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China coronavirus: six tested in UK as first death confirmed outside Hubei province - live news China coronavirus: six tested in UK as first death confirmed outside Hubei province - live news
(32 minutes 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
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
“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 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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
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.
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) emergency committee has concluded it is “too early” to declare an international public health emergency over the coronavirus outbreak.The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) emergency committee has 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.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.’’“But it has not yet become a global health emergency. It may yet become one.’’
The director-general added: “I wish to reiterate the fact that I am not declaring a PHEIC [Public Health Emergency of International Concern] today should not be taken as a sign that WHO does not think the situation is serious, or that we are not taking it seriously.The director-general added: “I wish to reiterate the fact that I am not declaring a PHEIC [Public Health Emergency of International Concern] today should not be taken as a sign that WHO does not think the situation is serious, or that we are not taking it seriously.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. WHO is following this outbreak every minute of every day.”“Nothing could be further from the truth. WHO is following this outbreak every minute of every day.”
Five people in Scotland are being tested for coronavirus as a precaution, the Scottish government said.Five people in Scotland are being tested for coronavirus as a precaution, the Scottish government said.
A Scottish government spokeswoman confirmed that two people diagnosed with flu were now being tested for the virus while three others are also being tested on a precautionary basis.A Scottish government spokeswoman confirmed that two people diagnosed with flu were now being tested for the virus while three others are also being tested on a precautionary basis.
At least three of the patients are believed to be Chinese nationals.At least three of the patients are believed to be Chinese nationals.
The spokesperson said: “There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus (WN Co-V) in Scotland and the risk to the Scottish public remains low.The spokesperson said: “There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus (WN Co-V) in Scotland and the risk to the Scottish public remains low.
“Following travel to Wuhan, China, two people confirmed as diagnosed with influenza are now being tested for Wuhan Novel Coronavirus as a precautionary measure only. Three further people are also undergoing testing on a similar precautionary basis.“Following travel to Wuhan, China, two people confirmed as diagnosed with influenza are now being tested for Wuhan Novel Coronavirus as a precautionary measure only. Three further people are also undergoing testing on a similar precautionary basis.
“As the situation develops we will update should there be any confirmed cases of coronavirus, rather than provide a running update on cases being considered on a precautionary basis.”“As the situation develops we will update should there be any confirmed cases of coronavirus, rather than provide a running update on cases being considered on a precautionary basis.”
Universities UK, the representative organisation for the sector, said: “UK universities with students in affected areas have been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation as it unfolds and will follow the latest FCO advice.Universities UK, the representative organisation for the sector, said: “UK universities with students in affected areas have been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation as it unfolds and will follow the latest FCO advice.
“We can confirm that this afternoon Universities UK International was in contact with Public Health England to discuss how we can support them in getting communications to our members.”“We can confirm that this afternoon Universities UK International was in contact with Public Health England to discuss how we can support them in getting communications to our members.”
The National Union of Students also said it will continue to monitor the situation closely.The National Union of Students also said it will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Hi, I’m Nadeem Badshah, taking over from my colleague Damien Gayle. Here’s where we are so far:Hi, I’m Nadeem Badshah, taking over from my colleague Damien Gayle. Here’s where we are so far:
Latest official figures say the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in China is at least 633, and 18 people have died. Chinese authorities have put five cities on lockdown measures – Wuhan, Huanggang, Ezhou, Chibi and Zhijiang.Latest official figures say the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in China is at least 633, and 18 people have died. Chinese authorities have put five cities on lockdown measures – Wuhan, Huanggang, Ezhou, Chibi and Zhijiang.
The virus was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 31 December 2019.The virus was first reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 31 December 2019.
WHO says the outbreak was caused by a previously unknown type of coronavirus, a broad family of infections ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).WHO says the outbreak was caused by a previously unknown type of coronavirus, a broad family of infections ranging from the common cold to more serious illnesses like severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).
Patients report a fever, cough and other symptoms of pneumonia.Patients report a fever, cough and other symptoms of pneumonia.
Coronaviruses mostly infect animals, but can mutate and jump to humans, and then human-to-human transmission is possible. Chinese authorities have confirmed that the virus is being passed directly from human to human. It appears to have originated in a seafood and meat market in Wuhan, and preliminary research suggests the virus was passed to humans from snakes.Coronaviruses mostly infect animals, but can mutate and jump to humans, and then human-to-human transmission is possible. Chinese authorities have confirmed that the virus is being passed directly from human to human. It appears to have originated in a seafood and meat market in Wuhan, and preliminary research suggests the virus was passed to humans from snakes.
Three people in Scotland are being tested for the virus after travelling to Wuhan. Meanwhile, the UK health secretary said authorities were well-prepared to deal with a potential outbreak.Three people in Scotland are being tested for the virus after travelling to Wuhan. Meanwhile, the UK health secretary said authorities were well-prepared to deal with a potential outbreak.
Cases have also been reported in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the US. Major airports are screening international arrivals from the region. Patients in all these cases were either residents of Wuhan or recent visitors to the city. An Indian nurse working in Saudi Arabia has also been confirmed to be infected, and two Chinese citizens in Vietnam have tested positive.Cases have also been reported in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and the US. Major airports are screening international arrivals from the region. Patients in all these cases were either residents of Wuhan or recent visitors to the city. An Indian nurse working in Saudi Arabia has also been confirmed to be infected, and two Chinese citizens in Vietnam have tested positive.
