With the rapid spread of the new coronavirus in China, the data on the number of infected people and deaths announced daily by the authorities has not been updated since January 8.
The Chinese government has said that it will "adjust the frequency of announcements according to the infection status," but there is growing concern among countries seeking information sharing.
The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which is responsible for infectious disease control in China, has announced information on the number of people infected with the new coronavirus and the number of deaths on its website every day.
However, the data has not been updated until the 11th after January 8th, when the Chinese government lowered the response to the new coronavirus by one level from the level that required the most severe infection control.
With this reduction, the Chinese government said, "We will adjust the frequency of announcements according to the infection status, and eventually make it once a month."
However, as the new coronavirus infection spreads rapidly, countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) are asking China to share information on the number of infected people and deaths.
In China, migrant workers and others are returning to their hometowns in earnest before the long holidays in line with the Lunar New Year's "Spring Festival" begin on January 21, leading to further spread of infection and the emergence of new mutated viruses. Concerns are growing.
WHO points out again that the Chinese government's announcement does not reflect the actual situation
Regarding the announcement of the infection status of the new coronavirus by the authorities of the Chinese government, Mr. Ryan, who oversees crisis response at the WHO = World Health Organization, said at a regular press conference on the 11th, ``The number of deaths in China is underestimated due to definitional problems. It has been reported," he said, pointing out again that the Chinese government's announcement did not reflect the actual situation.
In addition, regarding the fact that some regions in Japan are reported to have reached a peak of infection, he said, ``The WHO does not have detailed data such as the number of infected people in each region, so we cannot show the actual situation.'' rice field.
On top of that, regarding the fact that countries are strengthening border measures for people entering from China, he said, "We do not recommend travel restrictions, but given the lack of data on infections, it can be understood as a preventive measure." , showed understanding.
WHO continues to exchange information with Chinese government officials, but the data necessary to investigate the mutation in detail, such as the results of genomic analysis of the mutant strain, have not been provided. The policy is to keep asking.