Ten cities, 33 million inhabitants: China expands closure for fear of virus spread

At the same time as Singapore's Foreign Ministry announcement of the first two cases of infection in the Corona virus country, China is expanding its curfew in several cities and tourist sites. Shanghai authorities have announced the closure of Disneyland theme park starting this weekend, and aircraft traffic to several locations in Wuhan city has also been halted

Ten cities, 33 million inhabitants: China expands closure for fear of virus spread

The Singapore Ministry of Health announced on Friday that two more people were infected with the Chinese corona virus, a day after the first case of the virus was identified in the country. The ministry said it expected more cases, due to the frequency of citizen travel to China.

At the same time, China has expanded quarantine in the country for fear of the virus spreading so far to 25 victims and more than 800 infections worldwide. Today, the Shanghai government announced that the Disneyland theme park will be closed this weekend to prevent the virus from spreading on the site. In addition, the Interfax News Agency said that flights from the city of Wuhan, where the virus first broke out, to Moscow were also stopped.

In the meantime, yesterday, the Chinese government imposed another five cities. In Beijing and Hong Kong, several major public events planned for the Chinese New Year were canceled. In addition, the authorities closed all public transport lines from Wahan, stopping aircraft and train stations. Later in the day, nearby major cities Huangang and Ouzhou announced similar measures. Transport restrictions have also been placed in smaller cities such as Chibi and Zijiang. Vaughan also announced that a dedicated virus treatment hospital is already in the process of being set up and is due to open in a few days.

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Boy with mask in Shanghai shopping mall, today (Photo: Reuters)

Boy wearing mask in Shanghai city of China - January 24, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)

The curfew is intended to "effectively cut off the transmission of the virus, thus preventing the spread of the epidemic and ensuring the health and safety of citizens," said media outlets in the state, citing the special task force designed to address the spread of the disease. China's National Health Service recommends tourists avoid a visit to Wuhan, urging residents not to leave, but it is doubtful whether this will stop the ongoing human-virus-infected virus.

The first day a Chinese virus was discovered in Washington state in the US. This is the first case reported in the United States since the onset of a pneumonia-like disease. The patient, in stable condition, flew to the United States from China before federal health officials began checking people returning from China to three major airports in the country.

In Saudi Arabia, too, a first case of the virus was detected. An Indian nurse working in a southern state hospital has been infected with the virus - India's foreign minister said. "About 100 Indian nurses working in al-Hayat hospital in Saudi Arabia have been examined and none but one nurse have been infected with the virus," the minister added, "the ailing nurse is being treated at the Asar National Hospital and she is recovering."

Chinese virus panic: Closure has been imposed on five more cities for fear of spreading

Transportation is disabled. Shanghai train today (Photo: Reuters)

Guard at Shanghai Railway Station in China - January 24, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)

The virus was discovered at the end of last year, and probably originates from illegal wildlife trade in the city market. Worldwide, preventive measures are being taken for fear of turning the virus into a pandemic. World Health Organization CEO Tadros Adenhum Ghabrasos announced that he would soon decide whether to declare an international emergency in light of the virus outbreak. If he did, it would be the sixth time in the last decade. "I take the decision seriously," said Ghabrasus.

So far there is no vaccine for the virus, which can spread through the breath. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, and cough, much like many other respiratory illnesses. Initial studies have suggested that the virus has been transmitted to snake humans, but state medical consultant Zhong Nanshan has identified badgers and rats as possible sources. Fifteen medical factors have been infected so far.

Extends the closure. Citizens with masks in Shanghai today (Photo: Reuters)

Citizens with masks in Shanghai city of China - January 24, 2020 (Photo: Reuters)