Chinese Government Warns of "Wuhan Pneumonia Spread Risk"... Death Toll Rises to 9 (Comprehensive)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The Chinese government officially announced on the 22nd that the number of confirmed cases and deaths from 'Wuhan pneumonia' has increased to 440 and 9 respectively, warning of the risk of virus spread.

On the 22nd, the State Council Information Office of China held a press briefing at 10 a.m. (local time) with officials from the National Health Commission, announcing that as of midnight on the 21st, the cumulative number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection in China was 440, with 9 deaths. All 9 deaths occurred in Hubei Province, where Wuhan City is located.

This is the first time the central Chinese government has reported on the status and countermeasures of the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak to domestic and foreign journalists. It has also been about 20 days since Wuhan health authorities revealed the cluster pneumonia infection at the end of last month.

Li Bin, Deputy Director of the National Health Commission of China, who attended the press conference, stated that the cumulative number of close contacts reported so far is 2,197, of which 1,394 are still under medical observation.

Deputy Director Li also warned of the possibility that 'Wuhan pneumonia' could mutate, expressing concern that "there is a risk of further spread." He added, "Human-to-human transmission and infections among medical staff have already been observed, and transmission within communities exists to some extent," urging caution as the population movement surges during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), increasing the risk of infection and the difficulty of control.

Deputy Director Li stated that, following important instructions from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, rapid epidemic control measures have been prepared. Efforts will focus on identifying the cause and transmission routes of the epidemic, securing experts for severe patients, and concentrating on treatment to minimize deaths. He also promised to strengthen quarantine work in Wuhan by strictly prohibiting the entry and exit of wild animals in the city, classify Wuhan pneumonia as a legally designated infectious disease, and thoroughly prepare for nationwide epidemic outbreaks. Furthermore, he pledged to enhance information disclosure and international cooperation to prevent the spread of the epidemic, and internally establish a joint epidemic prevention system in collaboration with various departments.