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 the country's recent outbreak could peak by Wednesday.

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

"So, if there's no sharp increase of newly reported cases tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, the outbreak this time will basically maintain the current scale."

Wu said Beijing did not see cluster of infection or mass transmission between patients and medical workers in hospital, and that the initial spreading happened between market workers. He also said authorities detected the spread early enough to feel confident they could contain the outbreak.

According to the 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 the city.

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

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

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

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