China: Beijing's virus outbreak could peak in 48 hours

A top epidemiologist for China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told state media that country's recent outbreak could peak by Wednesday.

"For those who were infected, y will start showing a symptom eir tomorrow or day after tomorrow," said Wu Zunyo on Monday, in an interview with state brocaster CCTV.

"So, if re's sharp increase of newly reported cases tomorrow or day after tomorrow, outbreak this time will basically maintain current scale."

Wu said Beijing did t see cluster of infection or mass transmission between patients and medical workers in hospital, and that initial spreing happened between market workers. He also said authorities detected spre early eugh to feel confident y could contain outbreak.

According to municipal health commission's press conference, as of 6 a.m. on 16 June, Beijing government has disinfected 276 outdoor farmers markets, closed 11 underground markets, and disinfected 33,173 restaurants across city.

Authorities claim that all restaurants in city maintain rmal operation and service.

For most people, new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But virus is highly contagious and can be spre by those with mild or visible symptoms.

For some, especially older ults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could le to death.