Premier Li arrives in Wuhan to instruct epidemic control

The premier stopped by a supermarket in the city and learned about the supply of commodities and their prices.

He told residents at the supermarket that the whole country stands behind them, and he assured them that the government can ensure adequate market supply and a stable price of commodities in the city.

Li also presided over a work conference on epidemic control in Wuhan.

He said the country will send another 2,500 medical workers, especially nurses, to support the city and another 20,000 safety goggles will arrive on Monday afternoon.

Multiple measures will be adopted to ensure the city's daily supply of protection suits, he added.

Going forward, the country will meet the demands from the city, either in terms of personnel, materials or funds, he said.

He also urged the provincial government of Hubei province and Wuhan municipal government to assume their duties, make all-out efforts for epidemic control and prevention and make public official information in a timely manner.

The ultimate goal is to lower the incidence rate and the mortality rate from the novel virus so that the epidemic can be put under effective control and the life and health of the people can be safeguarded, he said.

China has so far sent over 2,000 medical workers from 14 provincial areas and the military to Wuhan to help with epidemic control and treatment as of Monday, according to the National Health Commission.

The number of cases of infection in Hubei province reached 1,423 as of Sunday, with 76 deaths and 69 people in critical condition, according to the provincial authority.