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China coronavirus: US investigates suspected case as first death confirmed outside Hubei province – live news China coronavirus: death toll rises to 25, with 830 infected – live news
(about 1 hour later)
Patient in Hebei has died; possible cases in Scotland and Belfast come as World Health Organisation committee says ‘too early’ to declare emergencyPatient in Hebei has died; possible cases in Scotland and Belfast come as World Health Organisation committee says ‘too early’ to declare emergency
Hello, this is Stephanie Convery in Australia, taking over from my colleague Nadeem Badshah in London.
The Chinese government has just confirmed the death toll from novel coronavirus has risen to 25, and the number of confirmed cases in the country now sits at 830, according to the National Health Commission.
Fourteen people in the UK have been tested for coronavirus, Public Health England said. Five people tested negative and nine are still awaiting the results.
The Scottish Government earlier confirmed that five people were being examined after presenting with symptoms of the illness, while it is understood that another patient was being tested at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
An 18th person in China has died from the virus. The 80-year-old man died in Hebei province, near the capital Beijing, on Wednesday. It is the first confirmed death outside Hubei province, in central China.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) emergency committee concluded it is “too early” to declare an international public health emergency over the coronavirus outbreak. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the WHO, said: “Make no mistake. This is an emergency in China. “But it has not yet become a global health emergency. It may yet become one.” Dr Tedros said 584 cases have been reported to the WHO.
Universities across the UK say they are monitoring the coronavirus outbreak as one institution warned students thinking of heading home for the Chinese New Year that they would face being quarantined on their return. The University of Chester said it has notified its students currently in the UK that if they return to China for Chinese New Year they will not be readmitted without a suitable quarantine period.
Japan’s health ministry said it had confirmed the country’s second case of a novel coronavirus strain in a man who travelled from Wuhan. The ministry said the man in his 40s was a resident of the Chinese city where the outbreak began and arrived in Japan on January 19.
A person in Australia has been quarantined and will undergo testing after being suspected of contracting the coronavirus, according to reports. The person was placed into quarantine in an unnamed hospital and will have tests on Friday after arriving on a flight to Sydney, a New South Wales Ministry of Health spokesperson said.
Authorities in Texas are investigating a second suspected case on US soil of the coronavirus virus, officials said. Brazos County, northwest of Houston, “is investigating a suspected case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV),” officials wrote in a statement on Facebook. “The patient traveled from Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus originated.”
As the death toll from the new coronavirus climbs, questions remain about how it spread to humans and how much of a threat it poses across the world.
Cases have been confirmed in the US, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, while there are understood to be at least fourteen suspected cases tested in the UK, with five confirmed negative.
Now, fears are growing that the increased travel expected over the upcoming Lunar New Year period could aid the spread.
But just how worried should we be in the UK?
- How does this compare with previous outbreaks?
Several experts say the new coronavirus appears to be less severe than its predecessors.Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, said typical flu epidemics can kill tens of thousands of people, but that previous new coronavirus outbreaks have led to fewer deaths.
For example, severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) killed about 800 people, while Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) led to about 450 deaths.
Prof Hunter said: “This new strain seems to be rather less lethal than the previous two outbreaks, however this could still change.
“All new outbreaks are worrying, especially in the early weeks when it is not clear how the outbreak could progress.
“I think it unlikely that the Wuhan coronavirus will cause a major public health issue in the UK, in large part because of our existing health system.”
US researchers writing in the journal JAMA also said the fatality rate appears to be lower than that of Sars or Mers.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday it was “too early” to declare a public health emergency of international concern.
Dr Andrew Freedman, reader in infectious diseases at Cardiff University, said it is not clear how contagious the virus is.
He said: “This is important in determining the risk of a much larger outbreak developing, with spread to people who have not travelled to Wuhan.
“It is likely that the US and other countries will be considering what further measures are needed to limit the risk of more cases arriving from China.”
- What is the risk to the UK?
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, has revised the risk to the UK population from very low to low.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the UK is one of the first countries to develop a test for coronavirus and the NHS is ready to respond to any cases.
He added: “The public can be assured that the whole of the UK is always well prepared for these type of outbreaks and we will remain vigilant and keep our response under constant review in light of emerging scientific evidence.”
