Beijing: China on Sunday announced a temporary ban on the trade of wild animals following a viral outbreak in Wuhan, saying they will “severely investigate and punish” violators.
Local authorities will “strengthen inspections and severely investigate and punish those who are found in violation of the provisions of this announcement,” read the ban issued by three government agencies.
No wildlife can be transported or sold in any markets or online, according to the text of the announcement in state media. Suspected violators will be sent to security services, and there will be properties closed and sealed. Legal breeding centers will be quarantined.
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The ban will continue until “the epidemic situation is lifted nationwide” in order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus and block potential sources of infection and transmission.
The three agencies also opened a hotline where people can report violations and called on the public to refrain from eating wild animal meat. The agencies are the State Administration of Market Regulation, ministry of agricultural and rural affairs and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.
The wildlife ban comes as the new virus accelerated its spread in China with 56 deaths and 1,975 infections. China cut off trains, planes and other links to Wuhan on Wednesday, as well as public transportation within the city, and has steadily expanded a lockdown to 16 surrounding cities with a combined population of more than 50 million — greater than that of New York, London, Paris and Moscow combined.
Read also: Death toll in China's coronavirus rises to 56, confirmed cases near 2000
