By John Okeke
China is not alone as countries and other international organizations have pledged their support to help China overcome the deadly infection called “Corona Virus “.
On the Chinese mainland, the number of confirmed cases climbed to 14,380 as of Saturday at midnight, including 304 deaths, 328 people have been released from hospitals after being cured, data released by the commission on Sunday morning showed.
The number of confirmed infections in the China’s Hong Kong (14) and Macao (7) special administrative regions and Taiwan province (10) had risen to 31 in total, according to the commission.
A total of 137,594 people that have had close contact with infected patients are still under medical observation, while 8,044 such people were released from observation on Feb 1.
Approved by Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping, 1,400 medical staff from the armed forces are tasked with treating patients in the 1,000-bed Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan starting from Monday.
China stands ready to strengthen information, policy and technical exchanges and cooperation with the international community, including the European Union, to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, Premier Li Keqiang said.
Li made the remarks in a recent telephone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, according to a press release published on Saturday.
The country is making an all-out effort to prevent and control the outbreak in an open, transparent and orderly manner and with rigorous measures, Li said, adding the Chinese government and people have the confidence, resolve and capability to prevent and control the contagion.
Saying the pressing task at the current stage is to contain the spread of the epidemic, treat infected patients and ensure the Chinese people and foreigners in China live normal lives, Li stressed the nation is endeavoring to guarantee medical supplies needed by medics working on the frontline.
However ,in solidarity with China , Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari extends his good wishes to President Xi Jinping and citizens of the People’s Republic of China during this trying time.
This was contained in a statement by Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity.
It said,” China’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have been exemplary, as well as the country’s collaboration with international agencies and other countries on the matter.
President Buhari notes that China has been exceptionally supportive of Nigeria and Africa, and even more so in recent years; therefore, it is important to let China know that Nigeria and her citizens are also standing by them during this outbreak. With all the efforts being put in, we know that it is only a matter of time before this nightmare passes.
“President Buhari uses this opportunity to thank Nigerians for their hospitality towards the Chinese nationals in our midst, and for not letting the coronavirus outbreak create any disturbance or disrupt the peaceful coexistence between us and them.
He prays that God will comfort the Chinese and others who have already lost family members and loved ones to the disease.”
Pakistan said on Friday ,it believes China has the ability to safeguard the safety and health of foreign personnel in its territory, and the Pakistani people will stand with the Chinese people during this difficult time.
“India supports the Chinese government and people to go all out to fight against the novel coronavirus, and is fully confident that China will win the battle,”Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said.
“It’s important to not install too much fear into people and to have them lead a normal life as good as possible in these circumstances,” WHO spokesperson said, calling for a rational approach to the coronavirus and not being panic.”
The Republic of Korea Foreign Minister , Kang Kyung-wha said,”the ROK side highly values the Chinese government and people’s unity and determination to resolutely control the novel coronavirus epidemic, and appreciates the powerful measures China has taken. Facing difficulties, neighbors should support and help each other. The ROK is willing to work with China to meet the challenges and stop the spread of the epidemic, and will provide the necessary medical supplies as soon as possible according to the needs of the Chinese side”.
WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “China’s measures are not only protecting its people, but also protecting the people of the world.”
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen also said “Cambodia will not suspend flights from China for the time being. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Cambodia stands with the Chinese people in fighting against the contagion.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in his words said,”France highly appreciates the Chinese government taking active and powerful measures to deal with the disease and staying committed to curb the spread of the contagion. France is willing to provide all the necessary assistance to China as long as it needs.”
Australian Foreign Minister, Marise Payne said in his exact words “the Australian government firmly supports the Chinese government and people in their fight against the new coronavirus epidemic. Australia appreciates China for sharing information in time and actively communicating with the international community in an open and transparent manner when dealing with the epidemic.”
Russia fully recognizes and highly appreciates China’s effective response to the novel coronavirus outbreak, and believes that the threat by the outbreak will be removed soon.
While the US declared a public health emergency Friday in response to the coronavirus, which has sickened nearly 10,000 people worldwide, Canada Health Minister Patty Hajdu however said Canada is not ready to declare a national emergency over the coronavirus outbreak.
The Malaysian government has decided not to announce a travel ban on all Chinese travelers entering Malaysia. It believes that the outbreak is only temporary and that China is fully capable of overcoming it soon.
In a sharp contrast , Foreign Ministry Spokesperson ,Hua Chunying ,ofChina criticizes “unfriendly U.S. comments” amid fight against epidemic
Hesaid ,”Chinese people are making their best efforts to fight against the outbreak. The Chinese government has released information and shared data with the US and the rest of the international community in a timely, transparent and responsible manner. As the saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Many countries have offered China help and support through various ways. In contrast, the US comments and actions are neither based on facts, nor helpful at this particular time. While the WHO has only just specifically advised against any travel restrictions, the US has decided to act in the opposite way. This has set a bad example. It is certainly not a gesture of goodwill.”