The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Wuhan, but has not changed its advice on other destinations which have reported cases.
- Could cases be confirmed in the UK?
A handful of cases have been identified abroad, including in Japan and the US, but there have been no confirmed cases in the UK.
Officials from Public Health England have been monitoring direct flights from Wuhan city to the UK.
Professor Neil Ferguson, director of the Medical Research Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, said the UK is not a major destination of visitors travelling out of Wuhan.
But he added: “Border screening and in this case, in the UK, alerting the health system, is not 100% foolproof - there could be a mild case.”
In addition, the screening will only catch people already showing symptoms.
Dr Nathalie MacDermott, NIHR academic clinical lecturer, King’s College London, said: “It is wise to implement checks at this stage given the evidence on increasing spread of the virus to other countries and across continents, but largely for the purpose of being in contact with travellers from affected regions in case they become unwell.
“If they were to be unwell at the airport or become unwell in the future it will allow more prompt isolation and testing of the patient, with appropriate tracing of any people the patient may have been in contact with.
“This will hopefully limit the amount of people the person may have contact with while unwell and so limit the spread of the virus.”
Japan’s health ministry said it had confirmed the country’s second case of a novel coronavirus strain in a man who travelled from Wuhan.Japan’s health ministry said it had confirmed the country’s second case of a novel coronavirus strain in a man who travelled from Wuhan.
In a statement, the ministry said the man in his 40s was a resident of the Chinese city where the outbreak began and arrived in Japan on January 19.In a statement, the ministry said the man in his 40s was a resident of the Chinese city where the outbreak began and arrived in Japan on January 19.
He reported having had a fever for several days before his arrival but said his condition had stabilised by the time of his arrival in Japan.He reported having had a fever for several days before his arrival but said his condition had stabilised by the time of his arrival in Japan.
On January 22, he reported a fever and he is now in a Tokyo hospital receiving treatment, the ministry said.On January 22, he reported a fever and he is now in a Tokyo hospital receiving treatment, the ministry said.
The statement added the man denied having visited the market in Wuhan identified as the source of the outbreak and said he had worn a medical mask while travelling.The statement added the man denied having visited the market in Wuhan identified as the source of the outbreak and said he had worn a medical mask while travelling.
Fourteen people in the UK have been tested for coronavirus, Public Health England said.Fourteen people in the UK have been tested for coronavirus, Public Health England said.
Five people tested negative and nine are still awaiting the results.Five people tested negative and nine are still awaiting the results.
A person in Australia has been quarantined and will undergo testing after being suspected of contracting the coronavirus, according to reports.A person in Australia has been quarantined and will undergo testing after being suspected of contracting the coronavirus, according to reports.
The person was placed into quarantine in an unnamed hospital and will have tests on Friday, a New South Wales Ministry of Health spokesperson told news.com.au.The person was placed into quarantine in an unnamed hospital and will have tests on Friday, a New South Wales Ministry of Health spokesperson told news.com.au.
The individual arrived on a flight to Sydney. As the flight touched down, passengers and crew reportedly wore face masks and those who raised concerns about their health had their temperature taken.The individual arrived on a flight to Sydney. As the flight touched down, passengers and crew reportedly wore face masks and those who raised concerns about their health had their temperature taken.
Authorities in Texas are investigating a second suspected case on US soil of the coronavirus virus, officials said.Authorities in Texas are investigating a second suspected case on US soil of the coronavirus virus, officials said.
Brazos County, northwest of Houston, “is investigating a suspected case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV),” officials wrote in a statement on Facebook.Brazos County, northwest of Houston, “is investigating a suspected case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV),” officials wrote in a statement on Facebook.
“The patient traveled from Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus originated.“The patient traveled from Wuhan, China, where the coronavirus originated.
“Health care providers were aware of public health guidance on novel coronavirus and quickly recognized that the patient met the criteria for coronavirus testing and is being kept isolated at home, while the precautionary testing is done.”“Health care providers were aware of public health guidance on novel coronavirus and quickly recognized that the patient met the criteria for coronavirus testing and is being kept isolated at home, while the precautionary testing is done.”
A blood sample from the patient has to be tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before the case if confirmed.A blood sample from the patient has to be tested at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before the case if confirmed.
