Letter from the Director of Ruichang Municipal People’s Government Foreign Affairs Office to Arno Nelles

瑞昌市人民政府外事办公室

 Feb 10,2020

Dear Mayor Arno·Nelles,

Thank you very much for your concern about the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus in China and your concern for our city of Ruichang.As you know, when the Chinese people full of expectation are waiting the biggest traditional festival – the Spring Festival to come, a sudden large-scale epidemic – new coronavirus pneumonia infection hit us. We had an unusual Spring Festival.By 24:00 on January 24 , 13 provinces and cities, including Jiangxi province launched major public health emergency level of response.The outbreak began in Wuhan, Hubei province, on December 8, 2019, and quickly spread across the country and the rest of the world.By 24:00 on February 9, a total of 40,171 confirmed cases, had been reported, including 29,631 inHubei Province and 771 in Jiangxi Province.There were 101 cases in Jiujiang, 1 case in Ruichang, it has been cured and discharged from hospital on February 9.

However, the city of Ruichang is only 200 kilometers away from Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, and has 150 kilometers border line with Hubei Province. The two places have close personnel exchanges, and it coincides with the traditional Chinese Spring Festival. During this period alone, 5,533 people have returned to Ruichang from Wuhan (Hubei province).The municipal party committee and government of Ruichang city also dare not have the slightest lax at all times, relying on the masses of the people, strive to do a good job in various prevention and control measures to ensure the safety of people’s lives. At present, there are still 1,166 people living in isolation, and 25 people in hospital for medical observation.

The good news is that at present, the people’s basic living supplies can be supplied,  the society is in good order; On February 10th, 73,000 primary and secondary school students started classes online as planned.Government employees work on a flexible schedule and are operating normally.

The number of confirmed infections across the country has not yet reached an inflection point, and the country is facing a serious shortage of medical supplies,such as surgical mask, protective clothing, protective eye mask. Ruichang Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government take strong measures to solve, one one hand, the factories produce overtime urgently , on the other hand, mobilize all forces to ask for help from all levels, at present there are still gaps, if we can get your help or donation, we will be appreciated.

We believe that under the guidance of the superior departments, under the strong leadership of Ruichang Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, under the efforts of the Ruichang people, and with the support of the friendly people including you, the city of Wurselen, we will soon usher in the dawn of victory.

 As a Chinese saying goes, “a friend in need is a friend indeed.” Human history is also a history of struggling against disasters. When Ruichang suffers such hardships, we received your greetings and care, which increases our courage and strength to overcome disasters.Once again, thank you and many caring people of your city for your concern about the epidemic in Ruichang. I believe that with the joint efforts of the government of Wurselen and the municipal party committee and municipal government of Ruichang, the friendship between our two cities has a long history and will last forever.

Best Regards!

Yours sincerely,

Dongheng (Linda)

Director of Ruichang Municipal People’s Government Foreign Affairs Office, Jiangxi province, China