As of 12 pm, February 10th, Guangdong has confirmed 8 new cases, pushing the total number of infected patients to 1159.

Shaoguan, Qingyuan, Zhaoqing, Maoming, Zhanjiang, Yangjiang, Jiangmen, Heyuan, Meizhou, Chaozhou, Shantou, Jieyang, Shanwei reported no new cases on February 9th.

The 16th press conference on Guangdong's fight against the coronavirus (NCP) was held in Guangzhou today.

The 16th press conference on Guangdong's fight against the coronavirus (NCP) was held in Guangzhou today. (Photo: Nian Qing)

Most companies in Guangdong have resumed work from today, which has brought new challenges to epidemic prevention and control.

At the press conference, the officer of the Health Commission of Guangdong Province stressed that companies and workers should abide by the following prevention and control guidelines, including:

1. Workers returning from coronavirus-stricken areas shall be quarantined for 14 days.

2. Anyone with symptoms like fever, cough and other suspected coronavirus symptoms, is suggested to visit the hospital as soon as possible. Close contacts of confirmed cases should be isolated for 14 days.

3. Workplaces should be well-ventilated, clean and disinfected.

4. Wear disposable medical masks and avoid going to crowded and poorly ventilated public places.

Furthermore, buying cough & cold medicines from pharmacies (including online pharmacies) now requires registration.

Yan Wu, Deputy Mayor of Zhuhai, noted that Zhuhai is making efforts to cut off all transmission channels of the epidemic.

"We have set up six designed sites and 19 hotels for people returning from the coronavirus-stricken area," he said before adding. “A total 106 joint quarantine stations have been set at highway toll stations, airports, ports and other key places."

At present, Zhuhai has also launched online mask reservation and a free delivery service.

Due to their proximity, Zhuhai and Macao have set up a joint prevention and treatment mechanism for sharing information about confirmed cases, treatment plans, epidemic prevention and control measures and port management.

After the coronavirus outbreak, many Macao residents purchased medical materials from overseas and donated them to Zhuhai, so as to support the fight against coronavirus.

"Zhuhai has received 250,000 medical masks and over 8,500 pieces protective clothing donated by Macao." Yan Wu said.

In addition, Wanzai Port resumed operation on January 23rd, opening from 12:45 to 22:00. The ferry now runs every 30 minutes, according to Zou Hua, Head of the Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Zhuhai.

Authors: Hannah Zhou, Steven Yuen

Editors: Wing Zhang, Simon Haywood, Keane Wong