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Coronavirus: 6,000 locked down on cruise ship off Italy – live news Coronavirus: 6,000 locked down on cruise ship off Italy – live news
(32 minutes later)
WHO says whole world must be on alert for Wuhan virus as UK citizens in Hubei told they will not be flown out on ThursdayWHO says whole world must be on alert for Wuhan virus as UK citizens in Hubei told they will not be flown out on Thursday
The foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said he hopes an emergency flight to bring back British nationals from Wuhan could take off later this evening.
Those on board will be flown in to a military base and then taken to an NHS facility in the north west for a 14-day quarantine period, sources told the Press Association.
The flight was originally supposed to leave from Wuhan on Thursday morning but was delayed as Chinese authorities had yet to grant permission for takeoff.
It is understood the flight will be taking off early Friday morning in the local timezone.
PA reports the plane could fly in to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
A woman who witnessed an ambulance arriving at a locked down hotel in York has been describing the scene.A woman who witnessed an ambulance arriving at a locked down hotel in York has been describing the scene.
Speaking to the York Free Press, she said:Speaking to the York Free Press, she said:
Here are the main developments so far today:Here are the main developments so far today:
An Italian cruise ship, with 6,000 people on board, is on lockdown after two Chinese passengers on board are suspected of catching coronavirus. One of the couple has a fever and both are being kept in solitary confinement on board as the ship is docked in Civitavecchia, north of Rome.An Italian cruise ship, with 6,000 people on board, is on lockdown after two Chinese passengers on board are suspected of catching coronavirus. One of the couple has a fever and both are being kept in solitary confinement on board as the ship is docked in Civitavecchia, north of Rome.
British Airways has cancelled all flight to and from China for a month. It claims the move was made in consultation with the Foreign Office.British Airways has cancelled all flight to and from China for a month. It claims the move was made in consultation with the Foreign Office.
The UK government is “working urgently” with the Chinese authorities to allow a delayed evacuation flight to leave Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak. Dual national families in Wuhan have been told that UK citizens can leave, but Chinese nationals must stay behind.The UK government is “working urgently” with the Chinese authorities to allow a delayed evacuation flight to leave Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak. Dual national families in Wuhan have been told that UK citizens can leave, but Chinese nationals must stay behind.
Russia has closed its border with China and will stop issuing electronic visas to Chinese nationals. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said: “We have to do everything to protect our people.”Russia has closed its border with China and will stop issuing electronic visas to Chinese nationals. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said: “We have to do everything to protect our people.”
China has reported its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus deaths. The death toll rose to 170 on Thursday – up from 132 the previous day, a rise of 29%. The number of confirmed cases in China now stands at 7,711, up from 5,974 a day earlier.China has reported its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus deaths. The death toll rose to 170 on Thursday – up from 132 the previous day, a rise of 29%. The number of confirmed cases in China now stands at 7,711, up from 5,974 a day earlier.
Almost two-thirds of airport screening tests fail to detect people with coronavirus, according to new research. A team from the London School of Hygeine and Tropical Medicine found that the current techniques are ineffective because of the incubation period and the poor sensitivity of thermal scanners.Almost two-thirds of airport screening tests fail to detect people with coronavirus, according to new research. A team from the London School of Hygeine and Tropical Medicine found that the current techniques are ineffective because of the incubation period and the poor sensitivity of thermal scanners.
Angry South Koreans have volleyed eggs and expletives at a minister and officials trying over plans to quarantine hundreds of citizens in Asan. “If it’s so safe why don’t you bring them to your home?” one protester shouted at the minister.Angry South Koreans have volleyed eggs and expletives at a minister and officials trying over plans to quarantine hundreds of citizens in Asan. “If it’s so safe why don’t you bring them to your home?” one protester shouted at the minister.
China’s football association has cancelled all domestic games at all levels. Meanwhile, Ikea temporarily closed its stores in China. State-run Chinese media said officials who mishandled the crisis would be punishedChina’s football association has cancelled all domestic games at all levels. Meanwhile, Ikea temporarily closed its stores in China. State-run Chinese media said officials who mishandled the crisis would be punished
These before and after satellite images of Wuhan give a flavour of what a city of 11 million people looks like on lockdown:These before and after satellite images of Wuhan give a flavour of what a city of 11 million people looks like on lockdown:
A hotel in Yorkshire has been put on lockdown after a man, believed to be a Chinese national, was taken to hospital after falling ill.A hotel in Yorkshire has been put on lockdown after a man, believed to be a Chinese national, was taken to hospital after falling ill.
