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Worries grow that quarantine in China is not enough to stem increasingly virulent coronavirus Worries grow that quarantine in China is not enough to stem increasingly virulent coronavirus
(32 minutes later)
Even as China takes more stringent measures to limit the movement of the vast country’s population during the biggest travel period of the year, and as the United States and other countries move ahead with evacuation plans, there are increasing fears that a quarantine will not be enough to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, which so far has infected at least 2,800 people in China and killed at least 82. Here’s what we know:Even as China takes more stringent measures to limit the movement of the vast country’s population during the biggest travel period of the year, and as the United States and other countries move ahead with evacuation plans, there are increasing fears that a quarantine will not be enough to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, which so far has infected at least 2,800 people in China and killed at least 82. Here’s what we know:
● With at least 82 dead so far, Beijing has broadened the extraordinary quarantine to more than 50 million people, but the mayor of Wuhan, the outbreak’s epicenter, said 5 million people have already left his city.● With at least 82 dead so far, Beijing has broadened the extraordinary quarantine to more than 50 million people, but the mayor of Wuhan, the outbreak’s epicenter, said 5 million people have already left his city.
● China’s health minister said the coronavirus is increasing in virulence and now could be contagious even before people exhibit symptoms, making apparently healthy people possible carriers.● China’s health minister said the coronavirus is increasing in virulence and now could be contagious even before people exhibit symptoms, making apparently healthy people possible carriers.
● A scientific assessment of the spread of the disease, assuming an optimistic 90 percent quarantine, still predicted more than 59,000 infections and 1,500 deaths — twice the toll of the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak.● A scientific assessment of the spread of the disease, assuming an optimistic 90 percent quarantine, still predicted more than 59,000 infections and 1,500 deaths — twice the toll of the 2002-2003 SARS outbreak.
● The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday there were no new confirmed cases of coronavirus overnight but that it is investigating 110 people in 26 states.● The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday there were no new confirmed cases of coronavirus overnight but that it is investigating 110 people in 26 states.
● In the United States, health officials confirmed five cases of the pneumonia-like illness, while infections also have been confirmed in France, South Korea, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Canada and Sri Lanka. We’re mapping the spread here.● In the United States, health officials confirmed five cases of the pneumonia-like illness, while infections also have been confirmed in France, South Korea, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Canada and Sri Lanka. We’re mapping the spread here.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS | SCENES FROM CHINA’S DEADLY CORONAVIRUS CRISISWHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS | SCENES FROM CHINA’S DEADLY CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised its travel warning Monday to a level 3, its highest alert level, urging U.S. citizens to avoid all nonessential travel to China because of the coronavirus outbreak. The warning says those who travel should avoid all contact with sick people, animal markets and products that come from animals. It advises travelers to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe effects of the disease and should discuss travel with their health-care provider, the agency said.
The warning also advises people who have traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing to seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, those people are advised to call ahead and tell them about recent travel and symptoms.
WASHINGTON — The State Department raised its China travel warning to a level 3 Monday, urging U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to the coronavirus outbreak. It also raised the travel warning for Hubei province to level 4, advising against any travel there and noting that U.S. officials have “limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens” in the province.WASHINGTON — The State Department raised its China travel warning to a level 3 Monday, urging U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to the coronavirus outbreak. It also raised the travel warning for Hubei province to level 4, advising against any travel there and noting that U.S. officials have “limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens” in the province.
“Travelers should be aware that the Chinese government could prevent them from entering or exiting parts of Hubei province,” the warning said, adding that restrictions could “be put into effect with little or no advance notice.”“Travelers should be aware that the Chinese government could prevent them from entering or exiting parts of Hubei province,” the warning said, adding that restrictions could “be put into effect with little or no advance notice.”
The warning stated that those who must travel to China should avoid all contact with sick people, animals and animal products.The warning stated that those who must travel to China should avoid all contact with sick people, animals and animal products.
WASHINGTON — Global markets took a steep drop Monday as investors grew increasingly anxious about the swift spread of the coronavirus beyond China’s borders.WASHINGTON — Global markets took a steep drop Monday as investors grew increasingly anxious about the swift spread of the coronavirus beyond China’s borders.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 454 points, or 1.6 percent. The Standard & Poor 500 and Nasdaq also slid significantly, 1.6 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 454 points, or 1.6 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 and Nasdaq also slid significantly, 1.6 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively.
Travel-related companies were hit particularly hard. Shares of American Airlines lost 5.5 percent and Delta fell 3.4 percent. Wynn Resorts, which has a large footprint in Macao, fell 8.1 percent. Las Vegas Sands fell 6.7 percent. Luckin Coffee, a company based in China that manages more than 4,000 locations, saw its stock price fall 9 percent.Travel-related companies were hit particularly hard. Shares of American Airlines lost 5.5 percent and Delta fell 3.4 percent. Wynn Resorts, which has a large footprint in Macao, fell 8.1 percent. Las Vegas Sands fell 6.7 percent. Luckin Coffee, a company based in China that manages more than 4,000 locations, saw its stock price fall 9 percent.
“If the current outbreak turns into a pandemic that significantly disrupts global commerce, the impact would be bad news for the global economy and corporate earnings,” said Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research.“If the current outbreak turns into a pandemic that significantly disrupts global commerce, the impact would be bad news for the global economy and corporate earnings,” said Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research.
