COVID-19: China denies entry to WHO team

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that China has denied entry to the international experts’ team due to arrive in Wuhan to probe the origins of COVID-19.

Two members were on their way to China when they were told that they did not have necessary clearances from China to enter the country. However, China today said that details of the visit, including dates, were still being finalized.

World Health Organization Chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed disappointment over China’s denial of permission to international experts to enter the country. Dr. Tedros said, the members of the international scientific team on COVID-19 had already begun their journey, but Chinese officials have not yet given the necessary permissions.

He said, the mission is a priority for WHO and the global health body is eager to get the mission underway as soon as possible. WHO Chief said, the experts’ visit was as per arrangements jointly developed between WHO, Chinese government, and countries for which the team was meant to travel through on their way to Wuhan.