Beijing, Feb 6 (TIWN) China on Tuesday called for international cooperation to combat the public health crisis from the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks at a press briefing online when asked to comment on the 146th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board that kicked off Monday, when WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus once again called on all countries to implement decisions that are evidence-based and consistent, Xinhua reported.  WHO has made recommendations that there is no reason for measures that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade. Tedros also said that the world should combat the spread of rumours and misinformation.  Hua quoted Tedros as saying this is the time for facts, not fear. The virus is horrible, but rumours and panic are worse.  Therefore, the WHO has been calling on all countries to implement decisions that are evidence-based and consistent."  "The fact is that since the onset of the outbreak, China has taken unprecedented strict prevention and control measures, many of which far exceed WHO recommendations and International Health Regulations requirements," Hua said.