Coronavirus Quarantines 11 Million Chinese

China’s government quarantined residents of two densely populated cities starting this morning to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. Meanwhile, officials at Abu Dhabi International Airport announced that incoming passengers from China will undergo strict health screenings.

In line with warnings from the World Health Organization about the coronavirus outbreak in China, Beijing authorities quarantined the city of Wuhan, which has a population of 11 million people.

China’s government took this measure to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. News agencies reported today, Thursday, the 3rd of Bahman (January 23), that officials have blocked all transportation routes to and from Wuhan, and the population is under quarantine.

According to France’s news agency, all train services and commercial flights from Wuhan have been suspended.

Following the deterioration of the situation in Wuhan, authorities announced that the city of Huanggang, located 70 kilometers from Wuhan, has also been placed under special surveillance, and all vehicle traffic in the city is restricted.

Recreational and cultural centers in this city, which has a population of over seven million, have been suspended until further notice. Chinese New Year celebrations in these areas have also been canceled.

Officials of these two cities announced that residents cannot leave the cities without valid reasons.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that starting tonight, train services in Ezhou, the third city closest to Wuhan with a population of over one million, will also be halted.

China’s government is concerned about the spread of the coronavirus and has stated that the quarantines being implemented to prevent the spread of this virus are “dangerous.”

Cases of infection with this virus have so far been reported in Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and the United States.

This virus was first identified in late 2019 and initially in Wuhan, China. It was noted that infected individuals in other countries were people who had previously traveled to this city.

Patient Identification at Abu Dhabi International Airport

Following the worsening situation, some international airports have implemented health and safety regulations.

Reuters reported, citing Abu Dhabi International Airport officials, that all incoming passengers from China must undergo strict health and safety screenings upon arrival at the airport.

These officials also wrote on Twitter that Abu Dhabi International Airport has begun the process of “screening incoming passengers from China” to ensure the health and safety of all its passengers.

Screening of Incoming Passengers from China for Coronavirus Symptoms in Iran

Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Goya, head of the Communicable Disease Management Center at Iran’s Ministry of Health, announced on Thursday that incoming passengers from China at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport would be screened for signs of coronavirus infection.

According to him, “If any signs of the disease are observed, necessary measures will be taken to care for these individuals.”

Meanwhile, Britain’s health minister today expressed concern about the spread of the coronavirus to other countries, suggesting that the number of confirmed cases and deaths may be higher than reported.

Reuters reported from London, citing Matt Hancock, that British health authorities expect this virus to increase death tolls as it spreads to regions around the world.

Some reports have stated that the number of deaths from coronavirus infection is close to 500 people.

The World Health Organization has listed the coronavirus among viruses that range from the common cold virus to the agent that causes SARS.

Source: DW