|
BEIJING, March 10-- Chinese President Xi Jinping's inspection trip Tuesday in Wuhan, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, indicated that rays of victory over the epidemic are emerging after weeks of all-out efforts by the entire country. When Xi, wearing his mask, talked with frontline medical staff, community workers, patients and residents, the strength and fortitude of the Chinese nation shone through. The Chinese people have, with their devotion and sacrifice, made it evident that coronavirus is a foe that can be defeated. The visit came on the same day when all the city's 16 makeshift hospitals were closed. China reported only 19 new cases Monday, marking the lowest total in China since late January. The Chinese mainland excluding Hubei Province has not seen any new indigenous COVID-19 cases for three consecutive days. Normality is steadily returning to the country. China is not politically weakened as a few Western observers predicted, but has stabilized the situation, contained most of the cases within its borders and earned valuable time -- at least three weeks -- for other countries to enhance their preparedness. Progress does not come without sacrifice. Wuhan, with a population of more than 10 million, has been on lockdown for nearly 50 days. Many other cities in Hubei Province have also taken similar measures to prohibit or restrict inter-city movements. The uNPRecedented move is not perfect -- bringing city life almost to a standstill and creating short-term economic repercussions. But the leadership has the political resolve to do so, because quarantine is the most effective way to keep COVID-19 isolated when the disease is not truly understood and there are no medicines or vaccines at hand. | 