If confirmed, the patient would be the second person to be infected with the virus in the US after a man in his 30s near Seattle reported himself to authorities on January 19.If confirmed, the patient would be the second person to be infected with the virus in the US after a man in his 30s near Seattle reported himself to authorities on January 19.
He is said to be recovering well and health officials have said he will be released soon.He is said to be recovering well and health officials have said he will be released soon.
Martin Hibberd, Professor of Emerging Infectious Disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has given his view on the World Health Organisation not declaring the coronavirus outbreak a global emergency.Martin Hibberd, Professor of Emerging Infectious Disease at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has given his view on the World Health Organisation not declaring the coronavirus outbreak a global emergency.
He said: “This announcement is not surprising as more evidence may be needed to make the case of announcing a PHEIC.He said: “This announcement is not surprising as more evidence may be needed to make the case of announcing a PHEIC.
“WHO were criticised after announcing the pandemic strain of novel H1N1_2009, when the virus was eventually realised to have similar characteristics to seasonal influenza and is perhaps trying to avoid making the same mistake here with this novel coronavirus.“WHO were criticised after announcing the pandemic strain of novel H1N1_2009, when the virus was eventually realised to have similar characteristics to seasonal influenza and is perhaps trying to avoid making the same mistake here with this novel coronavirus.
“To estimate the true severity of this new disease requires identifying mild or asymptomatic cases, if there are any, while determining the human to human transmission rate might require more evidence.“To estimate the true severity of this new disease requires identifying mild or asymptomatic cases, if there are any, while determining the human to human transmission rate might require more evidence.
“However, all this new evidence needs to be rapidly obtained over the next few days if the world is to be as prepared as possible, so WHO should issue a different type of alert to mobilise a full investigation.”“However, all this new evidence needs to be rapidly obtained over the next few days if the world is to be as prepared as possible, so WHO should issue a different type of alert to mobilise a full investigation.”
Programmes to speed up the development of vaccines against coronavirus have received a funding boost.Programmes to speed up the development of vaccines against coronavirus have received a funding boost.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), partially financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will fund three programmes with the aim being to advance nCoV-2019 vaccine candidates into clinical testing as quickly as possible.The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), partially financed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will fund three programmes with the aim being to advance nCoV-2019 vaccine candidates into clinical testing as quickly as possible.
CEPI aims to develop vaccines for new and emerging diseases before they become global health emergencies.CEPI aims to develop vaccines for new and emerging diseases before they become global health emergencies.
It said it has moved with great urgency to promote the development of new vaccines against the emerging threat of nCoV-2019, adding that the novel coronavirus represents the first new epidemic disease of note to emerge since CEPI’s founding at Davos in 2017.It said it has moved with great urgency to promote the development of new vaccines against the emerging threat of nCoV-2019, adding that the novel coronavirus represents the first new epidemic disease of note to emerge since CEPI’s founding at Davos in 2017.
Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said: “Given the rapid global spread of the nCoV-2019 virus the world needs to act quickly and in unity to tackle this disease.Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, said: “Given the rapid global spread of the nCoV-2019 virus the world needs to act quickly and in unity to tackle this disease.
“Our intention with this work is to leverage our work on the MERS coronavirus and rapid response platforms to speed up vaccine development.“Our intention with this work is to leverage our work on the MERS coronavirus and rapid response platforms to speed up vaccine development.
“There are no guarantees of success, but we hope this work could provide a significant and important step forward in developing a vaccine for this disease.“There are no guarantees of success, but we hope this work could provide a significant and important step forward in developing a vaccine for this disease.
“Our aspiration with these technologies is to bring a new pathogen from gene sequence to clinical testing in 16 weeks - which is significantly shorter than where we are now.”“Our aspiration with these technologies is to bring a new pathogen from gene sequence to clinical testing in 16 weeks - which is significantly shorter than where we are now.”
An 18th person in China has died from the virus.An 18th person in China has died from the virus.
The 80-year-old man died in Hebei province, near the capital Beijing, on Wednesday.The 80-year-old man died in Hebei province, near the capital Beijing, on Wednesday.
It is the first confirmed death outside Hubei province, in central China.It is the first confirmed death outside Hubei province, in central China.
