China Observes Moment of Silence for COVID-19 Victims at 10 AM on the 4th

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] China will hold a moment of mourning for the victims of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the 4th.

On the 3rd, the State Council of China announced that at 10 a.m. on the first day of the Qingming Festival holiday (April 4-6), a nationwide three-minute moment of silence will be observed to mourn the COVID-19 victims. During the three minutes, flags will be flown at half-mast in China and Chinese diplomatic missions abroad, all entertainment activities will be suspended, and cars, trains, and ships will participate in the mourning by sounding their horns.

So far, 81,620 people in China have been confirmed with COVID-19, and 3,322 have died.

China is focusing on calming public sentiment, including posthumously honoring 14 people who sacrificed their lives fighting the virus on the front lines as "martyrs" the day before. Among them, 12 medical staff including Dr. Li Wenliang, one police officer, and one community worker were awarded the title of martyr. In China, a martyr is the highest honorary title given to individuals who have lost their lives for the country and society.