Read more about the global stock market shudder here.Read more about the global stock market shudder here.
SEATTLE — Washington state health authorities are tracking a growing number of people – the total has expanded to 64 — who had contact with the Washington state man who was the first confirmed U.S. case of the novel coronavirus. That patient, a man in his 30s, is still in “satisfactory” condition and is being monitored at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash., authorities said. He had reached out to health authorities more than a week ago upon feeling sick after his return from Wuhan.SEATTLE — Washington state health authorities are tracking a growing number of people – the total has expanded to 64 — who had contact with the Washington state man who was the first confirmed U.S. case of the novel coronavirus. That patient, a man in his 30s, is still in “satisfactory” condition and is being monitored at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash., authorities said. He had reached out to health authorities more than a week ago upon feeling sick after his return from Wuhan.
Two of the man’s contacts are considered “people under investigation,” said Heather Thomas, a spokesperson for the Snohomish County Health District. Their specimens are being delivered to the CDC today. In the meantime, they are isolated at home, she said. Two of the man’s contacts are considered “people under investigation,” said Heather Thomas, a spokeswoman for the Snohomish County Health District. Their specimens are being delivered to the CDC today. In the meantime, they are isolated at home, she said.
As to why the contact list keeps expanding, Thomas noted that “sometimes, we find one contact that adds on a couple more. For example, if one person was listed, but they had others with them, that initial contact now becomes two or three.”As to why the contact list keeps expanding, Thomas noted that “sometimes, we find one contact that adds on a couple more. For example, if one person was listed, but they had others with them, that initial contact now becomes two or three.”
“In a complex case like this one, it is to be expected that we identify others who need to be tested. That is why our disease investigators are doing daily monitoring for potential symptoms,” said Thomas.
Hospital officials said they are working with the CDC and the Washington state health department to treat and monitor the patient, said hospital spokesman Casey Calamusa.Hospital officials said they are working with the CDC and the Washington state health department to treat and monitor the patient, said hospital spokesman Casey Calamusa.
“We are working with them on determining when to discharge, but that hasn’t been determined yet,” he said.“We are working with them on determining when to discharge, but that hasn’t been determined yet,” he said.
WASHINGTON — The rapid spread of the coronavirus in China and around the world has sent Facebook, Google and Twitter scrambling to prevent a different sort of malady — a surge of half-truths and outright falsehoods about the deadly outbreak.WASHINGTON — The rapid spread of the coronavirus in China and around the world has sent Facebook, Google and Twitter scrambling to prevent a different sort of malady — a surge of half-truths and outright falsehoods about the deadly outbreak.
Already, Facebook and its peers have tried to battle back pervasive conspiracy theories, including a hoax that wrongly claims U.S. government officials secretly created or obtained a patent for the illness. Some of the misinformation has circulated through private Facebook groups — channels that are hard for researchers to monitor in real time — that came into existence after news first broke about the coronavirus.Already, Facebook and its peers have tried to battle back pervasive conspiracy theories, including a hoax that wrongly claims U.S. government officials secretly created or obtained a patent for the illness. Some of the misinformation has circulated through private Facebook groups — channels that are hard for researchers to monitor in real time — that came into existence after news first broke about the coronavirus.
“Oregano Oil Proves Effective Against Coronavirus,” read one post that had been shared at least 2,000 times across multiple groups by Monday. The original post is a decade old, originating on a holistic care website — and scientists have said there is no such cure for coronavirus.“Oregano Oil Proves Effective Against Coronavirus,” read one post that had been shared at least 2,000 times across multiple groups by Monday. The original post is a decade old, originating on a holistic care website — and scientists have said there is no such cure for coronavirus.
Nine organizations that partner with Facebook on fact-checking have rated multiple coronavirus claims as false, including those peddling fake treatments, the company said Monday. Facebook said it has labeled the inaccuracies and lowered their rank in users’ daily feeds.Nine organizations that partner with Facebook on fact-checking have rated multiple coronavirus claims as false, including those peddling fake treatments, the company said Monday. Facebook said it has labeled the inaccuracies and lowered their rank in users’ daily feeds.
Read more about how U.S. tech giants are responding here.Read more about how U.S. tech giants are responding here.
WASHINGTON — As the infections mount in China, officials in countries with confirmed travel-related cases are trying to better understand how easily the virus spreads and how deadly it is.WASHINGTON — As the infections mount in China, officials in countries with confirmed travel-related cases are trying to better understand how easily the virus spreads and how deadly it is.
Officials in Canada said Monday during a news conference in Toronto that they do not know how their presumptive second case, the wife of a man who is Canada’s first confirmed case, was infected. It could have been from human to human spread from her husband, or from exposure in Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the outbreak began.Officials in Canada said Monday during a news conference in Toronto that they do not know how their presumptive second case, the wife of a man who is Canada’s first confirmed case, was infected. It could have been from human to human spread from her husband, or from exposure in Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the outbreak began.
“This individual has been in close proximity to her husband and, having also arrived in Toronto from the area of Wuhan, could also have been exposed to the virus in China,” said David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer.“This individual has been in close proximity to her husband and, having also arrived in Toronto from the area of Wuhan, could also have been exposed to the virus in China,” said David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer.