Dr Jeremy Farrar, a medical researcher and director of The Wellcome Trust, said it respects the advice of the World Health Organization’s Emergency Committee to not declare a global emergency but says this must be kept under constant review.Dr Jeremy Farrar, a medical researcher and director of The Wellcome Trust, said it respects the advice of the World Health Organization’s Emergency Committee to not declare a global emergency but says this must be kept under constant review.
He said: “Countries should act now on the recommendations made by the committee on how best to prepare and respond to this epidemic. There is no need to wait.He said: “Countries should act now on the recommendations made by the committee on how best to prepare and respond to this epidemic. There is no need to wait.
“The decision does not change the fact that the urgent focus must remain on identifying the gaps in understanding of this virus, and on a continued robust, coordinated global public health response.“The decision does not change the fact that the urgent focus must remain on identifying the gaps in understanding of this virus, and on a continued robust, coordinated global public health response.
“This outbreak and the speed with which this new virus has spread in China and travelled across borders, is a reminder of how vulnerable we are globally to outbreaks of infectious diseases known and unknown.“This outbreak and the speed with which this new virus has spread in China and travelled across borders, is a reminder of how vulnerable we are globally to outbreaks of infectious diseases known and unknown.
“Travel restrictions may be important in buying time, to signal the seriousness of the situation and may help reduce the impact, but are unlikely stop this epidemic.”“Travel restrictions may be important in buying time, to signal the seriousness of the situation and may help reduce the impact, but are unlikely stop this epidemic.”
An Italian singer was hospitalised after showing “suspected symptoms’’ of the coronavirus including a cough and fever.An Italian singer was hospitalised after showing “suspected symptoms’’ of the coronavirus including a cough and fever.
She started feeling sick after returning home from a tour of Asia that included the area of Wuhan.She started feeling sick after returning home from a tour of Asia that included the area of Wuhan.
Tests for the virus that infected the singer, who has not been named publicly, are proceeding.Tests for the virus that infected the singer, who has not been named publicly, are proceeding.
“The patient is currently in contact isolation at the Infectious Diseases Department,’’ a note from the hospital read.“The patient is currently in contact isolation at the Infectious Diseases Department,’’ a note from the hospital read.
“She is receiving the necessary treatments pending test results’.”“She is receiving the necessary treatments pending test results’.”
Universities across the UK say they are monitoring the coronavirus outbreak as one institution warned students thinking of heading home for the Chinese New Year that they would face being quarantined on their return.Universities across the UK say they are monitoring the coronavirus outbreak as one institution warned students thinking of heading home for the Chinese New Year that they would face being quarantined on their return.
The University of Chester said it has notified its students currently in the UK that if they return to China for Chinese New Year they will not be readmitted without a suitable quarantine period.The University of Chester said it has notified its students currently in the UK that if they return to China for Chinese New Year they will not be readmitted without a suitable quarantine period.
The University of Aberdeen, which has a partnership with Wuhan University, said it was not aware of any students in Wuhan - where the outbreak is thought to have originated - who have returned from the area recently.The University of Aberdeen, which has a partnership with Wuhan University, said it was not aware of any students in Wuhan - where the outbreak is thought to have originated - who have returned from the area recently.
But a spokesman said: “The university is aware of five members of staff who have visited Wuhan during the outbreak, four of whom returned to the university three or more weeks ago.But a spokesman said: “The university is aware of five members of staff who have visited Wuhan during the outbreak, four of whom returned to the university three or more weeks ago.
“The remaining member of staff has a non-teaching role and is working from home as a precautionary measure.“The remaining member of staff has a non-teaching role and is working from home as a precautionary measure.
“Advice regarding travel precautions has been issued to staff and students in line with Government guidance.”“Advice regarding travel precautions has been issued to staff and students in line with Government guidance.”
A Newcastle University spokesman said it had issued protection advice to around 300 students who have links to the Hubei province at the centre of the health scare, as well as offering support for those concerned.A Newcastle University spokesman said it had issued protection advice to around 300 students who have links to the Hubei province at the centre of the health scare, as well as offering support for those concerned.
A spokesman said: “We have arranged a dedicated health event for any student arriving from China in the last month, ensuring they register with a doctor.”A spokesman said: “We have arranged a dedicated health event for any student arriving from China in the last month, ensuring they register with a doctor.”
