Where did they go? Mapping app location data shows how virus spread in China


A Jan 21, 2020 photo of travellers passing through a health screening checkpoint at Wuhan Tianhe International Airport in Wuhan in southern China's Hubei province. For weeks after the first reports of a mysterious new virus in Wuhan, people poured out of the central Chinese city, cramming onto buses, trains and airplanes as the first wave of China's great Lunar New Year migration broke across the nation. Some carried with them a new virus that has claimed over 560 lives and sickened more than 28,000 people. — AP

SHANGHAI: For weeks after the first reports of a mysterious new virus in Wuhan, millions of people poured out of the central Chinese city, cramming onto buses, trains and planes as the first wave of China’s great Lunar New Year migration broke across the nation. Some carried with them the new virus that has since claimed over 800 lives and sickened more than 37,000 people.

Officials finally began to seal the borders on Jan 23. But it was too late. Speaking to reporters a few days after the city was put under quarantine, the mayor estimated that 5 million people had already left.

Subscribe to The Star Yearly Premium Plan for 30% off

Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Full access to Web and App.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.39/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
coronavirus

Others Also Read


Want to listen to full audio?

Unlock unlimited access to enjoy personalise features on the TheStar.com.my

Already a member? Log In