• 75 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus in Chongqing as of 24:00 January 25, nine in severe condition and two in critical condition
• 18 newly confirmed cases from the day before, one in severe condition and one in critical condition, first confirmed cases in Jiangbei District, Dazu District, and Tongliang District
• 813 people who had close contact with the patients in Chongqing have been traced, 20 people released from medical observation, and 793 people still under medical observation

Chongqing - Chongqing Municipal Health Commission announced Sunday morning that 75 confirmed cases of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), including nine in severe condition and two in critical condition, had been reported in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality by the end of Saturday. 

The municipal health authority also announced 18 newly confirmed cases from the day before, one in severe condition and one in critical condition.  Jiangbei District, Dazu District, and Tongliang District reported their first confirmed cases. Among the newly confirmed cases, three were in Wanzhou District, two in Dadukou District, two in Jiangbei District, two in Yubei District, one in Dazu District, one in Tongliang District, two in Zhongxian County, two in Yunyang County, two in Fengjie County and one in Wuxi County.

At present, 813 people who had close contact with the patients in Chongqing have been traced, 20 people have been released from medical observation, and 793 people are still under medical observation.

Chongqing's response to 2019-nCoV

Chongqing has activated Level-Ⅰpublic health emergency response, the highest level of its kind, on January 24. Chongqing has carried out community-based investigations, to prevent the further transmission of the virus. The municipality-level disease control expert group has strengthened its guidance, such as on district and county prevention and control, epidemic report management, close contact investigation and isolation, and biosecurity. All medical institutions strictly implement various measures to prevent infections and strengthen protection for medical personnel.  The designated medical institutions gather experts, medicines, and equipment to treat patients. 

Chongqing also strengthens its support for Wuhan and is ready to send medical staff from municipal hospitals at any time. A 150-member medical team of the Army Military Medical University stationed in Chongqing headed to Wuhan Friday night to support the battle against the new coronavirus.

The Chongqing municipal public transport authority said on Friday that all expressways in Chongqing are open. Temporary quarantine stations are now set up at the main toll stations of the Chongqing Expressway and in related service areas adjacent to entrances to Chongqing from neighboring provinces.

Supermarkets like Yonghui Supermarket have recently replenished daily necessities such as convenience foods, frozen foods, vegetables, and fresh food to meet the normal supply during the Spring Festival, according to a manager at the supermarket.

It is required by a notice issued by the leading municipal group for waste classification Saturday to strengthen the collection, transportation, and disposal of used masks, and set up waste mask collection containers in accordance with local conditions, and place them in a conspicuous place for the convenience of the public. The public is encouraged to sterilize waste masks (sprayed with 75% alcohol and 84 disinfection water), put them into special containers after simple damage (ripped or shredded).  Masks used by people of home-based isolation should be boiled with water for 10-15 minutes before disposal; masks used by ordinary residents should be placed in a dedicated collection container; hands should be washed immediately after placement.

Official announcement to suspend group tours

According to the China Association of Travel Services, travel agencies and online travel service providers have been told to suspend group tours and travel packages with tickets and hotels since Saturday.

Tour groups that have already left can continue to complete their trips according to the contract. During the itinerary, pay close attention to the physical conditions of the tourists and take good care of their health.

In accordance with the unified requirements of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, domestic tour groups and travel packages with tickets and hotels have ceased from January 24. When it comes to tour groups for outbound tourism, some can continue to travel before January 27, if the safety is guaranteed. But after Monday, all tour groups, for outbound tourism included, will be suspended. Tourists and travel agencies can negotiate follow-up issues according to contracts and related laws.

The latest on 2019-nCov: 1,975 confirmed coronavirus cases on the Chinese mainland as of Saturday midnight; 56 deaths on the Chinese mainland; 30 provincial-level regions have activated first-level emergency response.

The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Saturday held a meeting on the prevention and control of the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the meeting. "Life is of paramount importance. When an epidemic breaks out, a command is issued. It is our responsibility to prevent and control it," said Xi, ordering Party committees and governments at all levels take novel coronavirus outbreak prevention and control as the top priority of their work.