New Coronavirus Cases Decrease for Second Day... WHO Says "Too Early to Predict Peak" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection in China has surpassed 30,000. So far, a total of 636 people have died. Although the number of confirmed cases and deaths is still on the rise, it is encouraging that the number of new confirmed cases has decreased for two consecutive days and the number of patients discharged after treatment is increasing.

◆ Confirmed cases 31,161 · Deaths 636 = The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection in China has surpassed 30,000. So far, a total of 636 people have died.

On the 7th, the National Health Commission of China (NHC) announced that as of midnight, 3,143 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus were added nationwide. In Hubei Province, where Wuhan City, the epicenter of the outbreak, is located, 2,447 new confirmed cases were added. There were also 73 new deaths in one day. Among them, 69 deaths occurred in Hubei Province, and one death each was added in Jilin Province, Henan Province, Guangdong Province, and Hainan Province.

According to cumulative statistics, the total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus across China is 31,161. On this day, the number of confirmed cases exceeded 30,000 for the first time. The number of people who were confirmed positive but have recovered and been discharged is 1,540. A total of 28,985 people are isolated and receiving treatment in hospitals. Among them, 482 are in serious condition, so the number of deaths is expected to continue to rise.

The cumulative number of deaths is 636. The number of suspected cases is 26,359, and the number of close contacts with patients is 314,028. Among the close contacts, 186,045 are currently under medical observation.

Outside mainland China but within the Chinese-speaking regions, a total of 50 confirmed cases have been reported: 24 in Hong Kong (including 1 death), 10 in Macao (including 1 discharged), and 16 in Taiwan (including 1 discharged).

◆ WHO: "Thousands of new cases daily... too early to say it's the peak" = It is encouraging that the number of new confirmed cases has decreased for two consecutive days and the number of patients discharged after treatment is increasing.

During the period from 0:00 to 24:00 on the 6th, 3,143 new confirmed cases were reported. On the 4th alone, the number of new confirmed cases reached a record high of 3,887 since the outbreak, but on the 5th it was 3,694, and on the 6th it was 3,143, showing a decreasing trend for two consecutive days. The number of patients who received treatment and were discharged was also announced as 1,540 on this day, the highest level ever. This is about 400 more discharges than the previous day's announcement.

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted the decrease in new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus but said it is premature to conclude that the spread of the infection has reached its peak.

Mike Ryan, head of the WHO Emergency Response Team, said at a press briefing on the 6th (local time), "It is too early to say that the novel coronavirus has reached its peak," adding, "The novel coronavirus is still actively spreading, so it is a cautious situation to make any predictions." He continued, "On the 5th alone, nearly 3,700 confirmed cases were identified in one day, and a decrease in numbers is not something to celebrate," emphasizing, "The biggest challenge remains to stop the spread and to ensure all suspected patients receive hospital treatment."

To respond more effectively to the spread of the novel coronavirus, WHO plans to hold a global research and innovation forum on the 11th and 12th. At the briefing, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, "We convened the research and innovation forum to identify research priorities for the novel coronavirus and coordinate international research efforts," explaining that the forum's purpose is to accelerate the development of effective diagnostic tests, vaccines, and medicines. Scientists from around the world, including China, are expected to participate either in person or via video call.

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