The coronavirus epidemic that has killed over 2,400 people is communist China’s “largest public health emergency” since its founding in 1949, said President Xi Jinping on Sunday.
It is necessary to learn from “obvious shortcomings exposed” during China’s response, Xi added at an official meeting to coordinate the virus fight – a rare acknowledgement by a Chinese leader.
In comments reported by state broadcaster CCTV, Xi said the epidemic “has the fastest transmission, widest range of infection and has been the most difficult to prevent and control.”
“This is a crisis for us and it is a big test,” he said.
Xi’s comments come as the number of virus infections hit almost 77,000 in mainland China – with countries such as South Korea on high alert and Italy taking containment measures as well.
Xi acknowledged on Sunday that the epidemic will “inevitably have a large impact on the economy and society,” but he stressed the effects will be “short-term” and controllable.
Also Read
-
Imports, packages from China significantly delayed by coronavirus: Importers
Chinese imports and packages have become significantly delayed, leaving businesses and consumers with potentially no supplies in the future as the ... Economy -
Nearly 650 new coronavirus cases in China, 97 deaths
China’s death toll from the coronavirus epidemic rose to 2,442 on Sunday after the government said 97 more people had died, all but one of them ... World News -
China reports further fall in new virus cases, 118 deaths
China reported a further fall in new virus cases to 889 on Friday as health officials expressed optimism over containment of the outbreak that has ... World News -
China’s coronavirus-hit Hubei province confirms 115 more deaths
The death toll in China from the coronavirus epidemic rose to 2,233 on Friday after 115 more people died in Hubei province, the hard-hit epicenter of ... World News
