Nippon TV:
The coronavirus was first detected at a seafood market in Wuhan, and the outbreak in Beijing this time also started from a market. Why did the outbreaks start in this way? Is there any analysis of this aspect? Will the same thing happen in the future? If possible, how will you prevent the virus from spreading? Thank you.
Feng Luzhao:
Thank you. Most of the fresh food markets indeed feature complex personnel structure, wide logistics coverage, large passenger flows and a humid environment. Such factors bring about great difficulties and challenges when it comes to tracing contaminated products and managing exposed personnel once the environment is contaminated or an epidemic breaks out. For example, Xinfadi market in Beijing is the largest market for agricultural and sideline products in Asia, and supplies over 80% of the agricultural products needed by Beijing. It also radiates to neighboring provinces such as Hebei. Since the first case was discovered on June 11, Beijing has responded quickly, initiated a second level emergency response, and strengthened the management of communities and the movement of people entering and leaving Beijing. We also organized all necessary nucleic acid testing among people from key industries and areas, trying to discover all infected cases. We also called for people to take proper protective measures, striving to control the outbreak at an early stage. The general public should certainly strengthen personal protection measures as soon as an outbreak occurs, including being aware of cough etiquette, taking disinfectant wipes when going out, maintaining good hand hygiene, ensuring clean food and safe drinking water, washing hands carefully, and avoiding consuming any uncooked food or un-boiled water. People from regions at different risk levels can refer to the State Council's guidelines, especially the revised version, as well as the just released “Guidelines on the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 for Key Locations, Organizations and Groups of Low-Risk Regions in Summer” regarding the wearing of masks in the proper manner. Gatherings should be reduced, and people should better maintain the1-meter social distancing rule. If you detect respiratory symptoms like fever, a cough and general fatigue, you should seek medical treatment while wearing a medical surgical mask, rather than go to work while feeling sick. You should also try to avoid public transportation, so as to reduce the risk of infection. Thank you.
