Epicentre Wuhan is returning to normal

Mark Reynolds

THE Chinese city of Wuhan has continued to gradually lift its lockdown in a real boost to a world stricken by Covid-19.

The first case was recorded in a live food market there three months ago, but now residents are starting to enjoy their freedom again.

Crowds of passengers arrived at Wuhan train station while others were seen out and about for the first time in two months.

People can enter Wuhan but are not allowed to leave, Chinese state media has reported.

The capital of Hubei province recorded more than 50,000 coronavirus cases – and at least 3,000 died in that region.

But numbers have fallen dramatically, according to China, in recent weeks.

Over the weekend, the country reported some 100 new cases, but it claimed were all imported.

Believed

In the fight to control cases from abroad, China has put a temporary ban on all foreign visitors, even if they have visas or residence permits.

It has also limited Chinese and foreign airlines to one flight per week and each cannot be more than 75 per cent full.

The global pandemic is believed to have originated in a seafood market in Wuhan that allegedly “conducted illegal transactions of wild animals”.

The city’s 11 million residents were shut off from the rest of the world from the middle of January, with roadblocks being placed around the outskirts and drastic restrictions on daily life.

But transport links began opening once again over the weekend.

State media also reported that the subway was now open while trains were able to come into the city’s railway stations.

Residents yesterday reacted with delight over the move.

Student Guo Liangkai, 19, who arrived back in the city after three months away, said: “Most of all, it makes me very happy to see my family.

“We wanted to hug but now is a special period so we can’t hug or make any actions like these.”