Universities have followed Foreign Office advice warning people not to travel to the region affected.Universities have followed Foreign Office advice warning people not to travel to the region affected.
A spokesman for the University of Dundee said it has issued advice to students recently in China and said they should be careful if receiving items, especially food, from areas where the virus is present.A spokesman for the University of Dundee said it has issued advice to students recently in China and said they should be careful if receiving items, especially food, from areas where the virus is present.
It runs a joint education partnership with Wuhan University, with 34 students on the programme in Dundee who arrived in September.It runs a joint education partnership with Wuhan University, with 34 students on the programme in Dundee who arrived in September.
Five staff returned from a visit to Wuhan last week, the spokesman added.Five staff returned from a visit to Wuhan last week, the spokesman added.
He said no health concerns have been raised among either group, adding: “We will continue to monitor the situation, taking advice from the relevant agencies as to appropriate action.”He said no health concerns have been raised among either group, adding: “We will continue to monitor the situation, taking advice from the relevant agencies as to appropriate action.”
A spokesman for the University of Nottingham, which has a campus in the Chinese city of Ningbo, said: “We are not aware of any staff or students in the affected areas in China.A spokesman for the University of Nottingham, which has a campus in the Chinese city of Ningbo, said: “We are not aware of any staff or students in the affected areas in China.
“However, the university is keeping students informed of the latest advice by UK and Chinese health authorities, including precautionary measures such as good hand and respiratory hygiene.”“However, the university is keeping students informed of the latest advice by UK and Chinese health authorities, including precautionary measures such as good hand and respiratory hygiene.”
Top experts on infectious diseases held a hastily-arranged press conference on the Coronavirus at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier today.Top experts on infectious diseases held a hastily-arranged press conference on the Coronavirus at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier today.
Jeremy Farrar, of the Wellcome Trust, gave reporters a swift explanation -- about how the virus probably jumped from bats to humans at a market in Wutan, before then starting to spread between humans.Jeremy Farrar, of the Wellcome Trust, gave reporters a swift explanation -- about how the virus probably jumped from bats to humans at a market in Wutan, before then starting to spread between humans.
The fact the virus spreads between humans through the respiratory route makes it particularly serious, Farrar explained; experts have been worrying about this happening for some time.The fact the virus spreads between humans through the respiratory route makes it particularly serious, Farrar explained; experts have been worrying about this happening for some time.
Farrar said: “We want to keep a calm, moderated approach, but we need to take this incredibly seriously”. Farfer, who says he’s “very concerned” about the situation, also warned against thinking of it as a China-only problem.Farrar said: “We want to keep a calm, moderated approach, but we need to take this incredibly seriously”. Farfer, who says he’s “very concerned” about the situation, also warned against thinking of it as a China-only problem.
“This will become a global issue. This isn’t just a China issue, it’s going to affect us all.”“This will become a global issue. This isn’t just a China issue, it’s going to affect us all.”
Richard Hatchett, Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovations (CEPI), announced that three new partnerships with vaccine producers have just been agreed.Richard Hatchett, Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovations (CEPI), announced that three new partnerships with vaccine producers have just been agreed.
“Our hope is to have these vaccines developed very rapidly and moved into human trials soon, maybe as soon as this summer,” Hatchett said.“Our hope is to have these vaccines developed very rapidly and moved into human trials soon, maybe as soon as this summer,” Hatchett said.
Hatchett and Farrar both spoke about the importance of using non-pharmaceutical interventions, until a vaccine is developed. That includes public health measures - hand-washing, keeping people apart, masks, and travel restrictions. Farrar’s hunch is that the coronavirus will have a lower mortality rate than the SARS epidemic 28 years ago, which killed 788 people. But if it spreads faster and further than SARS, and isn’t controlled in time, then the deathtoll could be higher than SARS. But there’s a lot of uncertainty.Hatchett and Farrar both spoke about the importance of using non-pharmaceutical interventions, until a vaccine is developed. That includes public health measures - hand-washing, keeping people apart, masks, and travel restrictions. Farrar’s hunch is that the coronavirus will have a lower mortality rate than the SARS epidemic 28 years ago, which killed 788 people. But if it spreads faster and further than SARS, and isn’t controlled in time, then the deathtoll could be higher than SARS. But there’s a lot of uncertainty.
