China ‘still at risk of second wave of coronavirus cases’ despite first day with no domestic cases
- Nationwide, the country recorded 34 new infections all of them from overseas
- Public health experts warn it’s too soon to declare victory and imported cases risk triggering further outbreaks
Public health experts warned against premature celebrations after mainland China reported no new domestic Covid-19 infections, warning a second wave could break out any time.
The National Health Commission said on Thursday that all of the 34 new infections reported the previous day had been imported cases – the first time this has happened since the coronavirus that causes the disease emerged.
It is also the first time Hubei province – where the coronavirus was first spotted – recorded no new cases either domestically or from abroad.
The figures were in stark contrast to other places, particularly the United States and Europe, where new infections continue to surge, but epidemiologists said there was no reason to declare victory in China.
“I think it is too early to celebrate. It is likely that a second wave has already started in China, but it may be too early to detect it at the moment,” said Ben Cowling, professor of epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong School of Public Health.