BEIJING: The coronavirus epidemic that has killed over 2,400 people is communist China’s “largest public health emergency” since its founding in 1949, President Xi Jinping said Sunday. It is necessary to learn from “obvious shortcomings exposed” during China’s response, Xi added at an official meeting to coordinate the virus fight – a rare acknowledgment by a Chinese leader. Xi’s comments come as the number of virus infections hit almost 77,000 in mainland China – with countries such as South Korea on high alert and Italy taking containment measures as well. Xi acknowledged that the epidemic will “inevitably have a large impact on the economy and society“, but he stressed the effects will be “short-term” and controllable. China has seen a slow return to work since an extended Spring Festival break, as officials urged the public to avoid gatherings and stay at home.

Source: New Strait Times February 23, 2020 13:30 UTC