SHANGHAI: The mayor of China's Wuhan, epicentre of an outbreak of a coronavirus that has killed 56 and infected more than 2,000 in China, said on Sunday (Jan 26) he expects another 1,000 new patients in the city, highlighting the immense pressure on Wuhan's infrastructure.
The number of confirmed cases in the city could rise by 1,000, Zhou Xianwang predicted, based on the number currently undergoing observation in hospital.
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Wuhan's city government will step up construction of specialised hospitals to deal with infected patients, Zhou told reporters.
He also said around five million people had left the city during the new year travel rush.
MORE: Our coverage on the Wuhan virus and its developments
Speaking at a press conference and wearing a face mask, Zhou said the city's medical staff were "very strained and tired".
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The pressure on supplies of medical goods such as protective suits, masks and glasses had largely eased, he said, thanks in part to increased private donations.
Wuhan, a city of about 11 million and capital of Hubei province, has been under virtual lockdown amid intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak.
Images of hospital corridors packed with people seeking treatment have circulated widely on Chinese social media, and residents have complained of soaring prices on essentials such as vegetables.
READ: China scrambles to contain 'strengthening' virus
READ: Local heroes: Wuhan motorists defy virus threat to help neighbours
Zhou insisted on Sunday that the city's food pricRead More – Source
SHANGHAI: The mayor of China's Wuhan, epicentre of an outbreak of a coronavirus that has killed 56 and infected more than 2,000 in China, said on Sunday (Jan 26) he expects another 1,000 new patients in the city, highlighting the immense pressure on Wuhan's infrastructure.
The number of confirmed cases in the city could rise by 1,000, Zhou Xianwang predicted, based on the number currently undergoing observation in hospital.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Wuhan's city government will step up construction of specialised hospitals to deal with infected patients, Zhou told reporters.
He also said around five million people had left the city during the new year travel rush.
MORE: Our coverage on the Wuhan virus and its developments
Speaking at a press conference and wearing a face mask, Zhou said the city's medical staff were "very strained and tired".
Advertisement
Advertisement
The pressure on supplies of medical goods such as protective suits, masks and glasses had largely eased, he said, thanks in part to increased private donations.
Wuhan, a city of about 11 million and capital of Hubei province, has been under virtual lockdown amid intensifying efforts to contain the outbreak.
Images of hospital corridors packed with people seeking treatment have circulated widely on Chinese social media, and residents have complained of soaring prices on essentials such as vegetables.
READ: China scrambles to contain 'strengthening' virus
READ: Local heroes: Wuhan motorists defy virus threat to help neighbours
Zhou insisted on Sunday that the city's food pricRead More – Source