As of midnight, February 16th, Guangdong had reported 6 new cases, pushing the total number of infected patients to 1322. 2 more death were reported.

This afternoon the province’s youngest infected patient so far, a 2-month-old baby, was cured and discharged from Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center.

The 23rd press conference on Guangdong's fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) was held in Guangzhou today.

At the press conference, Guangdong announced that the COVID-19 Intensive Care Center, co-constructed by Guangdong’s medical team in Jingzhou of Hubei province and the region’s local government, was opened in Jingzhou yesterday (February 16th). It is reported that 100-150 patients in critical condition can be cared for in the center at the same time.

(Photo: Nian Qing from Southcn.com)

According to the press conference, Guangdong has released emergency approval for drugs and medical equipment manufacturing needed for epidemic prevention and control. At present there are 66 companies producing 411.34 million medical face masks, and 18 companies making 17,110 protective suits each day in Guangdong.

Some medicines including the ‘No.1 pneumonia formula’ also has been approved to treat COVID-19 patients. The formula is now used to treat patients in all 35 designated hospitals in Guangdong, and also those in Wuhan and Jingzhou.

At present, a number of companies in Guangdong have shifted to masks production with the guidance from the government , so as to meet the huge demand for medical supplies to fight against the virus.

Meanwhile, Guangdong is the first province that have realized full coverage of medical insurance for all suspected and confirmed patients. Over 2.15 billion yuan have been allocated to designated medical institutions so far, which enables hospitals to treat patients without worrying about the expense.

Authors: Hannah, Zoey

Editors: Olivia, Nan, Simon