The couple, both in their 50s, arrived in Toronto from Wuhan on Jan. 22. Both wore masks on the flight. The man is in isolation in Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, and in stable condition. The wife is not showing symptoms, and is in isolation at home. There are no other family members living in the same household.The couple, both in their 50s, arrived in Toronto from Wuhan on Jan. 22. Both wore masks on the flight. The man is in isolation in Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, and in stable condition. The wife is not showing symptoms, and is in isolation at home. There are no other family members living in the same household.
“She’s not been in need of the same acute hospital care as her husband,” Williams said. Her case shows that the virus causes a range of illness. “Not all people who contract this experience the same severe symptoms,” he said.“She’s not been in need of the same acute hospital care as her husband,” Williams said. Her case shows that the virus causes a range of illness. “Not all people who contract this experience the same severe symptoms,” he said.
BERLIN – In Wuhan, residents sought to encourage one another from their apartments on Monday by chanting a message of support, according to footage that has emerged from the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.BERLIN – In Wuhan, residents sought to encourage one another from their apartments on Monday by chanting a message of support, according to footage that has emerged from the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak.
In videos uploaded to social media on Monday and authenticated by Storyful, a social media verification agency, residents of high-rise buildings could be heard repeatedly shouting the words “Wuhan, jiayou” – the latter being a versatile Chinese term that can be translated as “Hang in there” or “Do your best” in an encouraging sense. (Literally translated, “jiayou” means “add oil.”)In videos uploaded to social media on Monday and authenticated by Storyful, a social media verification agency, residents of high-rise buildings could be heard repeatedly shouting the words “Wuhan, jiayou” – the latter being a versatile Chinese term that can be translated as “Hang in there” or “Do your best” in an encouraging sense. (Literally translated, “jiayou” means “add oil.”)
Wuhan has been under a travel lockdown since Jan. 23. Of its around 11 million residents, 5 million have already left Wuhan, according to the city’s mayor. Many residents who are still in the city have tried to stay at home as a precautionary measure.Wuhan has been under a travel lockdown since Jan. 23. Of its around 11 million residents, 5 million have already left Wuhan, according to the city’s mayor. Many residents who are still in the city have tried to stay at home as a precautionary measure.
BERLIN – U.S. pharmaceutical corporation Johnson & Johnson announced on Monday that its researchers are joining the race to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus.BERLIN – U.S. pharmaceutical corporation Johnson & Johnson announced on Monday that its researchers are joining the race to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus.
“Multiple efforts are needed to make sure that at the end, one vaccine or two or three make it -- because we are not sure at all” what will succeed, Paul Stoffels, the corporation’s chief scientific officer, said in an interview.“Multiple efforts are needed to make sure that at the end, one vaccine or two or three make it -- because we are not sure at all” what will succeed, Paul Stoffels, the corporation’s chief scientific officer, said in an interview.
He added that the work began two weeks ago and it would likely take eight to 12 months before the first tests on people.He added that the work began two weeks ago and it would likely take eight to 12 months before the first tests on people.
The corporation’s announcement followed a number of similar recent initiatives by international companies, as well as private and governmental research institutes. The National Institutes of Health expects to have a vaccine in human safety tests in three months.The corporation’s announcement followed a number of similar recent initiatives by international companies, as well as private and governmental research institutes. The National Institutes of Health expects to have a vaccine in human safety tests in three months.
Last week, the Norway-headquartered Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced that it had initiated several new programs to advance “vaccine candidates into clinical testing as quickly as possible.” Other efforts are testing existing and experimental antiviral drugs to see if they could help patients in the short term.Last week, the Norway-headquartered Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) announced that it had initiated several new programs to advance “vaccine candidates into clinical testing as quickly as possible.” Other efforts are testing existing and experimental antiviral drugs to see if they could help patients in the short term.
Johnson & Johnson sent 100 boxes of an HIV drug, Prezcobix, to the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center so that researchers can test whether it has any effect against coronavirus.Johnson & Johnson sent 100 boxes of an HIV drug, Prezcobix, to the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center so that researchers can test whether it has any effect against coronavirus.
Turkey and Ukraine on Monday recommended against traveling to China’s Hubei province as the new coronavirus continued to spread.Turkey and Ukraine on Monday recommended against traveling to China’s Hubei province as the new coronavirus continued to spread.
“It is highly recommended that our citizens do not travel to China unless it is necessary and if they travel there, they should stay away from the regions where the [coronavirus] cases are seen, especially in Hubei province,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement, according to Anadolu, the country’s state-run news agency.“It is highly recommended that our citizens do not travel to China unless it is necessary and if they travel there, they should stay away from the regions where the [coronavirus] cases are seen, especially in Hubei province,” Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement, according to Anadolu, the country’s state-run news agency.
Ukraine warned its citizens against nonessential travel as well, Reuters reported.Ukraine warned its citizens against nonessential travel as well, Reuters reported.
A U.S. epidemiologist who helped China respond to the 2003 SARS virus plans to return there Tuesday to assist his Chinese counterparts with their response to the novel coronavirus. W. Ian Lipkin, director of Columbia University’s Center for Infection and Immunity, said that information about this new virus remains preliminary and that it’s still too soon to predict how widespread or deadly the outbreak will turn out to be.A U.S. epidemiologist who helped China respond to the 2003 SARS virus plans to return there Tuesday to assist his Chinese counterparts with their response to the novel coronavirus. W. Ian Lipkin, director of Columbia University’s Center for Infection and Immunity, said that information about this new virus remains preliminary and that it’s still too soon to predict how widespread or deadly the outbreak will turn out to be.
