Nepali in Wuhan safe from coronavirus

The Ministry of Foreign affairs of China has informed that Nepali nationals in Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei province, are safe from the infection of the novel coronavirus.

According to a press statement issued by the Chinese Embassy, all control, safety, and preventive measures have been taken for the safety of people in the area. The Chinese government has also praised the Government of Nepal for the safety measures adopted to fight against the coronavirus.

The statement states that Nepali nationals can contact the Kathmandu – based Chinese Embassy in Nepal or the Chinese Foreign Ministry in China if any sort of support is needed in regards to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Press Release from the Embassy of China in Nepal 

1. Since the outbreak of the new coronavirus-related pneumonia, there were 11791 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, 17988 cases suspected of being infected, 259 cases of death and 243 cases of being cured in China as of 24:00 on January 31^st. There were 106 confirmed cases overseas without a death report.

2. The Chinese government has given earnest consideration to prevention and control work. First, we investigated the origin of the infections and offered technical guidance. Second, we gave guidance to Wuhan on implementing preventive and control measures. Third, we strengthened prevention and control work across the country. Fourth, we spared no efforts in the treatment of patients. Fifth, we accelerated scientific research on the new coronavirus. Sixth, we worked on information disclosure.

Also, we deepened exchanges and cooperation. We have informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of the situation of the outbreak and continue to share technical information in a timely manner. We have shared with the WHO the whole genetic sequencing of some strains. The WHO experts were invited to visit Wuhan, and we organized experts from Chinese Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan to make field trips to Wuhan.

3. According to the statement on the second meeting of the International Health Regulations (2005) Emergency Committee regarding the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the novel coronavirus outbreak has become a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Director-General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the WHO disfavors or even opposes imposing travel or trade restrictions on China. Ghebreyesus noted that “The speed with which China detected the outbreak, isolated the virus, sequenced the genome and shared it with WHO and the world are very impressive, and beyond words. So is China’s commitment to transparency and to supporting other countries. In many ways, China is actually setting a new standard for outbreak response. That reflects not only China’s high sense of responsibility for the lives and health of its own people but also its strong support for global disease prevention and control.”

4. The epidemic is preventable, controllable and manageable. We have determined, confident and capable of winning this epidemic prevention and control fight. The Chinese government will perform its international obligations in a highly responsible manner, make every effort to ensure the health of foreign citizens in China, and address the legitimate concerns of all parties. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has set up an emergency response mechanisms to coordinate and handle foreign affairs related to epidemic prevention. It is understood that some Nepali citizens, including students, are still in Wuhan and their lives and medical care are guaranteed. Please rest assured that China will continue to take proactive measures to protect their legitimate rights and interests. We appreciate the Nepali side had taken measures and have full cooperation with WHO office in Nepal for preventing the epidemic. If any need, the Nepali side can communicate with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in a timely manner.

Due to the recent situation, the number of Chinese tourists to Nepal will be affected. After the epidemic is under control, we will continue to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Nepal and contribute to the 2020 Visit Nepal Year.

             The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nepal

                     February 1^st, 2020