China: Number of new cases decreasing, infections only imported, Wuhan zero for fifth day

(Patria) – Over the past four days, China has recorded a significantly lower number of new coronavirus infections, while the capital Beijing introduces stricter measures to curb the import of infections from abroad.

On Sunday, China registered 39 new cases, 7 fewer than the day before, all of which were imported from abroad – mostly students returning home from the US and Europe.

In addition to mandatory quarantine for all entries into the country, Chinese authorities have diverted all international flights to Beijing to airports in other cities, including Shanghai and Xian in the far west of the country, while all passengers will undergo strict checks upon disembarkation.

The capital reported 10 new imported cases, 3 fewer than the day before, and 11 fewer than on March 18.

Apart from the 'imported' cases, mainland China reports no new coronavirus infections.

Given that there have been no new infections for five days, the city authorities of Wuhan are beginning to relax strict measures. Recall, the city has been under lockdown with the strictest measures in place since January 23. Entry into the city is still only allowed with a health certificate and without a high temperature, and exit from the city is similarly only permitted when necessary.

On Sunday, the total number of registered infections in China stood at 81,093, while the death toll was 3,270, 9 more than the day before.