Ministries address concerns over Zika, insurance

Ministries at the State Council, or China's Cabinet, have responded to public and media concerns over a series of policies and measures they have adopted recently, such as tackling the Zika virus and the regulation of insurance services.

On Sept 7, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine issued a notice to remind the public of the possible risks in traveling to Singapore and several other countries and regions where Zika infections have been reported. By Sept 4, 242 people had been infected with the Zika virus in Singapore. Of these, 23 are tourists from the Chinese mainland and one from Taiwan. Zika infections have been reported in about 50 countries and regions, according to the administration.

It reminded those planning to travel to countries and regions where Zika infections are reported to take preventive measures against possible infection, especially by covering up and avoiding areas where mosquitoes might breed, especially areas with stagnant water. Pregnant women and couples planning to have babies in the near future are advised to avoid traveling there.