Wuhan in Lockdown
On January 22, 2020, the CPC Central Committee decisively demanded Hubei province implement comprehensive and strict control over personnel outflow.
On January 23, a meeting held by the Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarter of Wuhan announced that from 10:00 a.m. on January 23, 2020, the city's urban bus, subway, ferry and long-distance passenger transportation would be suspended, the departure channels of airport and railway stations be temporarily closed, and the citizens should not leave Wuhan without special reason.
To contain the epidemic from further spreading, Wuhan blocked public transportation between Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang on January 25. From 00:00 on January 26, all non-essential vehicles were banned in downtown Wuhan except for vehicles with permits that are used to guarantee material supply, provide free transportation, and serve public affairs.
These lockdown measures are highly necessary to effectively block the virus and curb the epidemic from spreading. But a lockdown does not mean putting Wuhan out on a limb or leaving it desperately alone. To ensure the citizens' basic life not be affected much, the Epidemic Prevention and Control Headquarter of Wuhan has made prompt briefings on the city's material reserves and supplies, and reminded the public that there is no need for panic or hoarding. A 24-hour hotline was opened to receive donations from all walks of life, and solid measures have been taken to receive and deploy the donated properties. A total of 6,000 taxis have been urgently mobilized to serve communities and provide free services for those in need.
Wuhan is a key city in central China and an important transportation hub of the country. The lockdown has yielded a great impact on the city. However, in the face of the epidemic, Wuhan, Hubei and China have resolutely taken effective measures and actions, and by making great efforts and sacrifices, they have bought valuable time for the whole world to fight against the epidemic.
武汉“封城”
2020年1月22日，党中央果断要求湖北省对人员外流实施全面严格管控。1月23日，湖北省新冠肺炎疫情防控指挥部指挥长会议通告，1月23日10时起，武汉全市城市公交、地铁、轮渡、长途客运暂停运营；无特殊原因，市民不要离开武汉，机场、火车站离汉通道暂时关闭。为遏制疫情发展，1月25日，武汉市进一步阻断武昌、汉口、汉阳“武汉三镇”之间的公共交通，从1月26日0时起，除经许可的保供运输车、免费交通车、公务用车外，武汉中心城区区域实行机动车禁行管理。
这些“封城”措施，是有效阻断疫情传播、遏制疫情蔓延的必要之举。但“封城”并不意味着“孤城”或“围城”。为确保基本生活不受影响，武汉市新冠肺炎防控指挥部及时通告物资储备和供应情况，呼吁市民不用恐慌，不必囤积；开通24小时电话接收社会各界爱心捐赠，做好物资接收调配工作；紧急征集6000台出租车分配给各社区，为辖区居民出行提供免费服务，解决居家出行不便等问题。
武汉是中国中西部地区的中心城市，是全国重要交通枢纽。“封城”对武汉影响巨大。然而面对疫情，武汉、湖北和中国果断采取了有力措施和行动，做出了巨大努力和牺牲，为全球疫情防控赢得了宝贵时间。