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China says WHO visit preparations ongoing
BEIJING, Jan 9, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – China confirmed Saturday that
preparations were still ongoing for a World Health Organization mission to
Wuhan to investigate the origins of Covid-19, following a rare rebuke from
the UN body over a delay to the long-planned trip.
The comments came after the WHO chief said on Tuesday he was “very
disappointed” that Beijing had yet to finalise permission even as the team of
experts had begun travelling to China to explore the beginnings of the virus,
which first emerged late last year in the central city.
On Saturday, National Health Commission vice minister Zeng Yixin told
reporters: “The specific time is being determined, and we are ready here.”
“As long as these experts complete the procedures and confirm their
schedule, we will go to Wuhan together to carry out investigations,” he said.
Earlier in the week, Chinese authorities had refused to confirm details
of the visit, a sign of the enduring sensitivity of the mission — which has
been beset with delays and politics.
The WHO previously said China had granted permission for a visit by a
10-person team.
“We are currently waiting for WHO’s experts to arrive, and have arranged
for relevant expert groups to receive them,” Zeng added.
He expressed hope the WHO investigations could further understanding on
the origins of the coronavirus.
Asked about the effectiveness of vaccination against a coronavirus
strain found in Britain that appeared to be more infectious, Zeng added: “Our
vaccine has the same neutralising ability against such a mutant strain.”
“It seems that the mutation speed of the new coronavirus is still within
an acceptable range, and the mutation speed is not particularly fast,” he
said.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1033 hrs