The information office of Baotou municipal people's government hosts a press conference, giving answers to issues concerning coronavirus prevention and control on Feb 3. [Photo/Inner Mongolia Morning Daily] 

The information office of Baotou municipal people's government hosted a press conference on Feb 3, giving answers to issues concerning the novel coronavirus prevention and control in the city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region. 

City officials answered key questions on medical supplies, supplies of daily necessities and the registration of people entering Baotou. 

They said that Baotou is currently facing a shortage of masks, protective clothing and goggles for medical staff. At present, most of the supplies in Baotou can only be used for general protection and daily disinfection. 

As of 12:00 hrs on Feb 3, Baotou agreed to buy more than 600,000 protective items worth 7.14 million yuan ($1.02 million), including 300,000 masks, 135,000 pairs of gloves, 9,000 sets of protective clothing, 20,000 sets of isolation gowns and 3,000 pairs of medical goggles. Most of the purchased materials will arrive in succession within a week, officials said.

A total of 30 medical isolation suits arriving in Baotou on Feb 3 will soon be distributed to related hospitals. 

Baotou city has been making efforts in ensuring key supplies. Officials said that currently, the supplies of fruit, vegetables, meat and other daily necessities can fully meet the needs of residents. 

Baotou is also to strengthen the inspection and control of returning people from outside the city. 

All returnees are required to register, giving detailed information on where they have been, contact groups, and their physical condition and that of family who live with them. 

The returnees will be observed at home for 14 days. Those found to have fever symptoms will immediately be quarantined.