20,000 goggles sent to virus-hit Wuhan

22:35, January 27, 2020

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  Medical supplies in virus-hit Wuhan race against time

  (Photo: CGTN)When Luo Gangqiang, director of the Red Cross Society of Wuhan, put his cell phone number on a donation notice, he was surprised by the responses."It has become a hotline," he said. "On the first day, I had over a thousand missed calls. "I got tense and stressed and came to realize the virus situation had been severe."In just a matter of weeks, the demand for medical supplies has become urgent in Wuhan, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus epidemic.Over the past weekend, the Red Cross Society has received funds of over 8 million US dollars as well as 700,000 US dollars worth of medical goods, including masks, disinfectants, and protective suits and medicines.The Wuhan government assigns the contributions to its 22 hospitals in need.Yet, demands across the Hubei Province are rising. For example, 100,000 suits of protective clothing a day are required, less than half of the nationwide production capacity.Luo said there are other logistical and staffing challenges facing the Red Cross."We recruited volunteers who are so dedicated, but we need more professionals to tackle coordination with other sectors including transportation and customs," he said. "Most of us have worked tirelessly."Among his colleagues, one is affected by the virus and another is under quarantine. "But there are still misunderstandings about us," he noted, calling for public understanding.Ensuring sufficient medical equipment and fielding trained personnel are challenges being faced head-on, as the battle against the virus continues. Time is of the essence.

• 10 Photos

  Medics fighting virus in Wuhan

  A medical worker in hazmat suit stands in front of a mirror at Wuhan Union Hospital.A medical worker in hazmat suit at Wuhan Union Hospital.Medical workers in hazmat suits at Wuhan Union Hospital.A medical worker in hazmat suit speaks with suspected patients at Wuhan Union Hospital.A medical worker at Tongji University helps patients in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.Medical workers at Tongji University help patients in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.A medical worker at Tongji University in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.A medical worker at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.Medical workers at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.A medical worker at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.

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  Wuhan virus preventable, controllable: commission

  The National Health Commission (NHC) said Sunday that the pneumonia in Wuhan, capital of Central Chinas Hubei Province, caused by a new type of coronavirus was still "preventable and controllable," as public voices called for more open and transparent information amid anxiety of expanding transmission during the Spring Festival travel rush. (Photo: Global Times)The National Health Commission (NHC) said Sunday that the pneumonia in Wuhan, capital of Central Chinas Hubei Province, caused by a new type of coronavirus was still "preventable and controllable," as public voices called for more open and transparent information amid anxiety of expanding transmission during the Spring Festival travel rush.Chinese observers noted although the source and transmission route of the epidemic was not yet fully understood, the government has proposed many preventative measures and Chinas notification mechanism for epidemic prevention and control has greatly improved especially since the 2003 SARS outbreak.A total of 3 billion trips are forecast to be made during the 40-day Chinese Spring Festival rush.How to control and prevent the spread of the coronavirus in Wuhan, a dense transportation hub and international metropolis with nearly 10 million people, constitutes a test for the citys authorities who earlier on Sunday said they could not rule out the possibility of limited human-to-human transmission.Sixty-two people are confirmed sick, eight seriously, in Wuhan.Two people have died from the virus.New cases peaked Friday, with 17 more and four new cases were reported a day earlier.Chinese experts stressed that local medical systems and governments should provide timely public updates, respond to queries and break down rumors through open, reliable data.Concealing the epidemic, like with the earlier period of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002, risked causing a crisis in public confidence.Speculation on the outbreak h...