Chongqing — On January 26, a press conference on the prevention and control of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pneumonia was held in southwest China's Chongqing municipality. At the conference, the authority of relevant departments responded to various topics of public concern.

What measures have Chongqing taken to identify and cut off the source of infection?

Zhang Qiang, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Security Authority, introduced that according to the unified arrangement and deployment in Chongqing, the city has set up a workgroup focused on epidemic prevention and control. Also, Chongqing formulated and issued specific work plans, and started a community investigation and control work in a timely manner.

Through the form of investigating and inquiring, Chongqing’s districts and counties carry out comprehensive, in-depth, and thorough measures to screen out carriers of the novel pneumonia virus. It also focuses on the investigation of people who have lived in or been to Wuhan and returned to or visited relatives and friends in Chongqing from January 1 to 10.

By 18:00 January 25, a total of 2.46 million households, 6.05 million people, were investigated, with a result of 172 people under suspicious symptoms. For those with suspicious symptoms, the local health department has been notified in time for further quarantine.

Chongqing has implemented comprehensive transportation controls

Chen Yongzhong, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Transportation Bureau, said the bureau launched an emergency response after the outbreak. At the same time, we worked out an emergency plan for epidemic prevention and control.

In terms of roads, chartered buses to and from Wuhan were suspended on January 22, and coaches to and from Wuhan were suspended on January 23. For water transport, 11 cruise ships suspended operations. In terms of railway and civil aviation, all trains carrying passengers from Wuhan to Chongqing have been suspended since January 23, and all civil aviation flights between Chongqing and Wuhan have been suspended.

“We pay attention to epidemic prevention of the transportation hub. To the airport, the railway station, the harbor-wharf, the long-distance bus station, as well as the bus, the rail transit, the taxi, and others, we put forward the clear request in the ventilation and disinfection," said Chen Yongzhong. "What’s more, we carry out comprehensive screening for epidemic prevention in Chongqing and fully cooperate with the health department to carry out temperature screening for passengers who enter Chongqing at stations, airports, and docks.”

Chongqing has strengthened supervision and inspection of public places

Yang Guang, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Market Supervision Bureau, introduced the measures taken by Chongqing to strengthen inspection of key public areas and conduct joint prevention and control of the epidemic.

“Market regulators took measures to regulate aquatic products markets, supermarkets, and foodservice venues. The sale of wild animals and the trading of live poultry are strictly prohibited. At the same time, we will investigate and punish all illegal acts that disrupt market order in accordance with regulations," said Yang Guang.

The city administration made great efforts to control the exhibition and visit public places. Moreover, it also strengthens the collection, transportation, and disposal of domestic garbage, and sterilize sanitation facilities. Cultural exhibitions, popular science education, fairs, and other activities have been canceled in the city's parks.

The ministry of cultural tourism has strengthened control over cultural tourism sites and activities. All 104 museums and 43 public libraries in the city have been closed, and mass cultural activities have been suspended. 824 Internet access services shop and 4,180 entertainment venues have been suspended. A total of 676 travel agencies and online travel companies have suspended group tours, outbound tours, and other travel products.