CHINA-HEALTH EMERGENCY: CORONA VIRUS
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The WHO declared a global health emergency on January 31, while the US promptly issued a travel advisory advising against unnecessary travel to China and suspended entry of foreign nationals returning from the center of the outbreak in China to be quarantined for two weeks. The number of individuals officially reported to have been infected by the Wuhan virus has already surpassed the total number of SARS cases and by January 30, it was 7,830. A study by scientists of Hongkong University estimated that as many as 75,815 people in Wuhan may have been infected with the new coronavirus. Chinese authorities have mobilised the Party, Army and Government to combat the virus with People's Daily (January 31) asking Party Members to step up and ask for "battle assignments" to join the fight against the virus. The CCP CC Organization Department said it will promote officials who perform best in controlling the epidemic.
The virus has had an impact on China's economy. China's reputed financial news magazine estimated the cost to China's service sector because of the Coronavirus at US$ 144 billion a week. At least 14 provinces and cities, accounting for almost 69% of China’s gross domestic product in 2019, have closed businesses till at least the second week of February. China's GDP is expected to slow to 5.4% this year from the 6.1% in 2019 and if the epidemic lasts longer could further slow to 5%. Peking University notified Professors on February 5, that the beginning of the semester, which was supposed to be on February 15, has been indefinitely postponed. Foreign professors who are traveling abroad have been asked to postpone their return. International events planned in Beijing and elsewhere are similarly being asked to defer the events.
Airlines of many countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airline Air Canada etc. have stopped flights to China and banned foreigners residing in China from entering. Their own nationals or those with residence in these countries are permitted entry provided they agree to self-quarantine for 14 days.
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