Chinese virus: More than 40 patients died, army sent to outbreak

Some 450 medical experts were sent to the Corona virus outbreak to help fight its spread, with more than 1,200 people infected with the virus. Chinese President holds a special meeting to formulate measures to combat the outbreak of the virus and also in Hong Kong declared emergency

Chinese virus: More than 40 patients died, army sent to outbreak

The Chinese military sent medical experts Saturday to the focus of the outbreak of the Corona virus, killing 41 people and spreading around the world. China's most important celebration, the New Year's opening celebrations, has been completely canceled for about 56 million people, as authorities have extended travel bans in Hubei Province to 18 cities.

Instead of celebrating the New Year, residents of Wuhan were queuing up at the pharmacy to buy processed masks wearing full-body protective suits and surgical gloves. Police on the eastern fringe of Wuhan were stationed at a checkpoint that stopped the handful of vehicles trying to leave the city. "No one can leave," a police officer told the French news agency.

Contrary to the exit ban, police allowed several medical workers who drove home for vacations to enter the city to help the hospitals. "They need us there, otherwise they will be completely exhausted," one of them said. But the virus infection continues to spread. The number of deaths across the state rose to 41 after another 15 people died in Wuhan.

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China's health ministry checks passengers at Beijing subway station (Photo: Reuters)

China's health ministry investigates commuters in Beijing's subway for fear of corona virus (Photo: Reuters)

Authorities in Wuhan City today announced the establishment of a second hospital to treat patients infected with the virus. The construction of the hospital, which has 1,300 inpatient beds, is scheduled to take only two weeks, with the construction of the first hospital that began following the outbreak to be completed in nine days.

1,287 people have been infected with the virus, with only 830 reported cases 24 hours earlier. Most of the deaths and general infections were in Hubei Province. China's central government has deployed 450 military medical personnel in Wuhan City. The crews, arriving on military planes last night, include doctors with experience in fighting SARS or Ebola, and will be transported to hospitals that are under heavy strain due to crowds of concerned local and local patients.

The National Health Commission has ordered additional measures nationwide to identify people carrying the virus on planes, trains and buses across the country. Chinese President Xi Jinping today held a special meeting to formulate measures to combat the virus outbreak. "Everyone is just trying to protect themselves," said a man in a surgical mask at a pharmacy in Wuhan, where all clients were in masks and gloves. The man refused to give his name, but expressed confidence in the authorities. "The government is addressing this. It's not a problem," he said.

The Chinese virus has reached Europe: three infections have been detected in France

Beijing Forbidden City Closes Due to Virus Outbreak (Photo: AP)

Beijing Forbidden City Closes Following China's Corona Virus Outbreak, January 25, 2020 (Photo: AP)

Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lem has declared a state of emergency following the outbreak of the virus and announced a package of measures to limit ties with mainland China. Schools will remain closed until February 17, and flights or travel by express train between Hong Kong and Wuhan City will be discontinued. City health authorities have approved five cases of infection with the Corona virus, all from people who came from Wahan, where the virus first appeared.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States has decided to evict American diplomats and citizens from the city of Wuhan. According to reports from a party involved in the operation, 230 people will be evacuated, including diplomats, civilians and their families. In Beijing, they decided to stop all inter-provincial transport lines from tomorrow to stop the outbreak of the virus. France is also considering taking a similar step.

The virus is causing global concern because of its resemblance to the SARS virus, which killed hundreds of people across China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003 and spread to several other countries. Now the Corona virus has spread nationwide as well as 12 other countries, with France announcing three approved cases there - the first infection in Europe, with the first infections outside China recorded in Australia and Malaysia. Some of China's most popular tourist attractions, such as the Forbidden City of Beijing, Shanghai's Disneyland, and a section of the Chinese Wall, have been closed down as a precaution.

Shanghai Disney World closes following virus outbreak (Photo: AP)

Shanghai Disney World closes following the outbreak of the Corona virus in China, January 25, 2020 (Photo: AP)

New Year celebrations, usually an event celebrated at family gatherings, have also been ruined for many in Wuhan City, as in all over China. "Usually we celebrate as a family. Now because of the virus, I don't even visit my parents," said Wang Fang, a 49-year-old Wuhan native.

China's rapid and aggressive response by the Chinese central government was praised, especially when compared to the outbreak of the SARS virus, when China was accused of responding slowly and inhibiting the entire international community. US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter a few hours after the second US infection case was confirmed that "China has worked hard to contain the virus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency."

The virus was discovered at a bad time, with hundreds of millions of Chinese rushing home for the Chinese New Year. Timing may limit the economic impact of the virus outbreak because most of China usually closes in any case during the holiday.

The World Health Organization decided not to declare a global emergency, which could have encouraged greater international cooperation, including restrictions on trade and travel. Since the Corona eruption, Wuhan seems to be a ghost town, with only hospitals bustling with concerned patients. City authorities have begun construction of a new field hospital to deal with the outbreak of the virus, according to media in the state. This hospital is expected to open in about 10 days.

(First Update 11:18)

Passengers at Hainan Airport (Photo: Reuters)

Passengers at Hainan International Airport on their way to Mexico (Photo: Reuters)

Passengers at Huan County Railway Station (Photo: Reuters)

Passengers at Huan County Railway Station in China (Photo: Reuters)