Among the unanswered questions, he said, are how long the virus incubates before becoming symptomatic, whether it can be spread before symptoms emerging, how exactly the virus is spread, how likely it is to cause a severe illness and what other factors might contribute to that.Among the unanswered questions, he said, are how long the virus incubates before becoming symptomatic, whether it can be spread before symptoms emerging, how exactly the virus is spread, how likely it is to cause a severe illness and what other factors might contribute to that.
“Until we have a handle on all of these issues, it’s very difficult to make predictions about the outbreak,” he said.“Until we have a handle on all of these issues, it’s very difficult to make predictions about the outbreak,” he said.
He added: “It’s fair to say that every year, there are 30,000 to 40,000 people who die of flu in the United States. It is very unlikely that this will ever reach the level that we annually lose to flu.”He added: “It’s fair to say that every year, there are 30,000 to 40,000 people who die of flu in the United States. It is very unlikely that this will ever reach the level that we annually lose to flu.”
Lipkin said that it will take time to develop drugs and vaccines for the new virus, and that in the meantime officials have to focus on containment — of halting the spread of the virus.Lipkin said that it will take time to develop drugs and vaccines for the new virus, and that in the meantime officials have to focus on containment — of halting the spread of the virus.
“Given the time frame of developing drugs and vaccines for treatment and prevention of infection, what we have at present is containment. We have to do our best to use what we have. The first step, of course, is to get as much information as we can about transmission,” he said.“Given the time frame of developing drugs and vaccines for treatment and prevention of infection, what we have at present is containment. We have to do our best to use what we have. The first step, of course, is to get as much information as we can about transmission,” he said.
WASHINGTON — China’s Finance Ministry and National Health Commission announced Monday that they had allocated $8.74 billion to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.WASHINGTON — China’s Finance Ministry and National Health Commission announced Monday that they had allocated $8.74 billion to help contain the coronavirus outbreak.
The 60.33 billion yuan fund, a 10 billion-yuan increase from 50.38 billion already allocated, was announced on the ministry’s website on Monday.The 60.33 billion yuan fund, a 10 billion-yuan increase from 50.38 billion already allocated, was announced on the ministry’s website on Monday.
According to the official Xinhua News Agency, the statement said that “any actions related to withholding, diversion, misappropriation and changing the use of the money will not be tolerated.”According to the official Xinhua News Agency, the statement said that “any actions related to withholding, diversion, misappropriation and changing the use of the money will not be tolerated.”
WASHINGTON — As Chinese officials widened a travel ban in recent days in an effort to control the virus, concerns emerged that the quarantine may not be effective. Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations, said China’s ability to implement such a dramatic ban on movement “might be an example of resilience of the authoritarian state, especially in a crisis setting, but there is no strong evidence supporting that the approach will be effective.”WASHINGTON — As Chinese officials widened a travel ban in recent days in an effort to control the virus, concerns emerged that the quarantine may not be effective. Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations, said China’s ability to implement such a dramatic ban on movement “might be an example of resilience of the authoritarian state, especially in a crisis setting, but there is no strong evidence supporting that the approach will be effective.”
Although Chinese leader Xi Jinping said over the weekend that officials “can win the battle of controlling the epidemic,” Huang cautioned that extreme measures can lead to serious consequences, such as the medical supply shortages now being reported in Hubei province.Although Chinese leader Xi Jinping said over the weekend that officials “can win the battle of controlling the epidemic,” Huang cautioned that extreme measures can lead to serious consequences, such as the medical supply shortages now being reported in Hubei province.
Despite concerns over the efficacy and ethics of a travel ban, Huang said that if China does ultimately control the virus, some officials there may actually see the outbreak as “an opportunity to beef up their legitimacy when they portray themselves as being decisive and as being wise.”Despite concerns over the efficacy and ethics of a travel ban, Huang said that if China does ultimately control the virus, some officials there may actually see the outbreak as “an opportunity to beef up their legitimacy when they portray themselves as being decisive and as being wise.”
If the outbreak doesn’t last long, he said, “they would claim to be the winners.”If the outbreak doesn’t last long, he said, “they would claim to be the winners.”
Read more here.Read more here.
NEW DELHI — Sri Lanka has reported its first confirmed case of the coronavirus that is sweeping China, making it the latest country to grapple with the rapid spread of the illness.NEW DELHI — Sri Lanka has reported its first confirmed case of the coronavirus that is sweeping China, making it the latest country to grapple with the rapid spread of the illness.
A Chinese tourist who was visiting the island nation tested positive for the virus, Anil Jasinghe, the country’s director general of health services, told The Washington Post. He said the woman arrived in Sri Lanka about six days ago.A Chinese tourist who was visiting the island nation tested positive for the virus, Anil Jasinghe, the country’s director general of health services, told The Washington Post. He said the woman arrived in Sri Lanka about six days ago.