He reminded reporters that the influenza epidemic a century ago had a low mortality rate, but killed 50m people because it spread so far.He reminded reporters that the influenza epidemic a century ago had a low mortality rate, but killed 50m people because it spread so far.
Advice from the WHOAdvice from the WHO
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation, said 584 cases have been reported to the WHO including 17 deaths, which is lower than the previously reported figure.Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation, said 584 cases have been reported to the WHO including 17 deaths, which is lower than the previously reported figure.
Some 575 of the overall cases and all the deaths reported are in China.Some 575 of the overall cases and all the deaths reported are in China.
Other cases have been reported in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the US and Vietnam.Other cases have been reported in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the US and Vietnam.
Ghebreyesus said it is known the virus can kill “although for most people it causes milder symptoms”, adding: “We know that among those infected, one quarter of patients have experienced severe disease.Ghebreyesus said it is known the virus can kill “although for most people it causes milder symptoms”, adding: “We know that among those infected, one quarter of patients have experienced severe disease.
“We know that most of those who have died had underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease that weakened their immune systems.“We know that most of those who have died had underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease that weakened their immune systems.
“We know that there is human-to-human transmission in China, but for now it appears limited to family groups and health workers caring for infected patients.“We know that there is human-to-human transmission in China, but for now it appears limited to family groups and health workers caring for infected patients.
“At this time, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission outside China, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.“At this time, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission outside China, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.
“There is still a lot we don’t know. We don’t know the source of this virus, we don’t understand how easily it spreads and we don’t fully understand its clinical features or severity.”“There is still a lot we don’t know. We don’t know the source of this virus, we don’t understand how easily it spreads and we don’t fully understand its clinical features or severity.”
Ghebreyesus added it is likely that we will see more cases in other parts of China and other countries.Ghebreyesus added it is likely that we will see more cases in other parts of China and other countries.
Peter Piot, professor of global health and director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, believes we are at a critical phase in the outbreak.Peter Piot, professor of global health and director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, believes we are at a critical phase in the outbreak.
He said: “Regardless of the decision not to declare this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, intensified international collaboration and more resources will be crucial to stopping this outbreak in its tracks.He said: “Regardless of the decision not to declare this a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, intensified international collaboration and more resources will be crucial to stopping this outbreak in its tracks.
“National authorities and the World Health Organisation will need to continue to monitor developments very closely.“National authorities and the World Health Organisation will need to continue to monitor developments very closely.
“There are still many missing pieces in the jigsaw puzzle to fully understanding this new virus which is spreading rapidly across China, and most probably around the world.“There are still many missing pieces in the jigsaw puzzle to fully understanding this new virus which is spreading rapidly across China, and most probably around the world.
“The good news is that the data to date suggest that this virus may have a lower mortality than SARS, we have a diagnostic test and there is greater transparency than decades gone by.“The good news is that the data to date suggest that this virus may have a lower mortality than SARS, we have a diagnostic test and there is greater transparency than decades gone by.
“And that is essential because you cannot deal with a potential pandemic in one country alone.”“And that is essential because you cannot deal with a potential pandemic in one country alone.”
The Boarding Schools Association (BSA) has issued guidance to its members that while there seems to be “no immediate cause for concern” over the coronavirus outbreak, the situation needs to be monitored carefully.The Boarding Schools Association (BSA) has issued guidance to its members that while there seems to be “no immediate cause for concern” over the coronavirus outbreak, the situation needs to be monitored carefully.
It said: “In particular, schools might wish to consider planning for the eventuality that some boarders either cannot or choose not to travel home at half-term or, more likely, Easter.It said: “In particular, schools might wish to consider planning for the eventuality that some boarders either cannot or choose not to travel home at half-term or, more likely, Easter.
“BSA would advise schools to consider erring on the side of caution to minimise the risk to students and staff.”“BSA would advise schools to consider erring on the side of caution to minimise the risk to students and staff.”
The guidance recommends that schools needing case-specific information contact the relevant public health authorities.The guidance recommends that schools needing case-specific information contact the relevant public health authorities.