China will come out of fight with virus better and stronger
It is setting a new standard for outbreak response in this unprecedented battle
SINCE the novel coronavirus (2019nCoV) epidemic broke out in Wuhan in December 2019, the Chinese government has taken robust measures to curb the spread of the deadly virus, most notably a full quarantine in Wuhan and some surrounding cities. In fighting this new epidemic, it is quite befitting to say that the only thing to fear is fear itself.
According to the statistics updated to February 3, Chinese health authorities confirmed 20 471 cases of pneumonia caused by the virus, 23 214 suspected cases of infection, 425 deaths, 632 people have been discharged from hospital after recovery, and 160 confirmed cases from 23 countries with one death.
Comparatively, the 2009 flu pandemic (H1N1) which was detected first in the US and declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as its first “public health emergency of international concern”, or PHEIC, finally caused more than 1.6 million confirmed cases in 214 countries and regions and killed nearly 284 500 people.
A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report also stated the following figures: “Between October 1 last year and January 18, 2020, it is estimated that there have been 15-21 million flu illnesses, 7-10 million flu medical visits, 140 000-250 000 flu hospitalisations and 8 200-20 000 US flu deaths.”
There are also some other points needed to be clear about 2019-nCoV. Current statistics indicate that severe cases account for about 10% of total confirmed cases, which is not high in terms of the overall proportion. From the point of view of treatment rate, it is also much higher than that of Influenza A and bird flu.
There are few fatalities related to patients under the age of 30, the mortality rate of patients aged 40-59 is 0.2% and the majority of deaths are among the elderly.
The critical task at this stage is to effectively prevent the spread of transmission, and quarantine is a traditional and the most effective measure to contain a deadly epidemic. Prevention and control of the epidemic is the top priority for China.
People’s well-being always comes first. There is shared determination and unity in China from the top leadership to the grass roots to win the battle against the disease and the Chinese nation will come out of this big challenge better and stronger. Moreover, after identifying the pathogen in a record-short time, China also shared the genetic sequence of the virus in a timely manner with the WHO and relevant countries and regions and invited WHO experts to do field study in Wuhan.
China has completed work on an emergency 1 000-bed hospital, named Huoshenshan, in 10 days. A second emergency hospital, named Leishenshan, with another 1 600 beds is near completion as well. This is an unprecedented battle which unites all Chinese people and protects the whole world.
It is a historical battle which showcased China’s strong determination of mobilising resources to meet major challenges with its valuable experience in dealing with Sars (severe acute respiratory syndrome), H1N1, avian flu and the Ebola virus.
With utmost openness and promptness, Beijing is working closely with the WHO and has given its assistance to other governments to prevent the epidemic, such as some countries’ evacuation missions from Wuhan and their decisions to partially halt airlines to China.
All such requests will continue to be met with utmost efficiency and generosity from the Chinese government.
In the meantime, China has the confidence and capability to safeguard the life and health of foreign citizens in China.
PHEIC does not mean panic and confidence is more precious than gold in the face of an epidemic. Viruses can cross borders in an integrated world, but it is the integration and borderless collaboration that allow us to stop it. In our globalised world, the 2019nCov epidemic will inevitably have global impacts. Committed to promoting the building of a community of a shared future for mankind, China has been striving to undertake its due international responsibilities and obligations in countering the epidemic.
We advocate that the public in all countries remain calm about the epidemic and avoid discrimination against Chinese or any infected persons. For we, as human beings, are one family and no ethnic group can stand immune to our common challenge.
We are happy to see that no suspected cases of 2019-nCoV were reported in South Africa. We appreciate South Africa’s pragmatic position and close communication with authorities in China to ensure the safety of its citizens, and valuable support and unselfish donation of medical materials.
Seventeen years after China fought the Sars epidemic, it has developed better disease-combating mechanisms in terms of emergency response and transparency. The public has also become more composed and sober in facing the epidemic. As WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, the announcement of PHEIC is not a vote of no confidence in China, instead, in many ways, China is setting a new standard for outbreak response.