The man, who was a guest at the Staycity Hotel in the centre of York, was taken to hospital by medics on Wednesday night.Paramedics wearing special protective clothing entered the hotel, near the city’s Barbican theatre, after reports that a guest had fallen ill at around 7.50pm yesterday on Wednesday.A spokeswoman for the hotel group said:The man, who was a guest at the Staycity Hotel in the centre of York, was taken to hospital by medics on Wednesday night.Paramedics wearing special protective clothing entered the hotel, near the city’s Barbican theatre, after reports that a guest had fallen ill at around 7.50pm yesterday on Wednesday.A spokeswoman for the hotel group said:
Shares in Carnival, the international cruise operator, have slumped by 7% this morning following that report that a couple from Hong Kong are in solitary confinement on one of its ships docked off the Italian coast.Shares in Carnival, the international cruise operator, have slumped by 7% this morning following that report that a couple from Hong Kong are in solitary confinement on one of its ships docked off the Italian coast.
ANSA, the Italian news service, reports that one of the pair has a fever and is being tested by the authorities for coronavirus. The 6,000 passengers on board the Costa Smeralda (one of the world’s biggest cruise ships) are currently unable to get off.According to ANSA, the couple had arrived from Hong Kong at Milan Malpensa airport on Saturday 25 January and then headed to Savona (in Northern Italy) where they boarded the ship for the cruise. The mayor of Civitavecchia Ernesto Tedesco has said the situation is under “careful control”, and that all the necessary protocols are being followed.ANSA, the Italian news service, reports that one of the pair has a fever and is being tested by the authorities for coronavirus. The 6,000 passengers on board the Costa Smeralda (one of the world’s biggest cruise ships) are currently unable to get off.According to ANSA, the couple had arrived from Hong Kong at Milan Malpensa airport on Saturday 25 January and then headed to Savona (in Northern Italy) where they boarded the ship for the cruise. The mayor of Civitavecchia Ernesto Tedesco has said the situation is under “careful control”, and that all the necessary protocols are being followed.
More on BA’s decision to ground China flights for a month.More on BA’s decision to ground China flights for a month.
PA Media Reports:PA Media Reports:
Downing Street has said that the UK is still negotiating with China over the delayed evacuation flight from Wuhan.Downing Street has said that the UK is still negotiating with China over the delayed evacuation flight from Wuhan.
A spokesman said: “The UK government is working urgently with China to ensure an evacuation flight from Wuhan can take off as soon as possible.”A spokesman said: “The UK government is working urgently with China to ensure an evacuation flight from Wuhan can take off as soon as possible.”
He added: “A number of countries’ flights have been unable to take off as planned including the British repatriation from Wuhan.He added: “A number of countries’ flights have been unable to take off as planned including the British repatriation from Wuhan.
The flight is planned to touch down at a military base in the UK before passengers are taken to an NHS facility to be quarantined.The flight is planned to touch down at a military base in the UK before passengers are taken to an NHS facility to be quarantined.
But the plane has been prevented from leaving China because “we haven’t got the necessary clearances and we are working with the Chinese authorities on securing those”, the spokesman said.But the plane has been prevented from leaving China because “we haven’t got the necessary clearances and we are working with the Chinese authorities on securing those”, the spokesman said.
British Airways has cancelled flights to China for a month.British Airways has cancelled flights to China for a month.
Earlier it said it was only planning to stop China flights until Monday, but after advice from the Foreign Office no BA flights to and from China will happen until 29 February, according to a statement sent to the BBC’s Robin Brant.Earlier it said it was only planning to stop China flights until Monday, but after advice from the Foreign Office no BA flights to and from China will happen until 29 February, according to a statement sent to the BBC’s Robin Brant.