An official Facebook page for Sri Lanka’s Health Promotion Bureau said authorities were working to prevent the spread of the disease and said it was a time for vigilance, not panic. It added that patients would be treated at a hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital.An official Facebook page for Sri Lanka’s Health Promotion Bureau said authorities were working to prevent the spread of the disease and said it was a time for vigilance, not panic. It added that patients would be treated at a hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday there were no new confirmed cases of coronavirus overnight.WASHINGTON — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday there were no new confirmed cases of coronavirus overnight.
The United States has five confirmed cases of coronavirus in Southern California, Chicago, Arizona and Washington state. The CDC said it is investigating 110 people in 26 states but added that the virus is not spreading within communities in the United States and that the immediate health risk to the general public is low.The United States has five confirmed cases of coronavirus in Southern California, Chicago, Arizona and Washington state. The CDC said it is investigating 110 people in 26 states but added that the virus is not spreading within communities in the United States and that the immediate health risk to the general public is low.
Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said the agency screened about 2,400 travelers over the weekend as the United States began screening at five airports. She said she expected travel recommendations to change in the coming days.Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said the agency screened about 2,400 travelers over the weekend as the United States began screening at five airports. She said she expected travel recommendations to change in the coming days.
BERLIN — Malaysia joined several other countries and territories on Monday to restrict travel to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus.BERLIN — Malaysia joined several other countries and territories on Monday to restrict travel to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus.
Malaysian officials halted the issuance of visas to visitors from China’s Wuhan city and the surrounding Hubei province. Four cases of the virus that spread from there had been reported in Malaysia by Saturday.Malaysian officials halted the issuance of visas to visitors from China’s Wuhan city and the surrounding Hubei province. Four cases of the virus that spread from there had been reported in Malaysia by Saturday.
The Chinese semiautonomous region of Macao also announced new travel restrictions Monday. Any visitors who have been to Hubei province less than two weeks before arrival in Macao will be refused access unless they can provide documentation that they are virus-free, officials said.The Chinese semiautonomous region of Macao also announced new travel restrictions Monday. Any visitors who have been to Hubei province less than two weeks before arrival in Macao will be refused access unless they can provide documentation that they are virus-free, officials said.
Hong Kong introduced a similar ban on Sunday.Hong Kong introduced a similar ban on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Mongolia planned to “restrict movements of autos and pedestrians at border crossings with China” starting on Tuesday, according to the state media outlet Montsame.Meanwhile, Mongolia planned to “restrict movements of autos and pedestrians at border crossings with China” starting on Tuesday, according to the state media outlet Montsame.
Some travelers will be exempt from the restrictions, Montsame specified Monday.Some travelers will be exempt from the restrictions, Montsame specified Monday.
Mongolian schools, universities and other educational institutions will also be closed until the beginning of March, according to the official news outlet.Mongolian schools, universities and other educational institutions will also be closed until the beginning of March, according to the official news outlet.
BERLIN — A number of countries moved forward with plans to evacuate their citizens from the coronavirus epicenter Wuhan on Monday, including Japan, France, Sri Lanka and the United States. Others are weighing their options.BERLIN — A number of countries moved forward with plans to evacuate their citizens from the coronavirus epicenter Wuhan on Monday, including Japan, France, Sri Lanka and the United States. Others are weighing their options.
U.S. officials are organizing a plane to fly American citizens out of Wuhan to California as early as Monday night, though some cautioned that the timing of the flight was still fluid. The plane will stop in Anchorage for refueling.U.S. officials are organizing a plane to fly American citizens out of Wuhan to California as early as Monday night, though some cautioned that the timing of the flight was still fluid. The plane will stop in Anchorage for refueling.
The evacuated U.S. citizens will be evaluated before they get on the plane, during the flight and after they arrive in the United States, the official said. Once they arrive in California, they will be monitored for an additional 72 hours. Even after they return to the United States, they will not be able to return home immediately because they are expected to undergo additional monitoring and evaluation.The evacuated U.S. citizens will be evaluated before they get on the plane, during the flight and after they arrive in the United States, the official said. Once they arrive in California, they will be monitored for an additional 72 hours. Even after they return to the United States, they will not be able to return home immediately because they are expected to undergo additional monitoring and evaluation.
In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing cautioned that it expects “there will be limited capacity to transport private U.S. citizens” and said that “priority will be given to individuals at greater risk from coronavirus.”In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Beijing cautioned that it expects “there will be limited capacity to transport private U.S. citizens” and said that “priority will be given to individuals at greater risk from coronavirus.”
France has scheduled a similar flight for midweek, according to French Health Minister Agnès Buzyn, while Sri Lankan officials said Monday that they have a plan for their own citizens. Japan also said it would charter at least one plane this week to bring citizens out of Wuhan, which serves as a hub for many Japanese corporations. The German government said Monday it was still “considering” an evacuation.France has scheduled a similar flight for midweek, according to French Health Minister Agnès Buzyn, while Sri Lankan officials said Monday that they have a plan for their own citizens. Japan also said it would charter at least one plane this week to bring citizens out of Wuhan, which serves as a hub for many Japanese corporations. The German government said Monday it was still “considering” an evacuation.
The British government is facing mounting pressure to enact an evacuation plan. Emily Thornberry of the opposition Labour Party said Prime Minister Boris Johnson was “not doing whatever it takes to protect our citizens from harm. They need to get this evacuation sorted now,” according to the Evening Standard newspaper.The British government is facing mounting pressure to enact an evacuation plan. Emily Thornberry of the opposition Labour Party said Prime Minister Boris Johnson was “not doing whatever it takes to protect our citizens from harm. They need to get this evacuation sorted now,” according to the Evening Standard newspaper.
