Chinese ambassador: preventive measures to contain the virus

Manama, Feb.9 (BNA): Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain An Wa'er stressed his country’s efforts to contain the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (2019 nCov) and enforce all necessary preventive measures. He made the statement during a press conference which was convened by the Chinese Embassy in Manama to give an update on the virus which first broke out in the city of Wuhan. Responding to Bahrain News Agency (BNA) question, he said that the epidemic will increase pressure on the performance of the Chinese economy in the short term, adding that the effect remains partial, temporary and limited. He stressed the strength of the digitized Chinese economy which would offset the losses caused by the epidemic. He pointed out that the production of medical supplies has boosted the growth of industrialization in the medium and long term, in conjunction with achieving positive results to contain the epidemic. “China relies mainly on its own strength to meet this challenge”, said the ambassador, hailing the understanding and support of the international community. He pointed out that the UNICEF and 21 countries have donated medical supplies to China, stressing continued exchanging of information and strengthening of cooperation with countries of the world in an open and transparent manner so as to protect the health of the Chinese people and contribute to global health. Based on fresh statistics, he cited 34,546 confirmed cases, 27567 suspected cases, 722 deaths while 2050 patients have recovered fully. Addressing the press conference, Dr. Jameela Al-Salman, Internal and infectious diseases and Geriatrics Consultant at the Ministry of Health, said that up to 500 people from affected areas have been screened since the outbreak of the virus, adding that they had all tested negative. She underlined the ministry’s keenness on following up the developments resulting from the outbreak of the virus, adding that the Khalil Kano Centre has been allocated to receive cases of health isolation coming to Bahrain to become a support center for Al-Salmaniya Hospital.