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Coronavirus: WHO declares global emergency but stresses confidence in China – live news Coronavirus: WHO declares global emergency but stresses confidence in China – live news
(30 minutes later)
WHO director says decision comes amid concern for countries with weaker health systems as UK citizens in Hubei are due to be flown home on FridayWHO director says decision comes amid concern for countries with weaker health systems as UK citizens in Hubei are due to be flown home on Friday
Giuseppe Conte, the prime minister of Italy, has said the country has its first two cases of the virus, according to Reuters.
Italy is the fourth European country, after France, Finland and Germany, to have confirmed cases. Conte suspended air travel between Italy and China after the announcement.
What does the WHO’s international public health emergency mean?What does the WHO’s international public health emergency mean?
Escalating the virus to an international public health emergency signals that countries around the world should step up their response, and enables the organisation to offer greater support to countries with weaker health systems.Escalating the virus to an international public health emergency signals that countries around the world should step up their response, and enables the organisation to offer greater support to countries with weaker health systems.
It also gives the WHO the power to scrutinise the steps taken by other countries in response to the virus so far.It also gives the WHO the power to scrutinise the steps taken by other countries in response to the virus so far.
This is the sixth emergency announced since 2009. Here’s a recap of the others:This is the sixth emergency announced since 2009. Here’s a recap of the others:
2009 The swine flu pandemic, which killed approximately 284,500 people, though some estimations reach 579,000.2009 The swine flu pandemic, which killed approximately 284,500 people, though some estimations reach 579,000.
2013-2016 The Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which led to the death of 11,300 people.2013-2016 The Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which led to the death of 11,300 people.
2014 The polio outbreak, in which 417 people have died.2014 The polio outbreak, in which 417 people have died.
2016 The Zika, which spread to 60 countries and caused 2,300 cases of babies born with microcephaly, which causes the head to be smaller than expected and can lead to developmental problems.2016 The Zika, which spread to 60 countries and caused 2,300 cases of babies born with microcephaly, which causes the head to be smaller than expected and can lead to developmental problems.
2019 The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo which, by mid-January this year, had caused 2,236 deaths.2019 The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo which, by mid-January this year, had caused 2,236 deaths.
The four chief medical officers of the UK have increased the risk level of coronavirus from low to moderate.The four chief medical officers of the UK have increased the risk level of coronavirus from low to moderate.
They said that they “do not think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed” but that the government should “plan for all eventualities”.They said that they “do not think the risk to individuals in the UK has changed” but that the government should “plan for all eventualities”.
They added that they were confident in the ability of the UK’s health authorities to manage any risk to the population.They added that they were confident in the ability of the UK’s health authorities to manage any risk to the population.
The officers are Prof Chris Whitty for England, Dr Frank Atherton for Wales, Dr Catherine Calderwood for Scotland and Dr Michael McBride for Northern Ireland.The officers are Prof Chris Whitty for England, Dr Frank Atherton for Wales, Dr Catherine Calderwood for Scotland and Dr Michael McBride for Northern Ireland.
The WHO has criticised trade and travel restrictions, as it announced a public health emergency over the virus.The WHO has criticised trade and travel restrictions, as it announced a public health emergency over the virus.
Prof Didier Houssin, chair of the emergency committee, questioned the science behind the decision made by some countries to put the restrictions in place.Prof Didier Houssin, chair of the emergency committee, questioned the science behind the decision made by some countries to put the restrictions in place.
Houssin said that measures such as unnecessarily placing people in quarantine and refusing visas could now be scrutinised by the international health body.Houssin said that measures such as unnecessarily placing people in quarantine and refusing visas could now be scrutinised by the international health body.
The WHO has declared a global public health emergency because of the spread of the virus outside of China, describing it as an “unprecedented outbreak”.The WHO has declared a global public health emergency because of the spread of the virus outside of China, describing it as an “unprecedented outbreak”.
There are now 7,834 confirmed cases around the world. The total number of cases outside of China has reached 98 across 18 countries, Tedros Adhanom, director general of the WHO, has just told a press conference.There are now 7,834 confirmed cases around the world. The total number of cases outside of China has reached 98 across 18 countries, Tedros Adhanom, director general of the WHO, has just told a press conference.
The number of deaths remains at 170, all in China.The number of deaths remains at 170, all in China.
Eight cases outside China have spread via human to human contact, in Germany, Japan, Vietnam and the US. There are currently no deaths outside of China.Eight cases outside China have spread via human to human contact, in Germany, Japan, Vietnam and the US. There are currently no deaths outside of China.
Praise for China, but concern for weaker health systemsPraise for China, but concern for weaker health systems
The organisation congratulated China, saying the declaration was not a vote of no confidence in the country, on the contrary, “the WHO continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak”.The organisation congratulated China, saying the declaration was not a vote of no confidence in the country, on the contrary, “the WHO continues to have confidence in China’s capacity to control the outbreak”.
The organisation praised the “extraordinary measures taken” despite the social and economic impact on the Chinese people. Tedros said there would have been more cases and deaths if not for China’s work.The organisation praised the “extraordinary measures taken” despite the social and economic impact on the Chinese people. Tedros said there would have been more cases and deaths if not for China’s work.
