China introduced a temporary ban on wildlife markets in the country — thought to be the source of the new coronavirus — but there are increasing calls from wildlife organizations, activists and the public to make the ban permanent to prevent further outbreaks.
The virus is believed to have originated in a seafood market (also known in China as a “wet” market) in Wuhan, Hubei province, where wild animals were also being sold. It has now infected over 44,000 people in China since the outbreak began in December and over 1,100 people have died, the Chinese government said Tuesday night.
