PBoC Vice Governor Pan Gongsheng said today that the economy could be disrupted in Q1 due to the coronavirus outbreak. The central bank is closely monitoring the impact and is preparing policy responses to offset the pressure on the economy. He added that countercyclical adjustment efforts will be boosted to keep market liquidity at a reasonably ample level. Separately, Vice Finance Ministry Weiping also indicated there will be tax and fees cuts to help businesses.
According to the National Health Commission, on February 6, total confirmed coronavirus cases rose 3143 to 31161. Deaths increased 73 to 636. Serious cases rose 962 to 4821. Suspected cases rose 1657 to 26359. Globally, total reported cases hit 31481, in over 35 countries, including 86 in Japan, 30 in Singapore, 25 in Thailand, 24 in South Korea and 16 in Taiwan.
Chinese doctor Li Wenliang who tried to warn the public of the coronavirus back in December, died yesterday. He was one of the eight “whistle-blowers” reprimanded by the government for spreading “rumors”. China’s top disciplinary body, the National Supervisory Commission claimed today that they would send a team to Wuhan to investigate the issue. But the doctor’s death has already triggered outcry from the public and a “I Want Freedom of Speech” social media campaign in the country.
