Hospital Director dies of Covid-19 in China

The Director of Wuchang Hospital in China, Liu Zhiming has died from infection with the new coronavirus, which has so far spread to more than 72,000 people across the Asian country and the death comes as more medical personnel on the front lines of China’s battle against Covid-19 are falling ill with the disease

Penpushing reports that, the death which occurred in the Chinese metropolis of Wuhan, was confirmed by the State-owned newswire China News Service On Monday,  while  China also  reported last week that more than 1,700 medical workers have been infected, and at least six have died.

The National Health Commission on Tuesday said a total of 72,436 infections and 1,868 deaths have so far been reported across the country, while in the previous 24 hours, medical authorities counted 1,886 new cases and 98 deaths.

Penpushing further reports that, China’s renowned epidemiologist, Zhong Nanshan, said he expected the outbreak to peak by middle-to-late February, later than initially estimated, stating that he expected the situation to be “stable” by the end of April.

The World Health Organisation (WHO)  on Monday said  the number of new coronavirus infections in China appeared to be declining, adding that, though it was too early to tell if the reported decline would continue.

Penpushing also reports that, on Monday, Beijing  cordoned off its hutongs, traditional alleyways in the centre of the city, with community members restricting non-residents’ access, while the Beijing International Automobile Exhibition, scheduled  to take place from April 21 to April 30, has been postponed due to the outbreak.