The Chinese Embassy has suspended issuance of visa to Nigerians as part of measures to contain the spread of the virus, Zhou Pingjian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria said.
Pingjian explained that as at 7am Nigerian time, a total of 361 people have died of the disease while 475 people had been discharged from hospital after recovery. He added that the confirmed cases of coronavirus had increased to 17,205 while 21,558 people were suspected of being infected.
“This is going to be an unforgettable Spring Festival for the Chinese, as families are separated but united to stand together in the face of the disease”, Pingjian said, while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday.
Pingjian advised Nigerians planning to travel to China to suspend their plans until the spread of the virus is contained.
He also said that a total of 60 Nigerians were living in Wuhan city where the virus broke out from, but said none has been infected.
Pingjian reiterated the commitment of the Chinese government in safeguarding the lives of Nigerians and other nationals living in that country.
He said that an increase in the number of deaths was recorded because of the newness of the virus, which had been subjected to research, adding that scientists were still working hard to come up with the drug for the treatment of the disease.
He said that China had taken the most comprehensive, rigorous containment, and mitigation measures which went beyond the requirements of International Health Regulations.
The ambassador however expressed concern that some countries are overreacting by denying Chinese visas to their country, saying it is not the best way to tackle the epidemic.
According to him, checking the spread of the coronavirus is a common concern of the international community.
Godsgift Onyedinefu, Abuja
