Wuhan Pneumonia Cases Increase to 224... Spreading Across China

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection in China has increased to 224, and suspected cases have been reported throughout the country. This outbreak occurred just before the Lunar New Year holiday, China's largest festival and the start of the massive population movement, leading to rapid spread across the nation. President Xi Jinping is closely monitoring the situation and has ordered all-out efforts to contain the epidemic.

According to China Central Television (CCTV), as of 6 p.m. on the 20th, the cumulative number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in China was 224. By region, Wuhan City, where the novel coronavirus is believed to have originated, reported 198 cases; Beijing City reported 5 cases; and Guangdong Province reported 14 cases. The total number of suspected cases is 7, including 2 in Sichuan Province, 1 in Yunnan Province, 2 in Shanghai City, 1 in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and 1 in Shandong Province, covering the entire country. Overseas confirmed cases include 1 in South Korea, 1 in Japan, and 2 in Thailand, totaling 4 cases.

As cases have emerged in regions outside Wuhan, the number of confirmed Wuhan pneumonia patients is expected to increase rapidly across China. With the Lunar New Year holiday (January 24?30) approaching, involving the movement of billions of people, fears of epidemic spread are growing. Chinese authorities estimate that a total of 3 billion trips will be made during this year's Lunar New Year holiday. Researchers at Imperial College London recently reported that the number of novel coronavirus infections could expand globally, potentially reaching 1,700 cases.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government is intensifying efforts to control the spread, with President Xi personally ordering all-out efforts for epidemic prevention. President Xi stated, "Firmly suppress the trend of disease spread" and emphasized that "the safety of the people's lives must be placed foremost."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.