Thousands of people are being kept on board an Italian cruise ship as tests are carried out on two Chinese passengers suspected of having caught coronavirus, a spokesman for the Costa Crociere cruise company has said.Thousands of people are being kept on board an Italian cruise ship as tests are carried out on two Chinese passengers suspected of having caught coronavirus, a spokesman for the Costa Crociere cruise company has said.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
Kharn Lambert, a British citizen stranded in Wuhan with his 81-year-old grandmother, has welcomed the UK government’s decision to quarantine those returning from China.Kharn Lambert, a British citizen stranded in Wuhan with his 81-year-old grandmother, has welcomed the UK government’s decision to quarantine those returning from China.
On Wednesday the government initially said that those returning would be asked to “self-isolate” for two weeks. At the time Lambert criticised the idea as “ludicrous and stupid”.On Wednesday the government initially said that those returning would be asked to “self-isolate” for two weeks. At the time Lambert criticised the idea as “ludicrous and stupid”.
But today he said he was “happy” the government had changed its approach to containing the virus by forcing those who return to be placed in a NHS facility for a fortnight.But today he said he was “happy” the government had changed its approach to containing the virus by forcing those who return to be placed in a NHS facility for a fortnight.
Speaking on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show, Lambert said: “It was what we were all discussing in our WeChat groups yesterday about how this was not acceptable. And then once we heard the news that this quarantine was happening, I think everybody felt a lot more pleased because we don’t want to put the health of the British public at risk.Speaking on the BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show, Lambert said: “It was what we were all discussing in our WeChat groups yesterday about how this was not acceptable. And then once we heard the news that this quarantine was happening, I think everybody felt a lot more pleased because we don’t want to put the health of the British public at risk.
“If that means going into quarantine for 14 days, then that’s what is necessary.”“If that means going into quarantine for 14 days, then that’s what is necessary.”
Hundreds of Britons hoping to flee the Chinese region at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak have been left stranded after an emergency government-chartered flight to take them home was delayed.Hundreds of Britons hoping to flee the Chinese region at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak have been left stranded after an emergency government-chartered flight to take them home was delayed.
A plane was due to leave locked-down Wuhan on Thursday morning, evacuating about 200 Britons to the UK, where they would be quarantined for two weeks at a secure NHS facility.A plane was due to leave locked-down Wuhan on Thursday morning, evacuating about 200 Britons to the UK, where they would be quarantined for two weeks at a secure NHS facility.
But the plans were scuppered late on Wednesday as Chinese authorities had yet to grant the plane permission for takeoff, leaving British officials scrambling to negotiate.But the plans were scuppered late on Wednesday as Chinese authorities had yet to grant the plane permission for takeoff, leaving British officials scrambling to negotiate.
Russia is closing its border with China to prevent the spread of coronavirus and will stop issuing electronic visas to Chinese nationals, AFP reports.Russia is closing its border with China to prevent the spread of coronavirus and will stop issuing electronic visas to Chinese nationals, AFP reports.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told a government meeting that the order had been signed “to take measures to close the border (with China) in the Far East”.Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told a government meeting that the order had been signed “to take measures to close the border (with China) in the Far East”.
“We have to do everything to protect our people,” he said.“We have to do everything to protect our people,” he said.
The Russian foreign ministry said that as of Thursday it would stop issuing Chinese citizens with electronic visas, which can be used to cross into parts of the Far East and western Russia.The Russian foreign ministry said that as of Thursday it would stop issuing Chinese citizens with electronic visas, which can be used to cross into parts of the Far East and western Russia.
The foreign ministry also advised Russians to refrain from travelling to China and for those in China to get in touch with the Russian embassy.The foreign ministry also advised Russians to refrain from travelling to China and for those in China to get in touch with the Russian embassy.
Russia does not have any confirmed cases of the new virus but the Russian government has set up a task force to prevent its possible spread.Russia does not have any confirmed cases of the new virus but the Russian government has set up a task force to prevent its possible spread.
UK citizen Matt Raw, who is stranded in Wuhan says he decided to stay in the city because his wife Chinese wife has been told she will not be allowed to take the evacuation flight to the UK.UK citizen Matt Raw, who is stranded in Wuhan says he decided to stay in the city because his wife Chinese wife has been told she will not be allowed to take the evacuation flight to the UK.
“We’re at a point now where my wife can’t come, so there’s no point in us even even trying anymore,” he told BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show.“We’re at a point now where my wife can’t come, so there’s no point in us even even trying anymore,” he told BBC’s Victoria Derbyshire show.
