"52 Deaths and 1,502 Confirmed Cases in Hubei Province" China Suspends Domestic and International Group Tours (Comprehensive)

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Chinese government has decided to suspend domestic and overseas group tours to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. As the number of deaths rapidly increases, urgent measures are being implemented across China, including the capital Beijing, to contain the spread. With the death toll exceeding 50 in Hubei Province, where the epicenter Wuhan is located, attention is focused on whether the Chinese government's measures can slow the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.

According to China Central Television (CCTV) on the 26th, the China Tourism Association announced that, at the request of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, travel agencies will be prohibited from conducting any group tour operations, including hotel and flight reservations, starting from the 27th. Domestic group tour operations have been suspended since the 24th.

Also, to prevent the spread in Beijing, all bus services traveling between Beijing and other regions will be suspended starting from this day. Xinhua News Agency reported, citing officials from Beijing's transportation sector, that this measure was decided to prevent and control the epidemic situation in Beijing. The resumption date for bus operations is undecided.

Beijing's Shoudu Airport and Daxing Airport began measuring the body temperature of all arriving passengers from this day. Beijing is conducting temperature checks at 35 locations including airport terminals, train stations, and subway stations. Famous tourist sites in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City and certain sections of the Great Wall, have been closed temporarily starting this day.

Various events were scheduled to take place in parks within Beijing during the Lunar New Year period, but most large-scale events were canceled to prevent the spread of Wuhan pneumonia. Famous tourist sites in Beijing, including the Forbidden City and some sections of the Great Wall, will remain closed for the time being.

Foreign media outlets, citing the National Health Commission of China, report that the death toll from the novel coronavirus infection stands at 41. By region, 39 deaths occurred in Hubei Province, where Wuhan is located, and one death each in Hebei Province and Heilongjiang Province. CCTV reported that as of 8 p.m. on this day, the number of confirmed cases had risen to 1,372. Among the newly confirmed patients was the youngest case so far, a 2-year-old child.

However, after these figures were reported, the state-run Global Times reported that 13 additional deaths from the novel coronavirus infection occurred in Hubei Province the previous day, with 323 new confirmed cases. Up to the previous day, a total of 52 people had died and 1,052 confirmed cases were reported in Hubei Province alone; 129 patients were in serious condition, and 85 had recovered. In Beijing, 10 additional confirmed cases were reported between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. the previous day, bringing the total to 51. Additionally, the Global Times reported that on the 25th, 18 new confirmed cases were reported in Jiangxi Province, and 3 more confirmed cases were reported in Shanxi Province.

CNN and other broadcasters, citing Chinese health authorities, report that so far there have been 42 deaths and 1,409 confirmed cases.

Infections are also increasing overseas. The United States reported its second case, and Europe confirmed its first cases with three patients in France. Australia also reported its first case. The Globe and Mail reported that Canada confirmed its first case of novel coronavirus infection on this day.