'Novel Coronavirus' China Death Toll 42, Confirmed Cases 1409

Chinese Government Suspends Domestic and Overseas Group Tours

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shim Nayoung] The National Health Commission of China announced that as of 2 a.m. local time on the 26th, the death toll has risen to 42, and the number of confirmed cases has increased to 1,409.

The Chinese government has decided to suspend domestic and overseas group tours to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection. Urgent measures are also being implemented in the capital, Beijing, to contain the spread.

According to China Central Television (CCTV) on the same day, the China Tourism Association stated that, following the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's request, travel agencies will be prohibited from conducting any group tour operations, including hotel and flight reservations, starting from the 27th. Domestic group tour operations have been suspended since the 24th.

Additionally, to prevent further spread, all bus services traveling between Beijing and other regions will be suspended starting today. Xinhua News Agency reported, citing officials from Beijing's transportation sector, that this measure was decided to prevent and control the epidemic situation in Beijing. The date for resuming bus operations is yet to be determined.

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