Shanghai reports 2 suspected cases of new coronavirus
Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong (center) attends a press conference on the closing day of the annual session of the Shanghai People’s Congress on Monday.
Shanghai reported two suspected cases of the new coronavirus, state media reported on Monday.
The virus has now infected 217 people in China, two in Thailand, one in Japan and one in South Korea, China Central Television reported.
There are seven suspected cases on the mainland, with two in Shanghai, two in Sichuan Province and one each in Yunnan and Shandong provinces and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region each.
Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong confirmed on Monday that local authorities are taking preventive measures on the suspected cases of the virus.
Those in close contact with these people have also been included in the measures.
“Once a suspected case is confirmed, we will inform the public in a timely way," Ying told reporters on the closing day of the annual session of the Shanghai People’s Congress.
The coronavirus infects the respiratory tract and causes symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, sore throat and fever.
Ying said the government has ordered relevant departments to take forceful and targeted preventive and treatment measures in dealing with coronavirus-related pneumonia cases, according to requirements from the national government, and the city is on high alert.
The Shanghai Health Commission said on Sunday it has stepped up screening for suspected coronavirus-related pneumonia cases.
The commission said proper ventilation, exercise, a healthy diet, good personal hygiene like hand washing and avoiding crowded places are all effective in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
