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Coronavirus: death toll rises to 25 in China, with 830 infected – live news Coronavirus: death toll rises to 25 in China, with 830 infected – live news
(32 minutes later)
Possible cases being tested in Scotland and Belfast; World Health Organisation committee says ‘too early’ to declare emergencyPossible cases being tested in Scotland and Belfast; World Health Organisation committee says ‘too early’ to declare emergency
A bit more new information about what’s happening in China. The National Health Commission said that in addition to the 830 confirmed cases, authorities were also examining 1,072 suspected cases of the virus, according to AFP.
Out of the total 830 confirmed cases, 177 were in serious condition. 34 people have been “cured and discharged”.
Meanwhile, the South Korean government has confirmed that country’s second case of the virus.
The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post is reporting today that medical staff are being infected with coronavirus at a much faster rate than previously reported. The SCMP does not identify its two sources but they dispute the Chinese Centre for Disease Control’s assessment that 15 hospital staff had been infected in Wuhan city, saying 14 staff had been infected in one hospital alone.The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post is reporting today that medical staff are being infected with coronavirus at a much faster rate than previously reported. The SCMP does not identify its two sources but they dispute the Chinese Centre for Disease Control’s assessment that 15 hospital staff had been infected in Wuhan city, saying 14 staff had been infected in one hospital alone.
The Chinese government has been accused of downplaying the severity of the outbreak by residents who point to its repeated assurances that the virus was not serious, was “controllable”, and the fact that Wuhan has only just now been put into lockdown, even as cases of the virus have been reported in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States.The Chinese government has been accused of downplaying the severity of the outbreak by residents who point to its repeated assurances that the virus was not serious, was “controllable”, and the fact that Wuhan has only just now been put into lockdown, even as cases of the virus have been reported in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States.
We’re already getting a glimpse of what the Friday morning papers will look like over in the UK. Unsurprisingly, coronavirus is leading or supporting most of the coverage.We’re already getting a glimpse of what the Friday morning papers will look like over in the UK. Unsurprisingly, coronavirus is leading or supporting most of the coverage.
“Is the killer virus here?” shrieks the headline on the Daily Mail.“Is the killer virus here?” shrieks the headline on the Daily Mail.
The Daily Mirror also leads with coronavirus, focusing on the six people who have been tested in Britain overnight.The Daily Mirror also leads with coronavirus, focusing on the six people who have been tested in Britain overnight.
The Times is slightly more subdued.The Times is slightly more subdued.
“How big is the threat of coronavirus?” asks the Independent.“How big is the threat of coronavirus?” asks the Independent.
High speed rail shares the Guardian front page with coronavirus and the ongoing Harvey Weinstein trial.High speed rail shares the Guardian front page with coronavirus and the ongoing Harvey Weinstein trial.
Meanwhile the Daily Telegraph has focused on law and order, with the disease outbreak getting the prime visual slot.Meanwhile the Daily Telegraph has focused on law and order, with the disease outbreak getting the prime visual slot.
Hello, this is Stephanie Convery in Australia, taking over from my colleague Nadeem Badshah in London.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.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.
14 people in the UK have been tested for coronavirus, Public Health England said. Five people tested negative and nine are still awaiting the results.14 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.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.
25 people in China have died from the virus, including an 80-year-old man in Hebei province, near the capital Beijing, on Wednesday – the first confirmed death outside Hubei province, in central China.25 people in China have died from the virus, including an 80-year-old man in Hebei province, near the capital Beijing, on Wednesday – 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.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.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.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.
One 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.One 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.”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.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.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.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?But just how worried should we be in the UK?
- How does this compare with previous outbreaks?- 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.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.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.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.“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.”“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.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.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.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.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.”“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?- 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.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.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.”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.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?- 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.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.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.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.”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.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.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.“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.”“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.”