China has been ordered to downplay a mysterious outbreak of pneumonia as reports of disease spread across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Medics were instructed not to identify the cause of the illness and to avoid using the phrase “Covid-19.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sickness that has generated “unusual symptoms” has led the government to reintroduce masks and social isolation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As fears of a new epidemic mount, hospitals have become overcrowded, particularly in the country’s north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An insider from China’s top leadership has now alleged that the country’s top chiefs have been given a “secret directive”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The source claims the order came straight from Chinese leader Xi Jinping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Authorities have reportedly insisted that the outbreak must be referred to as either mycoplasma pneumonia infection or influenza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Major foreign media outlets stationed in Beijing also received the order which makes it clear that no\u00a0interviews\u00a0are allowed to report on the so-called ‘mycoplasma pneumonia infection’ or ‘influenza’,” the source told The Epoch Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Domestic media are also prohibited from making any comprehensive reports on this outbreak that is just like pretending this never happened.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The insider added that several hospitals have set up makeshift clinics to deal with the surging number of patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The affiliated hospital of Hebei University’s (makeshift clinic) is already put into use, primarily for children receiving IV drip treatments,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
China insists that the outbreak is caused by the flu and the usual winter bugs rather than a new virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beijing\u00a0has\u00a0informed\u00a0the\u00a0World\u00a0Health\u00a0Organisation\u00a0(WHO)\u00a0that\u00a0the\u00a0increased\u00a0number\u00a0of\u00a0cases\u00a0is\u00a0due\u00a0to\u00a0“multiple\u00a0known\u00a0pathogens”\u00a0resurfacing.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
China has been ordered to downplay a mysterious outbreak of pneumonia as reports of disease spread across the country. Medics were instructed not to identify the cause of the illness … <\/p>\n