Coronavirus: ‘Zim nationals in China safe’

THERE are no Zimbabweans among suspected cases of coronavirus in China, but authorities are ready to aid all foreigners in China and they can get instant access to medical care, the Chinese Embassy said yesterday.

In addition, China is already helping Zimbabwe check incoming visitors.

Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Deputy Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhao Baogang said his country was making efforts to ensure the virus did not spread to other countries.

He said the Chinese government had taken effective measures to minimise the impact on the people’s daily lives, including foreign nationals.

“We encourage the foreign community in China to be calm and confident. We promise that those staying in the city will have no problem in meeting their demand for daily necessities and medical assistance,” he said.

“We have requested Chinese nationals coming to Zimbabwe to cooperate with quarantine measures at Zimbabwean ports of entry and issued four consular notices to provide recommendations for epidemic prevention.

“Parents and guardians of children who are in China, we assure you that every Zimbabwean national in China is safe and sound. We have released guidelines and hotlines for foreigners, especially foreign students, to make enquiries and request help.”

Said Ambassador Zhao: “There are several hospitals which are under construction in China and in a space of 10 days we had completed two hospitals and deployed more than 6 000 medical doctors in Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus,” he said.

As of yesterday, more than 28 000 suspected cases had been reported in China with 1 200 cases cured and discharged from hospital and 600 deaths.