In an interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Wuhan Party Secretary Ma Guoqiang mentioned a few critical dates:
- December 27, 2019: A hospital reported that regular antibiotic treatment did not work for a few pneumonia patients.The Wuhan Health Department then asked hospitals to report similar cases.
- December 30/31, 2019: The Wuhan government gathered more patients from other hospitals and reported the situation to the National Health Commission.
- January 12/13, 2020: At the airport, train station, coach station, and ship terminal, Wuhan began installing infrared thermometers to test people’s temperatures.
- January 20, 2020: The State Council took action and the National Health Commission declared the coronavirus to be a category B infectious disease.
The Wuhan government didn’t release the critical information to the public or take serious measures until January 20, 2020.
Related posting on Chinascope: