Violators of epidemic controls educated on dangers

Violators of strict regulations on epidemic management in Zhushan county, Hubei province, are being ordered to attend education classes.

The county implemented the "24-hour closed management" measures on Jan 24, a day after Wuhan, the epicenter of the novel coronavirus outbreak, announced the same policy.

Under the measures, all roads between towns and villages are open to only emergency workers, and 276 traffic checkpoints have been set up to enforce the restrictions.

On Feb 20, residents were also ordered to register their names if they wanted to leave or enter their communities. All supermarkets and pharmacies were asked to stay closed.

Those who breach the regulations are being forced to attend two-hour education sessions, local authorities said.

Police, volunteers and village and community cadres train the violators and record a warning against them. The offenders include those who have left their homes with the excuses of buying food and medicine. The violators are educated on basic knowledge of the virus, infectious disease prevention, and regulations and orders issued by the government to control the epidemic.

From Feb 19 to 22, a total of 23 people were trained in five sessions, which also played a role in warning and educating others, according to Zhushan government officials.

No violations have been reported since Feb 23.

Cui Xianyou, 56, was ordered to participate in an education session on Feb 20. Cui said he breached the regulations and left his home because he wanted some fresh air and to chat with other people. He said staying at home for so long "was boring". After the education session, Cui vowed he would not leave home during the epidemic prevention and control period.

To help residents, cadres and volunteers were asked to go to local communities to distribute daily necessities and medicine.

Police, community cadres and volunteers have also formed four patrol teams to inspect roads, shopping malls, pharmacies, communities and squares, and check on those leaving their homes without proper authorization.

By Feb 27, the county had 35 confirmed cases, but had not recorded any new cases for 14 days. No deaths have been reported.