS (10%), MERS (34.4%) and H1N1 of 2009 (17.4%). In the United States, more than 19 million people have fallen ill with the flu so far this season, with the death toll being ten thousand. This is more serious than the coronavirus infection. Currently in China, the number of cured patients of is rising. We are fully confident in beating the virus.

China is also honouring its obligation. Dr. Tedros, the Director General of the World Health Organization, has expressed full recognition of China’s prevention and control efforts, and spoken highly of the tremendous contribution that China has made to the world in fighting the disease. He said that China “is setting a new standard for outbreak response.”

China attaches great importance to containing the potential spread of the virus to other countries and regions. It has strengthened management and control on overseas travelling of Chinese citizens, and called on the Chinese people to take up their social responsibilities to help prevent further spread of the disease.

As of 7 February, there were only 293 confirmed cases and one death case outside China, which accounted for less than 1% of all cases. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the measures that China has taken and its important contribution to preventing the spread of the disease and protecting the health and safety of people of China and the whole world.

Third, the Chinese Government has attached great importance to enhancing international cooperation.

China is open, transparent and responsible in its cooperation with the world:

• First, China has shared with WHO, the relevant countries, and the regions of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan the information about the epidemic, including the genetic sequence of the virus. This is highly appreciated by WHO and many countries. China has also kept in close touch with many countries at the bilateral level on the prevention and control of the disease.
• Second, China has attached great importance to the safety of foreign nationals in China and tried its best to address the difficulties they face by keeping them informed about the epidemic through various channels, including through foreign representative institutions. As of 6 February, 19 foreign nationals in China have been tested positive of the disease, of which, two have been cured, and 17 are under quarantine and treatment. China has also offered assistance to some countries, including Sri Lanka, in evacuating their nationals.
• Third, China is enhancing cooperation with the international community on the research and development of the vaccine. It is working together to safeguard the safety of public health around the world.

In face of the epidemic, people have shown great love to each other. Government officials and people from all walks of life in many countries have expressed their sympathy, trust and support for China. Many governments and international organisations have donated supplies for epidemic prevention and control.

The Chinese Government has the firm resolve and has taken vigorous measures to prevent the spread of the disease. This will continue to be the most important task. 

A Chinese saying goes, “When people are of one mind, they can move Mount Tai.” 

China is confident that under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, and with the strengths, solidarity and perseverance of the Chinese people, and the broad support from the international community, it will beat the virus.