Daily US Times, Beijing: The death toll from Coronavirus crossed 100 in China and the cases of newly infected have almost doubled, authorities confirmed in the latest statement. The government tightens measures including travel restrictions to curb the outbreak.
Just a day earlier, on 27 January the total confirmed cases were 2835. A day later it turned to 4,515, almost double.
China has further tightened travel restrictions to try and curb the spread of the virus.
The Chinese city of Wuhan is the center of this outbreak. The city is lockdown as is much of surrounding Hubei province.
The virus is so new and causes severe acute respiratory infection. There is no specific cure or vaccine for the virus.
Most of the people who died from the virus are elderly people and with pre-existing respiratory problems.
What is China doing?
The outbreak came in a time of Lunar New Year celebration which usually sees millions across the country on the move to visit relatives and friends.
The government suspended many of the new year festivities and extended by three days to Sunday, in an attempt to contain the spread. The authorities tightens measures to prevent further escalation.
The bus services between Beijing and neighboring Hubei province have been stopped and Shanghai has introduced a 14-day observation period for people arriving from Hubei.
Of the 106 deaths in china, 100 were in Hubei province and the province reported d infections are at 2,714.
The 11 million people of Wuhan city have been facing serious restrictions to travel anywhere and non-essential vehicles have been banned from the roads.
The city mayor said millions of people already left the city ahead of new year celebrations, but that happened before the travel restrictions.
What is the situation outside of China?
The US has already reported several cases of Coronavirus. The country urged its citizens to “reconsider travel” to China and is advising against travel to Hubei.
US is considering to fly consular staff and US citizens out of Wuhan in the coming days.
Many other countries also issued travel warnings to China, specially Hubei.
World Health Organization and national authorities confirmed at least 47 confirmed cases outside China.
Thailand, USA, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, France, Vietnam, Nepal, Canada, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Germany, Cambodia are the countries who reported Coronavirus cases.
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