Government warns against neglect of duty

The General Office of the State Council is seeking information on any neglect of duty by local authorities in relation to the prevention and control of the coronavirus outbreak that emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. So far, 26 people have died with more than 800 infected.

"As of today, the State Council is collecting from the public on its online supervision platform clues relevant to local government or department malpractice such as failure in implementation of responsibilities, ineffective prevention and control of the disease outbreak, buck-passing and muddling with one's duty. We are also gathering opinions and suggestions to strengthen prevention and control of the disease," a statement issued by the office said on Friday.

It will summarize and arrange all information and opinions and press for authorities to deal with any problems in time, it added. Any serious problems, such as underreporting, concealing or delaying reports of the epidemic, and failure to put prevention and control measures in place resulting in spreading of the flu-like virus, will be investigated and, if verified, punished.