On February 2nd and 4th, Mr. Dai Yuming, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Israel, held press briefings on the novel coronavirus epidemic 2019 and answered questions from Israeli and Chinese media.

Mr. Dai said that President Xi Jinping puts people's life and health at the first place and has made important instructions and comprehensive deployment. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the whole nation is working together to curb the spread of the virus. 6000 strong medical teams from across China have arrived in Hubei for medical support. Medical supplies are being delivered. Factories are back into full production. The 1000-bed Huoshenshan Hospital has completed its construction and gone into use, demonstrating "China Speed". The measures taken by China are showing positive effects. The mortality rate caused by Virus in China is 2.1%, far below Ebola, SARS and MERS. The number of recovered cases has reached over 650 and is still rising. All these encouraging developments show that the epidemic is preventable, controllable and curable.

Mr. Dai pointed it out that attaching great importance to people's life and health, China has taken the most strict and comprehensive control measures that are far exceeding WHO recommendations and International Health Regulations' requirements. What the Chinese are doing is not just for the public health of our own, but for the entire international community.

Mr. Dai highlighted that China has been conducting international cooperation in an open, transparent and responsible manner. We have released information to and accepted field inspections from WHO, relevant countries and Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions of China, those information includes the genetic sequence of the virus, testing methods, diagnosing and medication. The efforts have been widely applauded by WHO and public health experts across the world. We are also attaching great importance to the safety of foreign nationals in China, we keep foreign embassies and consulates informed through various channels and work hard to address their difficulties. Foreign affairs offices in different localities have launched hotlines to assist the foreigners in China. China's responsible action has won full recognition of WHO and countries around the world.

Mr. Dai said that WHO Director-General Tedros clearly stated that the main reason for declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) is not because of what is happening in China. It is about protecting countries with weaker health systems and which are ill-prepared to deal with potential spread. WHO continues to have confidence in China's capacity to control the outbreak. There is no reason for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade. WHO doesn't recommend limiting trade and movement. Director-General's recommendations should be seriously considered. All countries must remain levelheaded, should adopt a responsible attitude, work together to combat the virus, and avoid overreaction that may result in more negative spillover effects, such as unnecessary restrictions on trade and people to people exchanges.

Mr. Dai said that in response to this unexpected epidemic, people from all walks of life in Israel have expressed sympathy, confidence and support for China's fight against the epidemic. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed the appreciation on China's efforts to contain the spread of the virus. The city of Netanya and Israeli Chamber of Commerce in China have donated medical equipment. We're deeply moved by what they've said and done for us, we will never forget.

Mr. Dai emphasized that as WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros put it, "this is the time for facts, not fear. This is the time for science, not rumors. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma." We hope that the international community can view the epidemic in a rational and calm way and make a science-based and measured response. China will continue to work more closely with international community including Israel in an open, transparent and highly responsible manner to safeguard the life and health of the Chinese people and contribute to regional and global public health security.