China is ‘Confident in, Capable of’ Containing, Defeating Epidemic
China is confident in and capable of effectively containing the novel coronavirus epidemic, and eventually defeating it, the National Health Commission (NHC) said in a statement yesterday.
The remarks were made after the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the novel coronavirus outbreak has become a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
The Chinese government attaches great importance to the prevention and control of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus and has taken the strictest measures to curb the epidemic, according to the announcement.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, stressed that the WHO disfavoured imposing travel or trade restrictions on China.
The director-general had initiated to convene the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee meeting, where Chinese expert introduced the latest epidemic situation, as well as prevention and control measures that had been taken, and actively participated in the discussion. Attending experts and the director-general appreciated China’s efforts to prevent and control the epidemic, noting that the designation was aimed at mobilising more international resources to deal with the epidemic.
The NHC hoped the international community understand and support China’s efforts in preventing and controlling the epidemic and make concerted efforts with China to contain the epidemic, and maintain global health security according to the suggestions of IHR and WHO.
Comments from Chinese rep
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson said: “Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the Chinese government has been taking the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures with a high sense of responsibility for people’s health.”
Ms Hua said that many of these measures go well beyond the requirements of the International
Health Regulations.
“We have full confidence and capability to win this fight against the epidemic,” she said.
She said that at the same time, the Chinese side informed relevant sides and shared the genome sequence of the coronavirus in a timely manner with openness, transparency and a responsible attitude.
“WHO and many countries have recognised and commended this,” she said.
Ms Hua said China has been in close communication and co-operation with WHO.