China Reports 31 New COVID-19 Cases, 30 Imported (Update)

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] Despite China banning foreign nationals from entering and restricting international flights by airlines to block overseas reverse inflow of COVID-19, 30 cases of COVID-19 reverse inflow were reported in one day.

On the 30th, the National Health Commission of China (NHC) announced that as of midnight, 31 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were added in China. Among the 31 cases, 30 were infected overseas and entered China. One new domestic infection occurred in Gansu Province. All 17 newly suspected cases were also people who entered China from overseas.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases imported from overseas is 723, of which 93 have recovered and been discharged. Currently, 630 patients are confirmed and undergoing treatment, among whom 19 are classified as severe cases. The number of suspected cases is 165.

To block overseas reverse inflow of COVID-19, China closed its borders from the 28th, prohibiting even foreigners with valid visas and residence permits from entering China. Additionally, foreign airlines are allowed to operate only one flight per week to one Chinese city, filling only 75% of passenger capacity. Accordingly, Korean Air will operate the Incheon-Shenyang route every Friday, and Asiana Airlines will operate the Incheon-Changchun route every Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 patients across China so far is 81,470. Excluding 75,770 who have recovered and been discharged and 3,304 deaths, 2,396 patients are currently under treatment. The number of suspected cases is 168, and the number of close contacts under medical observation is 19,235.

Outside mainland China, in the Greater China region, 977 confirmed cases have been reported: Hong Kong 641 (118 discharged, 4 deaths), Macau 38 (10 discharged), and Taiwan 298 (39 discharged, 3 deaths).