Wuhan Party Secretary in China Admits "Initial Response to Novel Coronavirus Was Delayed" and Expresses Regret

[Asia Economy Reporter Koh Hyung-kwang] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads throughout China, the top leadership of Wuhan, Hubei Province, the epicenter of the disease, has admitted that there were problems in the initial response.

Ma Guochang, Secretary of the Wuhan Municipal Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, said in an interview with China Central Television on the 31st (local time) regarding his feelings about the situation, "I feel guilty, ashamed, and self-reproachful." Secretary Ma said, "If we had implemented control measures like the current ones a little earlier, the outcome would have been better," adding, "The nationwide impact would have been less, and the results would not have been as severe as they are now," expressing belated regret.

He went on to express that there are several moments he now regrets when looking back. Secretary Ma said, "I regret the moments when I received reports from hospitals in Wuhan that some patients showed no improvement even after being given antibiotics, when similar patients appeared in other hospitals, and when a patient was confirmed in Thailand." He added, "If lockdown measures had been implemented on January 12-13, when the patient was confirmed in Thailand, the current situation would not have occurred."

Regarding the differing views between medical staff, who say there is a shortage of medical supplies in Wuhan hospitals, and hospital authorities, who say otherwise, Secretary Ma stated, "Currently, all medical supplies are in a state of 'tense equilibrium'." He explained that the 'tense equilibrium' means "it does not always guarantee a sufficient amount."

Secretary Ma continued, "Like other hospitals, we currently have enough (medical supplies), but I cannot guarantee that it will be sufficient two or three hours later," adding, "The Party Central Committee and various departments of the State Council are doing their utmost to assist us."

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus spreading worldwide has surpassed 11,000. The death toll has reached 258.

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