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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
World
Dave Burke

Huge wet market reopens in Wuhan after WHO backs controversial move

Just months after the outbreak of coronavirus, thousands of stalls are back up and running in Wuhan's biggest wet market, according to reports.

Video released by Chinese state media suggests it's business as usual after the lockdown was lifted in the epicentre of the pandemic.

It is claimed that 90% of stalls are operating once again at the huge Baishazhou market - although selling live wild animals and livestock is now banned.

The sprawling market covers an area of 116 acres.

It is thought Covid-19, which has killed more than 125,000 people, originated in another wet market in the city of Wuhan, called Huanan.

Crayfish on sale in Wuhan's Baishazhou market (cctv)

Huanan has been closed since January 1.

New steps have been taken though in light of the outbreak, with visitors to Baishazhou having to show proof on an app that they have not tested positive for coronavirus.

Their temperatures are also taken on entry, according to local media.

The market is the biggest trading place for live crayfish in China, although state media reports that sales are currently a quarter of their previous level.

Customer numbers are also just 10% of those a year ago as life gets back to normal in the city, it is claimed.

The decision to allow wet markets to reopen has been criticised (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Among those critical of the reopening is Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who branded it "unfathomable".

He told Nine Network TV: "We need to protect the world against potential sources of outbreaks of these types of viruses. It's happened too many times.

"I'm totally puzzled by this decision. I think that's unfathomable, frankly."

Life is slowly returning to normal in the Chinese city of Wuhan after its lockdown (REUTERS)

However the World Health Organisation has said it's ok for the markets to reopen.

In a statement the organisation said that "wet markets and other food markets do not need to be closed down".

However WHO made it clear that it is illegal for certain types of animal to be sold there - and officials were ordered to be very careful about hygiene standards.

China has reported 3,341 deaths and 82,249 cases of coronavirus since December.

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