• There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives, according to the World Health Organization Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 on March 11. Of the 118,000 cases reported globally in 114 countries, more than 90 percent of cases are in just four countries, and two of those– China and the Republic of Korea - have significantly declining epidemics.

• The WHO chief said on Wednesday that COVID-19 could be characterized as a pandemic. He also summarized four key areas for countries to built around a comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives, and minimize the impact.

• The overall confirmed cases on the Chinese mainland had reached 80,793 by the end of March 11. A total of 3,169 people had died of COVID-19, and altogether 62,793 people had been discharged from hospital after recovery.

• China will contribute to the global fight and work with the international community with solidarity and mutual assistance to overcome the epidemic, according to the regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

• .As of the end of Wednesday, Chongqing had reported a total of 576 confirmed cases, with 16 currently hospitalized without any severe case or critical case, six deaths, and 554 discharged patients. Wednesday had no newly confirmed case in Chongqing for the sixteenth consecutive day, and seven more patients recovered and released from the hospital.

• According to the Chongqing Economy and Informatization Commission, over one thousand enterprises of automobile and electronics industries in Chongqing have started full operation and resumed production.

Chongqing- As of 24:00 local time on March 11, Chongqing had reported 16 confirmed cases currently hospitalized without any severe case or critical case, six deaths, six deaths, and 554 discharged patients after recovery, according to the Chongqing Municipal Health Commission Thursday. All those cases had totaled 576 confirmed cases infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as of the end of Wednesday in Chongqing.

Wednesday had no newly confirmed case in Chongqing for the sixteenth consecutive day, and seven more patients recovered and released from the hospital. A total of 23,681 people who had close contacts with COVID-19 patients have been traced, 23,577 people have been released from medical observation, and 104 people are under medical observation.

Full operation of  the automobile and electronics enterprises in Chongqing

According to the Chongqing Economy and Informatization Commission, over one thousand enterprises of automobile and electronics industries in Chongqing have started full operation and resumed production.

On March 10, the power consumption recovery rates of both industries exceeded 100%, and capacity utilization reached a high level. "The two major industries of automobiles and electronics are important for Chongqing's economic development, and they also play a decisive role. Last year, their industrial output value accounted for about 43% of the municipality's total," said Tu Xingyong, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Economy and Informatization Commission. The commission also helped key electronics companies recruit 44,000 new workers, and 1.12 million masks were allocated for critical enterprises.

 A total of 6,500 enterprises above designated size have resumed production (including enterprises in continuous operation) as of March 9, reaching an operating rate of 99.8%. The number of employers coming back to work totaled 1.319 million, with a work-returning rate of 93%. 

China will contribute to the global fight against COVID-19

China will contribute to the worldwide fight and work with the international community with solidarity and mutual assistance to overcome the epidemic, according to the regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang elaborated on five areas to do that.

China will step up communication and coordination with the WHO and the international community. He said, "The exchange of information is an important part of a joint global response." The country will continue to share experience and exchange with other countries. "China has so far published seven guidelines on COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment and six guidelines on prevention and control, all of which have been translated into multiple foreign languages," explained the spokesperson. Moreover, China will send medical specialists to more countries and regions in need, provide medicines and other supplies to the international community, and ramp up cooperation with the international community on science and technology.

People's Daily reported that China Eastern Airlines on Thursday sent a brand-new A350 aircraft to escort nine medical experts and 31 tons of medical materials, including ICU ward equipment, medical protective equipment, antiviral agents, plasma of ordinary healthy people and plasma of cured patients infected with COVID-19, from the Red Cross Society of China to Rome to help Italy with their epidemic fight.

In addition, China has also been making coordinated efforts in economic and social development in the meantime of fighting the epidemic. "As the domestic situation keeps getting better, major industries and enterprises, including foreign ones, are gradually resuming work and production; our social production and economic performance are getting back to normal," said Geng Shuang.

WHO chief announces to characterize COVID-19 a pandemic

There are now more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4,291 people have lost their lives, according to the WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19 on March 11. Of the 118,000 cases reported globally in 114 countries, more than 90 percent of cases are in just four countries, and two of those – China and the Republic of Korea - have significantly declining epidemics.

The WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said," WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock, and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the disturbing levels of inaction. We have therefore, assessed that COVID-19 could be characterized as a pandemic." 

He also summarized four critical areas for countries built around a comprehensive strategy to prevent infections, save lives, and minimize the impact. To be specific, prepare, and be ready; detect, protect, and treat; reduce transmission; innovate, and learn.

Last but not least, the WHO chief said, "Let me give you some other words that matter much more, and that is much more actionable. Prevention. Preparedness. Public health. Political leadership. And most of all, people."