China.org.cn | February 21, 2020
ITAR-TASS:
Are there Russians or other foreigners among the people infected with COVID-19 in Hubei province? Does the Chinese government have confirmed figures? Can you tell us which countries they are from? What help has the Chinese government provided them? Thank you.
Ding Xiangyang:
Thank you for your question. In terms of foreign citizens who have been diagnosed or suspected of having COVID-19 in China, the Chinese government has informed the embassies and consulates of the relevant countries in China in accordance with relevant laws and regulations while respecting the will of the people involved. As far as I know, there are no cases of Russian citizens either being confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19 in China.
According to data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of 6 p.m. on Feb. 19, there were 29 foreign citizens infected with the virus in China, of which ten are in Hubei, while 18 have been cured and discharged from hospitals, two died, and nine are still in quarantine receiving treatment. I must inform you that the Chinese government attaches the utmost importance to the lives and safety of foreign citizens in China, and all foreign citizens infected with COVID-19 have been given equal, timely and effective treatment. Thank you.