China has temporarily banned the trading of wildlife in a bid to contain the spread of deadly pathogens such as the coronavirus. In China, selling wild meat from animals such as yak, rodents, porcupines, and even snakes is common among small city market vendors. Still, experts have warned that the animals might have pathogens such as coronavirus.

Wildlife trade banned in China to contain the spread of coronavirus

A joint statement from government agencies broadcast through state media Xinhua indicated that any business the contravenes the ban will be shut completely. The statement indicated that the government does not plan to lift the ban until the epidemic is over. Those who will violate the ban will be handed to the police.

The coronavirus is said to have originated from a seafood market in Wuhan that was selling wildlife illegally. The government has taken preventive control measures in Wuhan as a top priority, and it has closed relevant markets in the area. This includes the ban on illegal breeding, trading, transportation as well as consumption of wildlife.

The death toll as a result of the coronavirus has risen significantly, and the spread has been rapid. China’s President Xi Jinping has declared the epidemic a grave situation. Xi has equally indicated that the government is taking public safety as a priority.

Several cities shut public transport for fear of infection

Several cities have been forced to lock down public transport as they put more measures in place to curb the spread of the virus. For instance, everyone entering the Beijing subway is screened for symptoms, and subway cars are disinfected every hour. However, despite the concerns about infection, people head out anyway because some have to get to work and attend to other things.

The bus system in Beijing has been shut because, unlike high-speed rail and airlines, it is less regulated, and they can’t track people or where they came from. Other cities such as shading province have equally restricted long-distance transport. Neighboring areas in Beijing have been sealed off because of suspicion of coronavirus infection.