China’s Xi Jinping Says Virus Outbreak ‘Grim,’ Calls for Economic Action

Residents wearing protective face masks collect foods distributed by volunteers outside their home in Wuhan in central China's Hubei Province, on Feb. 22, 2020. Chinatopix via AP

BEIJING—Warning that China’s coronavirus outbreak is “still grim and complex,” Chinese leader Xi Jinping called on Feb. 23 for more efforts to stop the outbreak, revive industry and prevent the disease from disrupting spring planting of crops.

Xi said the situation is at a “critical stage” and called on officials to “resolutely curb the spread of the epidemic.”