On Twitter, the British Embassy in Beijing wrote that its officials “are working to make available an option for British nationals to leave Hubei province.”On Twitter, the British Embassy in Beijing wrote that its officials “are working to make available an option for British nationals to leave Hubei province.”
WASHINGTON — There are eight new confirmed coronavirus cases in Beijing, including the capital’s first death from the outbreak, city authorities announced Monday.WASHINGTON — There are eight new confirmed coronavirus cases in Beijing, including the capital’s first death from the outbreak, city authorities announced Monday.
The unnamed victim was a 50-year-old man who had visited Wuhan on Jan. 8 and developed a fever after he returned to Beijing seven days later, according to a Weibo post by Beijing’s city health commission.The unnamed victim was a 50-year-old man who had visited Wuhan on Jan. 8 and developed a fever after he returned to Beijing seven days later, according to a Weibo post by Beijing’s city health commission.
The man had visited a hospital on Jan. 21, was diagnosed the next day and died on Monday of respiratory failure, the commission announced.The man had visited a hospital on Jan. 21, was diagnosed the next day and died on Monday of respiratory failure, the commission announced.
NEW DELHI — Monika Sethuraman, a PhD student from India, described Wuhan as a “ghost town” when she stepped out of her university dormitory for the first time in four days Monday to stock up on supplies.NEW DELHI — Monika Sethuraman, a PhD student from India, described Wuhan as a “ghost town” when she stepped out of her university dormitory for the first time in four days Monday to stock up on supplies.
She bought vegetables to last for three weeks, since it was not clear how long the lockdown would last in the central Chinese city. She said the university has asked students to remain confined to their rooms and distributed thermometers.She bought vegetables to last for three weeks, since it was not clear how long the lockdown would last in the central Chinese city. She said the university has asked students to remain confined to their rooms and distributed thermometers.
“Every day before noon, we have to check our temperature and register it on a university portal,” she said.“Every day before noon, we have to check our temperature and register it on a university portal,” she said.
Debesh Mitra, a postdoctoral scientist at another university in the city, said more than 200 Indians were “stuck” in Wuhan. He described the situation as “grim.”Debesh Mitra, a postdoctoral scientist at another university in the city, said more than 200 Indians were “stuck” in Wuhan. He described the situation as “grim.”
He said he had avoided leaving the campus for fear of contracting the virus.He said he had avoided leaving the campus for fear of contracting the virus.
“We really want to come back [to India] at the earliest,” he said. “All our families are very worried.”“We really want to come back [to India] at the earliest,” he said. “All our families are very worried.”
BERLIN — Several Russian tourism operators have halted the sale of package trips to China, following advice from Russia’s federal tourism agency, Rosturizm.BERLIN — Several Russian tourism operators have halted the sale of package trips to China, following advice from Russia’s federal tourism agency, Rosturizm.
The vice president of the Association of Russian Tour Operators, Dmitry Gorin, told Reuters that sales ceased Friday and that customers who had already purchased trips would be reimbursed.The vice president of the Association of Russian Tour Operators, Dmitry Gorin, told Reuters that sales ceased Friday and that customers who had already purchased trips would be reimbursed.
The measure came as China announced its own steps to curb tourism, aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus outbreak there. Beijing halted inter-province bus traffic into the capital over the weekend, followed by a nationwide ban on tour groups traveling abroad that took effect on Monday.The measure came as China announced its own steps to curb tourism, aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus outbreak there. Beijing halted inter-province bus traffic into the capital over the weekend, followed by a nationwide ban on tour groups traveling abroad that took effect on Monday.
Hotel and restaurant owners in destinations that rely heavily on Chinese visitors fear the ban could remain in place for months.Hotel and restaurant owners in destinations that rely heavily on Chinese visitors fear the ban could remain in place for months.
In China, Shanghai’s Disneyland and Beijing’s Palace Museum will remain closed until further notice.In China, Shanghai’s Disneyland and Beijing’s Palace Museum will remain closed until further notice.
Meanwhile, corporations around the globe moved to restrict business travel to China as a precautionary measure. German manufacturer Schaeffler — which employs around 90,000 people internationally — was among the biggest European companies to prohibit business trips to China last week.Meanwhile, corporations around the globe moved to restrict business travel to China as a precautionary measure. German manufacturer Schaeffler — which employs around 90,000 people internationally — was among the biggest European companies to prohibit business trips to China last week.
WASHINGTON — Global markets took a sharp downturn Monday as investors grew increasingly anxious about the swift spread of the coronavirus beyond China.WASHINGTON — Global markets took a sharp downturn Monday as investors grew increasingly anxious about the swift spread of the coronavirus beyond China.
The Dow plunged 450 points, or about 1.5 percent. Standard & Poor’s 500 and Nasdaq futures were also down significantly, 1.5 percent and 2 percent, respectively.The Dow plunged 450 points, or about 1.5 percent. Standard & Poor’s 500 and Nasdaq futures were also down significantly, 1.5 percent and 2 percent, respectively.
