WHO’s line is it anyway?

After the World Health Organization’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the novel Coronavirus a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”. This body of health officials has since encouraged the importance of trade and travel, not limiting or restricting its reach due to the disease. This measure is to ensure that international resources and bodies are accessible to deal with the epidemic.

Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that the PHEIC declaration is a standard practice of the WHO.

Chinese authorities hope to extend its Spring Festival holiday to curb the outbreak in the province of Hubei. The Communist Party of China’s Central Committee on the prevention and control of the coronavirus agreed that the citizens of Hubei will be granted an extended staycation.

This meeting was chaired by Premier Li Keqiang where they discussed the “appropriate extent” of postponing business and schools to limit the risk of exposure to the public.

Canadians are still on the ground in Wuhan, China. The government’s recent attempts to send chartered flights to remove Canadians trapped in affected areas of the Coronavirus are in motion.

With over 11,600km between us.

Foreign Affairs Minister Francois- Philippe Champagne in a news conference on Monday, stated that the Chinese government has agreed to allow permanent Canadian residents with children to participate in the evacuation. However, Beijing won’t allow Canadian residents without children to leave the quarantine zone.

Global Affairs Canada confirmed on Sunday that Canadians will be evacuated from the Hubei province. And upon arrival will be quarantined for two weeks at a military base located in Trenton, Ontario.

The Canadian Forces Base in Trenton is the largest of its kind and recognized as the hub for the Royal Canadian Air Force operations in Canada.  This base is confirmed to house the returning Canadians, coming from Wuhan.

Canada currently waits for the government of China to authorize their landing as the airspace in Wuhan is currently closed.

Global Affairs Canada, in a news release, claims CFB’s Standing Rapid Deployment Team, are now deployed to Wuhan to prepare for the flight’s departure.

Canadas’ repatriated citizens will undergo a thorough health screening before boarding, during the flight and upon arrival at CFB in Trenton, Ontario – where they will remain for 14 days for further medical analysis, to ensure the health and safety of all Canadians.

“We have been working with all levels of government, public health officials and our international partners to ensure the safe return home of Canadians from Hubei Province, including staff and the flight crew. Our plan is focused on ensuring the health and safety of all Canadians.”

– Hon Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health

China has truly outdone itself- building a fully functioning hospital out of repurposed buildings and materials in just a matter of days.

10 days to be exact.

The Chinese government has been applauded by the WHO for its fast and efficient action while claiming their standard of care as “impressive”.

Stressing the importance of co-ordination and collaboration form every nation as the virus becomes increasingly dangerous in places where health systems are ill-equipped and lacking resources.

About 361 people have died from the disease while 17,205 have been infected, including four in Canada.

You will find more infographics at Statista

WUHAN WeChat

 Our source in the province of Hubei, shares his story.

The source insists on his anonymity as it could potentially threaten his safety and security in his homeland China. Censorship and the release of information is a controversial subject and although China claims full transparency, citizens risk persecution.

The source updates us on the lockdown of Wuhan. Shedding some light on the reality of the situation.

The source mentions Uber eats and other food sources and stores such as Walmart. Claiming the delivery time is a little delayed. Taking approximately 2hrs upon ordering. A majority of service workers have gone back to their home towns outside of Wuhan. Some due to the Chinese Lunar New Year, being close to family or taking care of the sick, caused by the disease. Many have disappeared. Making the way of life in the province of Hubei, difficult to say the least.

Wuhan Citizen Views

The mention of screaming comes from these two videos above. As citizens sang and chanted to upkeep moral during this grim time. Many have been stuck in their homes unable to contact the outside world or their given communities.

Take a first-hand look at the effects of the Coronavirus epidemic in Wuhan, China at this current time.

Foreign Perspective

Through the Eyes of a Canadian Medical School Graduate…

Abdullahi Ali was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. He has just recently completed a 6-year MBBS (Medical Bachelors and Bachelors of Surgery) course in Wuhan’s Tongji Medical School. He began in September of 2013 and graduated in June of 2019. He lived there for the entire duration and came out not only a medical school graduate but a completely changed man, through his formative experiences in Wuhan, China.

Abdullahi shares with us a raw account of his experience in China.

Coronavirus Global Update

Wuhan and the entire province of Hubei have been locked down for over a week since the progression of the virus.

There are now 20,438 people confirmed to have the infection in mainland China.

Canadians patiently await their return home.