70%+ Coronavirus Patients in China Have Recovered

On March 11, China’s Hubei province also reported just eight new cases, which is the first time since the health crisis started that the province has taken in less than 10 patients in a day.

Getty Images—Citizens wear protective masks as they cross a road on March 13, 2020 in Beijing, China.
Getty Images—Citizens wear protective masks as they cross a road on March 13, 2020 in Beijing, China.

In Mainland China, where the outbreak of the novel coronavirus began, most of the patients who tested positive for the virus have since recovered.

During a media briefing with the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 9, Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that of the 80,000 reported cases in China, more than 70% have recovered and been discharged.

 

On March 11, China’s Hubei province also reported just eight new cases, which is the first time since the health crisis started that the province has taken in less than 10 patients in a day.

Despite China’s confirmed cases decreasing, the virus was categorized as a pandemic Wednesday because of its global reach—though WHO officials emphasized the declaration was not intended to instill more fear.

"Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change WHO's assessment of the threat posed by the virus," Dr. Tedros said. "It doesn't change what WHO is doing. And it doesn't change what countries should do."

In response to the spread, many countries are issuing strict bans and cancelling large gatherings to prevent cross contamination. Italy is currently under a nationwide lockdown, while France has banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

In the U.S., President Trump announced on Wednesday night he is suspending all travel for non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents from most of Europe to the United States for 30 days. Concerts, sporting events and other gatherings are also being cancelled around the country in an attempt to curb COVID-19’s spread. Health experts have also urged people to partake in social distancing, as it is extremely effective at slowing the spread.

Despite the virus’ high recovery rate, several Hong Kong doctors are claiming that some recovered COVID-19 patients have reduced lung function.