“Stock markets are selling off this morning on fears that the coronavirus might be harder to contain than previous viral outbreaks,” said Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research. “If the current outbreak turns into a pandemic that significantly disrupts global commerce, the impact would be bad news for the global economy and corporate earnings.”“Stock markets are selling off this morning on fears that the coronavirus might be harder to contain than previous viral outbreaks,” said Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research. “If the current outbreak turns into a pandemic that significantly disrupts global commerce, the impact would be bad news for the global economy and corporate earnings.”
Read more here.Read more here.
TORONTO — Canadian public health officials said Monday that the wife of the man who was declared the country’s first “presumptive positive” case of the coronavirus has also tested positive for the virus at Ontario’s public health laboratory.TORONTO — Canadian public health officials said Monday that the wife of the man who was declared the country’s first “presumptive positive” case of the coronavirus has also tested positive for the virus at Ontario’s public health laboratory.
The woman has been in “self-isolation,” David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, said in a statement. He added that the risk to Ontarians of contracting the virus remains low.The woman has been in “self-isolation,” David Williams, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, said in a statement. He added that the risk to Ontarians of contracting the virus remains low.
The husband and wife returned to Toronto from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, via Guangzhou on a China Southern Airlines flight that arrived on Jan. 22, authorities said. He was admitted the next day to Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, where he is now in isolation and in stable condition.The husband and wife returned to Toronto from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, via Guangzhou on a China Southern Airlines flight that arrived on Jan. 22, authorities said. He was admitted the next day to Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital, where he is now in isolation and in stable condition.
Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief medical officer, said the man had “mild symptoms” of the virus on the plane, although he was not flagged to public health officials upon his arrival. Authorities are contacting passengers who sat within about six feet of him and any flight attendants who might have assisted him.Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief medical officer, said the man had “mild symptoms” of the virus on the plane, although he was not flagged to public health officials upon his arrival. Authorities are contacting passengers who sat within about six feet of him and any flight attendants who might have assisted him.
Both cases are considered “presumptive positive” because officials are awaiting confirmation from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.Both cases are considered “presumptive positive” because officials are awaiting confirmation from the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.
WASHINGTON — President Trump tweeted Monday that the United States is “in very close communication with China concerning the virus.”WASHINGTON — President Trump tweeted Monday that the United States is “in very close communication with China concerning the virus.”
“Very few cases reported in USA, but strongly on watch,” he wrote. “We have offered China and President Xi any help that is necessary. Our experts are extraordinary!”“Very few cases reported in USA, but strongly on watch,” he wrote. “We have offered China and President Xi any help that is necessary. Our experts are extraordinary!”
The tweet was his second mention of the virus on social media in recent days. On Friday, he praised China’s response to the outbreak, thanking Xi and saying Chinese officials have “been working very hard” to contain the virus and that the United States “greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency.”The tweet was his second mention of the virus on social media in recent days. On Friday, he praised China’s response to the outbreak, thanking Xi and saying Chinese officials have “been working very hard” to contain the virus and that the United States “greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency.”
“It will all work out well,” he wrote.“It will all work out well,” he wrote.
BEIJING — The mayor of Wuhan, the Chinese city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak, announced several stark numbers at a late-night news conference on Sunday, with most focusing on his prediction that there would be at least 1,000 new infections.BEIJING — The mayor of Wuhan, the Chinese city at the center of the coronavirus outbreak, announced several stark numbers at a late-night news conference on Sunday, with most focusing on his prediction that there would be at least 1,000 new infections.
But Mayor Zhou Xianwang revealed another number that underscored the metastasizing challenge of the accelerating epidemic: 5 million.But Mayor Zhou Xianwang revealed another number that underscored the metastasizing challenge of the accelerating epidemic: 5 million.
That was the number of people who had emptied out of Wuhan in recent days — and scattered all over the world — as China’s Lunar New Year holiday period approached and authorities announced a lockdown in an urgent bid to contain the outbreak.That was the number of people who had emptied out of Wuhan in recent days — and scattered all over the world — as China’s Lunar New Year holiday period approached and authorities announced a lockdown in an urgent bid to contain the outbreak.
As of Monday, the virus has infected 2,835 people in China and killed 81, according to data provided by the National Health Commission.As of Monday, the virus has infected 2,835 people in China and killed 81, according to data provided by the National Health Commission.
BEIJING — The effectiveness of an unprecedented quarantine around the viral epicenter in central China’s Hubei province has become a key question, as Chinese and international authorities ponder how to rein in the disease — and, at this point, whether it could be contained at all.BEIJING — The effectiveness of an unprecedented quarantine around the viral epicenter in central China’s Hubei province has become a key question, as Chinese and international authorities ponder how to rein in the disease — and, at this point, whether it could be contained at all.
“Radical times call for radical measures,” said Dong-Yan Jin, a professor of molecular virology and oncology at Hong Kong University’s School of Biomedical Sciences. “A lot of cities have followed Wuhan in announcing a lockdown, but don’t forget that many potential patients are already out there before such an administrative order. Are we going to shut down the whole country?”“Radical times call for radical measures,” said Dong-Yan Jin, a professor of molecular virology and oncology at Hong Kong University’s School of Biomedical Sciences. “A lot of cities have followed Wuhan in announcing a lockdown, but don’t forget that many potential patients are already out there before such an administrative order. Are we going to shut down the whole country?”
