【SHENZHEN NEWS】
1.Shenzhen actively engages in international epidemic prevention and control, shouldering the "Chinese responsibility." On Mar. 21, Information Office of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government held a news conference on Shenzhen’s epidemic prevention and control, making responses to concerns of the society. When the city is sparing no effort to win the battle against the epidemic, it has branded a city image in international collaboration in epidemic prevention and control with the help of "supplies" and "technology," which demonstrates the responsibility of the city has been shouldering as the Pilot Demonstration Zone of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. The over 300,000 medical masks and protective suits of various kinds sourced by Shenzhen have been shipped in batches to 8 friendship cities in 4 countries, including Milan, Turin, Busan and Osaka. (Source: Shenzhen Release)
2.Shenzhen medical team dispatched to help Hubei sees its first batch of medical staff return to Shenzhen with mission accomplished. On the evening of Mar. 20, escorted by the police motorcycles, 47 members of the Shenzhen medical team in support of Hubei Province returned to the city safe and sound. Hailed as "the most admirable heroes braving challenges." their images were once again displayed on LED screens across the city. Shenzhen Party chief Wang Weizhong and Mayor Chen Rugui welcomed the heroes’ arrival. On behalf of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee and Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Wang expressed the deepest gratitude and the highest respect to them, as well as the most sincere greetings to those still stationed in Hubei. (Source: Shenzhen TV)
3.Shenzhen further clarifies key tasks in epidemic prevention and control. On Mar. 20, Shenzhen Party chief Wang Weizhong convened a meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee. He stressed that the city should accurately grasp the changes in domestic and international epidemic prevention and control as well as economic landscape at the current stage, and adjust corresponding strategies and work focuses in time. Firstly, closed-loop prevention and control should be earnestly conducted in essential parts of immigration prevention and control, including air transportation, port quarantine, transportation to destinations, and community prevention and control. Secondly, arrangements should be made in a cautious and orderly manner to facilitate the work resumption and settlement of returnees from Hubei. Thirdly, community prevention and control measures should be further optimized to expand activity spaces for residents in uninfected communities. (Source: Shenzhen Release)
4.Shenzhen-made test kits are sent to the world, covering more than 60 countries and regions. Since the global spread of the epidemic, China has provided a large number of foreign aid materials to countries around the world, including instant nucleic acid test kits from Shenzhen. According to statistics, as of March 20, the kits developed and donated by Shenzhen’s BGI alone had been delivered to 8 countries around the world. For some of them, these supplies are the first batch of materials from abroad they have received. (Source: sznews.com)
【GLOBAL NEWS】
5.The World Health Organization said Wuhan's zero increase in infection added new hope to the world. The WHO held a routine news conference on the COVID-19 in Geneva on Mar. 20. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the WHO was informed of over 210,000 reported COVID-19 cases around the world and over 9,000 causalities, but the zero increase in infection in Wuhan has provided hope for other regions. The Wuhan case proves that the epidemic can be curbed even in the region most stricken by the COVID-19. (Source: World Health Organization)
6.The Chinese government has announced assistance to 82 countries, the WHO and the African Union (AU). First, intergovernmental assistance. The Chinese government has announced assistance to 82 countries, the WHO and the AU. The assistance includes testing reagents, masks and protective gowns. Many batches of these supplies have been delivered to the recipients. Second, medical technological cooperation. We have shared our treatment experience with the rest of the world, held video conferences with health experts from many countries and international organizations, and sent medical teams to Iran, Iraq and Italy. Third, sub-national assistance. Local governments in China have donated supplies to cities in the ROK, Japan and Italy. Fourth, non-governmental assistance. Chinese enterprises and civil organizations are also making donations to countries affected. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)