China bans foreigners as imported cases rise
China reported 54 imported cases of the coronavirus yesterday, hours after announcing a ban on foreigners entering the country.
In recent weeks China's tally of infections has dwindled dramatically, with only a handful of domestic patients each day.
But just as the country appears to be bringing the outbreak under control, nations around the globe are battling to control soaring numbers of infections in new hotspots.
There were another 55 new infections in China yesterday, the National Health Commission said, with one local infection and 54 imported cases from overseas.
Beijing has been racing to control the number of infections being brought into the country -- mostly Chinese nationals returning home from overseas, including large numbers of students abroad.
On Thursday Beijing announced dramatic measures to curb arrivals into the country, including reducing the number of international flights, limiting the capacity on board to 75 percent, and imposing a ban on foreigners entering China.
Non-nationals living in China with valid visas and resident permits will be blocked from returning to the country after midnight on Friday night, the foreign ministry said.
Diplomats and the crew of international airlines and vessels will still be permitted to enter.
A series of strict measures had already been put in place to try and stem the wave of infections coming in. All Beijing-bound international flights have been diverted to other urban centres, where passengers will first be screened for the virus.
In total 81,340 people have been infected in China, and the outbreak has claimed 3,292 lives.
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