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Novel coronavirus infected 19 foreign nationals in China: spokesperson

February 06, 2020

BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua)-A total of 19 foreign nationals have been confirmed of being infected with the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), two of whom have been cured and discharged from hospital while 17 are receiving treatment in isolation, a spokesperson said Thursday.

Noting the country has put the life and health of Chinese and foreign nationals in China as its first priority, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at an online press briefing that the government has provided timely, multilingual information and advisory services on epidemic prevention and control to foreigners in China.

The foreign ministry and relevant local governments have held briefings for foreign embassies and consulates in China to respond to their concerns in a timely manner, Hua said, adding that many provinces and cities have included foreigners living there in the working mechanism of local governments and communities to meet their needs in life, epidemic prevention and treatment.

"China has attached high importance to addressing the concerns and demands of foreign nationals in China, especially those in Wuhan, Hubei Province," Hua said.

She said Hubei has strengthened the epidemic prevention and treatment concerning foreigners and provided guidance to foreign patients in accordance with the tiered diagnosis and treatment system, Hua said.

"China will continue caring for foreign nationals in our country as our own and guarantee their working and living conditions," Hua said.   ■