Beijing has cancelled a number of major public events and restricted tourist access in the city in an attempt to contain the spread of the outbreak.Beijing has cancelled a number of major public events and restricted tourist access in the city in an attempt to contain the spread of the outbreak.
There are not any medicines or vaccines developed specifically to tackle the Wuhan virus but experts in Davos announced on Thursday that scientists were working on one.There are not any medicines or vaccines developed specifically to tackle the Wuhan virus but experts in Davos announced on Thursday that scientists were working on one.
A spokesman for Boris Johnson said the government will keep the coronavirus situation under continuous review.A spokesman for Boris Johnson said the government will keep the coronavirus situation under continuous review.
Stocks fell on Wall Street in midday trading Thursday as investors worried that a deadly virus outbreak in China could continue spreading and hurt the global economy, the Associated Press reports.Stocks fell on Wall Street in midday trading Thursday as investors worried that a deadly virus outbreak in China could continue spreading and hurt the global economy, the Associated Press reports.
Banks and other financial companies led the losses. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 1.72% from 1.77% late Wednesday. Financial institutions rely on higher bond yields to set lucrative interest rates on mortgages and other loans. Bank of America fell 1.5%.Banks and other financial companies led the losses. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 1.72% from 1.77% late Wednesday. Financial institutions rely on higher bond yields to set lucrative interest rates on mortgages and other loans. Bank of America fell 1.5%.
Health care stocks also broadly fell. Edwards LifeSciences, which makes heart valves, slipped 5.6%.Health care stocks also broadly fell. Edwards LifeSciences, which makes heart valves, slipped 5.6%.
Crude oil prices slumped and weighed on energy stocks. Exxon Mobil fell 1.5%.Crude oil prices slumped and weighed on energy stocks. Exxon Mobil fell 1.5%.
Utilities and real estate companies held onto slight gains as investors shifted money into the safe-play sectors.Utilities and real estate companies held onto slight gains as investors shifted money into the safe-play sectors.
Three people in Scotland are being tested for suspected coronavirus after travelling to the country from Wuhan in China, Sarah Boseley reports.Three people in Scotland are being tested for suspected coronavirus after travelling to the country from Wuhan in China, Sarah Boseley reports.
A statement from the Scottish government said there were three suspect cases.A statement from the Scottish government said there were three suspect cases.
“Following travel to Wuhan, China, two people confirmed as diagnosed with influenza are now being tested for Wuhan novel coronavirus as a precautionary measure only. A third person is also currently undergoing testing on a similar precautionary basis,” said a government spokesman.“Following travel to Wuhan, China, two people confirmed as diagnosed with influenza are now being tested for Wuhan novel coronavirus as a precautionary measure only. A third person is also currently undergoing testing on a similar precautionary basis,” said a government spokesman.
“There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and the risk to the Scottish public remains low.”“There are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and the risk to the Scottish public remains low.”
Tests are being undertaken to rule out coronavirus at a hospital in Belfast, PA Media reports.Tests are being undertaken to rule out coronavirus at a hospital in Belfast, PA Media reports.
It is understood a patient did arrive at the Royal Victoria in the west of the city showing symptoms which may or may not be associated with the condition but it will be some time before results are returned.It is understood a patient did arrive at the Royal Victoria in the west of the city showing symptoms which may or may not be associated with the condition but it will be some time before results are returned.
The Belfast Health Trust, which runs services in the city, was unable to make any comment. The Public Health Agency (PHA) also declined to comment.The Belfast Health Trust, which runs services in the city, was unable to make any comment. The Public Health Agency (PHA) also declined to comment.
There is no suggestion at this stage that the patient has coronavirus.There is no suggestion at this stage that the patient has coronavirus.
The Royal is Northern Ireland’s largest hospital and a centre for many medical specialisms.The Royal is Northern Ireland’s largest hospital and a centre for many medical specialisms.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has followed the UK foreign office in warning people to avoid all non-essential to Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak.The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has followed the UK foreign office in warning people to avoid all non-essential to Wuhan, the centre of the coronavirus outbreak.
CDC raised its travel alert for the coronavirus outbreak to a level 3.CDC raised its travel alert for the coronavirus outbreak to a level 3.
The agency earlier this week said it expects to see more cases of the Wuhan coronavirus in the United States and announced plans to expand screening to airports in Atlanta and Chicago.The agency earlier this week said it expects to see more cases of the Wuhan coronavirus in the United States and announced plans to expand screening to airports in Atlanta and Chicago.
China’s Hebei provincial health authority said a patient infected with the new coronavirus has died, marking the first confirmed death outside Hubei province where the outbreak began.China’s Hebei provincial health authority said a patient infected with the new coronavirus has died, marking the first confirmed death outside Hubei province where the outbreak began.
The Health Commission of Hebei Province said in a statement dated Thursday that the patient, 80, died on Wednesday but was not confirmed to have been infected with the virus until Thursday, Reuters reports.The Health Commission of Hebei Province said in a statement dated Thursday that the patient, 80, died on Wednesday but was not confirmed to have been infected with the virus until Thursday, Reuters reports.
The death toll from the outbreak now stands at 18.The death toll from the outbreak now stands at 18.