China "New Coronavirus Cases Surpass 4,000... 106 Deaths" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia) in China has surpassed 4,000. A first death was reported in Beijing, the capital of China, and a total of 106 people have died across the country. In Hubei Province, the origin of the virus, 1,291 new confirmed cases were reported within 24 hours, indicating that the transmission speed is faster than expected.

On the 28th, the National Health Commission of China (NHC) announced that as of midnight, the total number of confirmed cases nationwide was 4,515, suspected cases were 6,973, and deaths totaled 106.

Among the confirmed cases, 976 are in severe condition. The number of close contacts of patients is 47,833, of which 44,132 are under medical observation.

Earlier, the Hubei Provincial Health Commission also reported that as of midnight, 1,291 new confirmed cases were identified in the region, bringing the cumulative total to 2,714. In Wuhan City, where the Huanan Seafood Market, the virus origin, is located, 892 new confirmed cases were reported. The number of deaths in Hubei Province increased by 24 in one day, reaching 100.

In the capital Beijing, the first death was reported the previous day. The deceased was a 50-year-old man who had visited Wuhan and was confirmed infected on the 22nd but died during treatment.

The United States, which reported its fifth confirmed case, advised its citizens to refrain from traveling to China. Travel to Wuhan City and Hubei Province, the origin of the novel coronavirus infection known as 'Wuhan pneumonia,' was banned.

On the 27th (local time), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State Department issued a travel alert for China, recommending reconsideration of travel plans. This is the second-highest level among the four-tier travel alerts issued by the U.S. State Department. Previously, on the 4th, the State Department had issued a Level 2 travel alert for China. The State Department imposed the highest Level 4 travel ban on Wuhan City and Hubei Province.

The State Department reminded that the Chinese government has implemented strict movement control measures in the Wuhan area and that entry and exit restrictions for Hubei Province could be imposed at any time, emphasizing the need to prepare in advance for possible travel restrictions.

Additionally, it advised consulting a doctor before traveling to China and avoiding contact with sick individuals locally. It warned that elderly people in poor health are at higher risk of severe illness. It also recommended avoiding contact with animals, animal markets, and animal products such as raw meat, which are suspected sources of the novel coronavirus.

The State Department urged that if symptoms such as cough and high fever develop within 14 days after traveling to China, individuals should immediately seek medical attention or contact health authorities. The U.S. government plans to operate a charter flight on the 28th to evacuate its citizens stranded in Wuhan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a situation report revising the global risk level of 'Wuhan pneumonia' from 'moderate' to 'high.' The WHO explained that this correction was made because the daily situation reports issued from the 23rd to the 25th mistakenly labeled the global risk level as 'moderate.' However, a WHO spokesperson cautioned against overinterpretation, describing it as a simple editorial correction.