China Russia border checks for new virus

China reported 99 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday, with all but two coming from abroad, the highest number of imports in a single day since the outbreak began.

"The figure indicates that the risk brought about by imported cases continues to increase," Mi Feng, spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a news conference.

The number of infections involving returnees from Russia has been on the rise in recent days.

The border city of Suifenhe had by Saturday reported a total of 194 imported cases of COVID-19 from Russia and more than 100 asymptomatic coronavirus carriers, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

The city of 70,000 residents has put into place home quarantine measures.

Only one person per household is allowed to shop for necessities every three days, according to China's Central Television (CCTV).

Official data showed that so far a total of 2,497 people have entered Suifenhe from Russia.

Within five days, the city has setup a temporary hospital with 600 beds, which is to be handed over to the local government, CCTV said.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The vast majority of people recover.

Image Credits: AP