The couple are also worried about being infected with the virus on the evacuation flight.The couple are also worried about being infected with the virus on the evacuation flight.
Raw said: “I think there’s actually a danger now of even taking the flight, particularly with the news that we received this morning that three Japanese people were actually infected whilst on their evacuation flight.Raw said: “I think there’s actually a danger now of even taking the flight, particularly with the news that we received this morning that three Japanese people were actually infected whilst on their evacuation flight.
“So there’s a risk of staying here versus the risks of taking the flight.”“So there’s a risk of staying here versus the risks of taking the flight.”
Human rights campaigners are concerned that Chinese authorities are trying to stifle criticism of their approach to the virus under the pretext of countering false rumours.Human rights campaigners are concerned that Chinese authorities are trying to stifle criticism of their approach to the virus under the pretext of countering false rumours.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the over zealous way Beijing is trying to control the flow of information about coronavirus.Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the over zealous way Beijing is trying to control the flow of information about coronavirus.
In a statement it said: “rather than rebutting false information and disseminating reliable facts, the authorities in some instances have appeared more concerned with silencing criticism.”In a statement it said: “rather than rebutting false information and disseminating reliable facts, the authorities in some instances have appeared more concerned with silencing criticism.”
It cited the case of a Wuhan doctor who in December alerted friends on WeChat group to what was then an unknown illness. He was initially warned by hospital officials not “spread rumours” and is now being treated for the condition.It cited the case of a Wuhan doctor who in December alerted friends on WeChat group to what was then an unknown illness. He was initially warned by hospital officials not “spread rumours” and is now being treated for the condition.
HRW also pointed out that the authorities have censored social media posts by families of people seeking help.HRW also pointed out that the authorities have censored social media posts by families of people seeking help.
Here’s our latest news report on the crisis:Here’s our latest news report on the crisis:
China has reported its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus deaths as countries struggled to evacuate citizens still trapped in Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the outbreak began.China has reported its biggest single-day jump in coronavirus deaths as countries struggled to evacuate citizens still trapped in Wuhan, the central Chinese city where the outbreak began.
The death toll rose to 170 on Thursday – up from 132 the previous day, a rise of 29%. The number of confirmed cases in China now stands at 7,711, up from 5,974 a day earlier.The death toll rose to 170 on Thursday – up from 132 the previous day, a rise of 29%. The number of confirmed cases in China now stands at 7,711, up from 5,974 a day earlier.
It is understood that 162 of the deaths – or 95% – are in Hubei province, where Wuhan is located. Of the new deaths, 37 were in Hubei province and one in the south-western province of Sichuan.It is understood that 162 of the deaths – or 95% – are in Hubei province, where Wuhan is located. Of the new deaths, 37 were in Hubei province and one in the south-western province of Sichuan.
The World Health Organization, which initially downplayed the severity of the virus, has warned all governments to be “on alert”, and its emergency committee is to meet later on Thursday to decide whether to declare a global health emergency.The World Health Organization, which initially downplayed the severity of the virus, has warned all governments to be “on alert”, and its emergency committee is to meet later on Thursday to decide whether to declare a global health emergency.
The WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr Michael Ryan, said the few cases of human-to-human spread of the virus outside China – in Japan, Germany, Canada and Vietnam – were of “great concern”.The WHO’s emergencies chief, Dr Michael Ryan, said the few cases of human-to-human spread of the virus outside China – in Japan, Germany, Canada and Vietnam – were of “great concern”.
The US and Japan have started evacuating citizens, and other countries are poised to send chartered flights to Wuhan, amid reports that some evacuations had been held up by delays in obtaining permission from the Chinese authorities.The US and Japan have started evacuating citizens, and other countries are poised to send chartered flights to Wuhan, amid reports that some evacuations had been held up by delays in obtaining permission from the Chinese authorities.
A British flight to bring about 200 nationals back to the UK was unable to take off as planned on Thursday. The Foreign Office said it was “working urgently” to organise a flight to the UK.A British flight to bring about 200 nationals back to the UK was unable to take off as planned on Thursday. The Foreign Office said it was “working urgently” to organise a flight to the UK.