Jin said Chinese authorities had missed the critical moment to control the epidemic: before the New Year’s travel rush began a week ago.Jin said Chinese authorities had missed the critical moment to control the epidemic: before the New Year’s travel rush began a week ago.
“There was a lack of transparency in Hubei and an unwillingness by local governments to face the music; now, they tend to overcompensate,” he said. “You cannot expect that to work miracles and stop the outbreak.”“There was a lack of transparency in Hubei and an unwillingness by local governments to face the music; now, they tend to overcompensate,” he said. “You cannot expect that to work miracles and stop the outbreak.”
Widespread suspicions on Chinese social media that government officials mishandled the early stages of the crisis were fanned dramatically on Monday by an unlikely player: the Wuhan mayor, Zhou Xianwang.Widespread suspicions on Chinese social media that government officials mishandled the early stages of the crisis were fanned dramatically on Monday by an unlikely player: the Wuhan mayor, Zhou Xianwang.
In a remarkable interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Zhou acknowledged that his city did not release “timely and satisfactory” information at the start of the epidemic, and he appeared to blame higher-ups in his chain of command.In a remarkable interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Zhou acknowledged that his city did not release “timely and satisfactory” information at the start of the epidemic, and he appeared to blame higher-ups in his chain of command.
“I hope everyone can understand that this is an infectious disease, and infectious diseases must be disclosed according to law,” he said. “We can only disclose information after we receive authorization.”“I hope everyone can understand that this is an infectious disease, and infectious diseases must be disclosed according to law,” he said. “We can only disclose information after we receive authorization.”
BEIJING — Some medical experts warn that the number of cases may be higher than the authorities know or acknowledge. They also say that the mass lockdown and efforts to quarantine patients are too late due to the missteps in December, when reports of a novel virus in Wuhan began to emerge without prompting a response.BEIJING — Some medical experts warn that the number of cases may be higher than the authorities know or acknowledge. They also say that the mass lockdown and efforts to quarantine patients are too late due to the missteps in December, when reports of a novel virus in Wuhan began to emerge without prompting a response.
Gabriel Leung, an epidemiologist who is chair of public health medicine at Hong Kong University, told reporters in Hong Kong on Monday that his model showed the true number of coronavirus patients to be as high as 44,000.Gabriel Leung, an epidemiologist who is chair of public health medicine at Hong Kong University, told reporters in Hong Kong on Monday that his model showed the true number of coronavirus patients to be as high as 44,000.
He warned that the epidemic could become global and reach a peak in China in April or May, when 150,000 new cases could be confirmed every day in one Chinese city — Chongqing — alone.He warned that the epidemic could become global and reach a peak in China in April or May, when 150,000 new cases could be confirmed every day in one Chinese city — Chongqing — alone.
Escalating worldwide concerns, Chinese Health Minister Ma Xiaowei said Sunday that people carrying the new coronavirus could infect others even while they do not show any symptoms for as long as 14 days, a period known as incubation. That implies that, unlike SARS, seemingly healthy travelers could have unwittingly infected others.Escalating worldwide concerns, Chinese Health Minister Ma Xiaowei said Sunday that people carrying the new coronavirus could infect others even while they do not show any symptoms for as long as 14 days, a period known as incubation. That implies that, unlike SARS, seemingly healthy travelers could have unwittingly infected others.
But international experts, including at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, say they are still seeking to confirm Ma’s statement. Australia’s chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, told reporters on Monday that expert panels were not yet convinced that the virus could be spread by people who were still symptom-free.But international experts, including at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, say they are still seeking to confirm Ma’s statement. Australia’s chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, told reporters on Monday that expert panels were not yet convinced that the virus could be spread by people who were still symptom-free.
Some researchers say that even a small degree of porousness in the quarantine effort could have magnified implications for the epidemic’s toll.Some researchers say that even a small degree of porousness in the quarantine effort could have magnified implications for the epidemic’s toll.
In a study published Saturday, Yu Xiaohua, a professor at the University of Göttingen in Germany, concluded that the epidemic cannot be controlled if the quarantine rate of the infectious population falls below 90 percent.In a study published Saturday, Yu Xiaohua, a professor at the University of Göttingen in Germany, concluded that the epidemic cannot be controlled if the quarantine rate of the infectious population falls below 90 percent.
If 90 percent of patients are quarantined, his modeling suggested, the final number of cases might reach 59,000, with 1,500 deaths. But if only half the infected patients are quarantined, the final number of infected people could approach 5 million, with more than 100,000 deaths.If 90 percent of patients are quarantined, his modeling suggested, the final number of cases might reach 59,000, with 1,500 deaths. But if only half the infected patients are quarantined, the final number of infected people could approach 5 million, with more than 100,000 deaths.
At the same time, experts say they are heartened so far by the low number of reports so far of human-to-human transmission outside of central China.At the same time, experts say they are heartened so far by the low number of reports so far of human-to-human transmission outside of central China.
In its update Sunday, the U.S. CDC said it considered the coronavirus to pose a low health risk to the general American public “at this time,” but warned that person-to-person infection will likely occur at some point in the United States.In its update Sunday, the U.S. CDC said it considered the coronavirus to pose a low health risk to the general American public “at this time,” but warned that person-to-person infection will likely occur at some point in the United States.