On February 9, Consul General Cai Wei and US Rep. Green jointly held a press conference in Houston Chinatown on combating against the novel coronavirus pneumonia. Near 100 guests, including Texas state representative Gene Wu, Houston council members Tiffany Thomas and Edward Pollard, Director of the Houston Municipal Health Bureau Dr. Persse, Stafford City Council member Alice Chen, Chairman of Southern U.S. News Group Li Weihua. Deputy Consul Wang Yu and consuls were present. More than 30 media including CBS TV, KHOU TV, Xinhua News Agency, China News Agency, Southern Chinese Daily News, and SinovisionNet made the live coverage.

CG Cai Wei introduced China's efforts against the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia, and stressed that under President Xi Jinping's leadership, China has been taking the most comprehensive and rigorous prevention and control measures, and we are fully confident and capable to win the battle against the epidemic. China is fighting the outbreack for the sake of the health of its people as well as the world's people. The Chinese side has been acting with openness, transparency and a responsible attitude. World Health Organization (WHO) and many countries have recognized and commended this.

Cai pointed out that President Xi Jinping had a phone call with US President Donald Trump recently, and the two sides agreed to maintain communication and strengthen coordination to jointly control the epidemic. This is the time for facts, not fear, for science, not rumors, and for solidarity, not stigma. The virus might be fearful in itself. But what is more fearful are rumors, panic and racism. We should resolutely stop the spread of rumors and firmly reject any racial discrimination. The Chinese Consulate General in Houston will continue to keep the local public correctly informed, protect the legal rights of overseas Chinese citizens, and promote local Chinese community's development. He mention 4 key phrases to the community: stay calm, rest assured, stay confident, and stay patient.

Congressman Green said that the novel coronavirus epidemic has become a global concern. Under President Xi's leadership, China has done very effective work to control the epidemic, which the international community should sing highly of and respect. There are rumors and fear in Houston, which have affected local people's normal life and the Chinatown business. We should deal in the facts, maintain the harmony and inclusiveness of the local communities, and dispel fear and exclusion.

Dr. Persse commended China's efforts to contain the spread of the disease, especially, the timely sharing of pathogen information of the novel coronavirus. China has made outstanding contributions to the international community's effective control of the epidemic, which fully showcases the highly responsible manner of the Chinese government. China has done an unprecedented job, he said. As for now, there is no confirmed case in Houston and even Texas. The local people need not to be panic and should maintain a good mentality.