The wet market in Wuhan, China – a market where the corona virus outbreak is believed to have originated – reopened, despite calls from US officials to remain closed.

Since Beijing last week lifted isolation in Wuhan city, its market – which sells freshly slaughtered animals, fish and a variety of exotic wildlife – has also been allowed to reopen.

The New York Post, Monday, April 13, 2020, quoted the Global Times, which is linked to the Chinese Communist Party, to report that the market must comply with stringent security requirements to stop the spread of the virus.

The page reports that buyers entering the Baishazhou market – the largest wet market in Wuhan – must take their temperature and show a green card that shows they are free of symptoms of the corona virus.

The Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market – which is said to be the center of distribution – has been scheduled for permanent closure.

Previously Dr. Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert at the White House corona virus task force, said last week China had to close all wet markets because it was dangerous.

“It surprised me, how when we have so many diseases that stem from this unusual human-animal interaction, that we don’t close them,” Fauci said to “Fox & Friends.” “I don’t know what else needs to happen to make us appreciate it.”

Senator Lindsey Graham said Beijing’s refusal to close the market could affect trade alliances between the two countries.

“If you don’t close the wet market, our trade relations will change,” said the Republican Senator from South Carolina earlier this month. “What can China do to help the world? Close the market, “Graham continued.

The corona pandemic, first reported in Wuhan in December, has spread rapidly throughout the world, infecting nearly 2 million people and killing more than 116,000.

NEW YORK POST | GLOBAL TIMES