China Takes Bold Measure to Curb Wuhan Coronavirus

In a bold move to curb the spread of a coronavirus outbreak, China will temporarily shut down public transportation - planes, trains, buses, ferries and subways in the city of 8.9 million people,Wuhan, Hubei province, starting at 10:00 a.m. China time, on Thursday, January 23, 2020. 

As reports count 500 cases of the SARS-like Novel Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, which has already claimed 17 deaths, President Xi Jinping's call to resolutely fight the spread of the virus, has resulted in the government of Wuhan officially stopping public transportation to and from the city starting at 10:00 a.m. Essentially, the airport, high speed rail, subway, ferry and bus services will be curtailed in an effort to curb the infection that reportedly started at a market in the Chinese City.

China's bold measure is indicative of the nation's resolve to protect China and the international community from any larger infection. The closures come amid Chinese New Year celebrations as tens of millions scatter across the country for family gatherings.

According to the BBC-News, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), described China's action as a "very strong measure" that would "not only control the outbreak, they (China) will minimize spread internationally." 

Some 13-provincial level regions in China are reporting victims of the virus along with overseas locations in Japan, Thailand, the Republic of Korea and the United States. 

Shutting down public transportation in Wuhan is like closing such services in New York City, New York,which has a population of 8.5 million. Therefore, this concerted action on the part of the Chinese to resort to such stark moves to curb the new virus, should be applauded as a global leadership role to which China has been ascending. 

Here's to wishing for a quick end to the outbreak and a return to good health and prosperity to all.