The WHO director-general added: “The main reason for this decision is not because of what is happening in China but because of what is happening in other countries.”The WHO director-general added: “The main reason for this decision is not because of what is happening in China but because of what is happening in other countries.”
Tedros expressed concern for countries with weaker health systems, saying that we “must all act together now to limit further spread”.Tedros expressed concern for countries with weaker health systems, saying that we “must all act together now to limit further spread”.
“Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems, and which are ill-prepared to deal with it,” he said.“Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems, and which are ill-prepared to deal with it,” he said.
Tedros reiterated that the WHO were willing to support those countries in any possible way.Tedros reiterated that the WHO were willing to support those countries in any possible way.
A new case has been reported in France, taking their total up to six.A new case has been reported in France, taking their total up to six.
The latest victim is a doctor, the Guardian’s Paris correspondent Kim Willsher has said.The latest victim is a doctor, the Guardian’s Paris correspondent Kim Willsher has said.
French citizens repatriated from Wuhan are being held in isolation near Marseille.French citizens repatriated from Wuhan are being held in isolation near Marseille.
Air France has followed British Airways’ lead and is suspending flights into and out of China until 9 February. There will be special flights into and out of Shanghai and Beijing staffed with volunteer crew from tomorrow to bring back passengers and staff in China.Air France has followed British Airways’ lead and is suspending flights into and out of China until 9 February. There will be special flights into and out of Shanghai and Beijing staffed with volunteer crew from tomorrow to bring back passengers and staff in China.
The Guardian’s Josh Halliday has just confirmed the 150 Britons being flown out of Wuhan tonight will be quarantined at Arrowe Park hospital accommodation in Wirral, Merseyside.The Guardian’s Josh Halliday has just confirmed the 150 Britons being flown out of Wuhan tonight will be quarantined at Arrowe Park hospital accommodation in Wirral, Merseyside.
They will be staying in the accommodation block usually designated to NHS staff and are expected to remain there for 14 days.They will be staying in the accommodation block usually designated to NHS staff and are expected to remain there for 14 days.
Margaret Greenwood, the Labour MP for Wirral West, said she had been told by health secretary Matt Hancock that experts believed it was unlikely that those quarantined had the virus.Margaret Greenwood, the Labour MP for Wirral West, said she had been told by health secretary Matt Hancock that experts believed it was unlikely that those quarantined had the virus.
Here are the latest figures on the virus:Here are the latest figures on the virus:
Globally, there are 7,818 confirmed cases.Globally, there are 7,818 confirmed cases.
Of these, 7,736 are in China. In the country, 1,370 cases have been classed as severe, and there are a further 12,167 suspected cases. The number of official deaths, 170, hasn’t changed since last night.Of these, 7,736 are in China. In the country, 1,370 cases have been classed as severe, and there are a further 12,167 suspected cases. The number of official deaths, 170, hasn’t changed since last night.
Outside of China, there are 82 confirmed cases spanning 18 countries.Outside of China, there are 82 confirmed cases spanning 18 countries.
The WHO have pushed back the announcement on their decision over whether the virus constitutes a public health emergency, we’re now expecting it around 7.30pm. No reason has been given yet for the delay.The WHO have pushed back the announcement on their decision over whether the virus constitutes a public health emergency, we’re now expecting it around 7.30pm. No reason has been given yet for the delay.
Here’s a reminder of the WHO’s definition of a public health emergency:Here’s a reminder of the WHO’s definition of a public health emergency:
This comes when the situation is:This comes when the situation is:
serious, sudden, unusual or unexpectedserious, sudden, unusual or unexpected
carries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national bordercarries implications for public health beyond the affected State’s national border
may require immediate international actionmay require immediate international action
This is Molly, I’ll be taking over the live blog.This is Molly, I’ll be taking over the live blog.
The World Health Organization (WHO) are set to announce their decision imminently over whether or not to declare a global health emergency. I’ll keep you updated with all the developments as and when they break.The World Health Organization (WHO) are set to announce their decision imminently over whether or not to declare a global health emergency. I’ll keep you updated with all the developments as and when they break.
Here are the latest and most important developments around the world so far today.
Health officials in Chicago have reported the US’s first person-to-person transmission of coronavirus, after the spouse of a woman who became ill after visiting Wuhan tested positive for the virus.
The head of health services in a city near the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak has been sacked after she could not answer questions on state television about how many people were being treated. “Don’t ask me how many people are being treated,” Tang Zhihong told a reporter.
Hundreds of Britons stranded in the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak will be flown home early on Friday morning. A plane was due to leave locked-down Wuhan on Friday morning local time.
The British Wuhan evacuees are expected to be quarantined for two weeks in former NHS accommodation in north-west England. As a precaution all those who come into contact with them will wear protective clothing.
The number of people tested for the virus in the UK has now reached 161, with all coming back negative. The figure came in the latest daily 2pm update from the Department of Health and Social Care.
The World Health Organization is meeting once again on whether to declare coronavirus a global emergency. New cases have been reported in Tibet, India and the Philippines.
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 Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that the current techniques are ineffective because of the incubation period and the poor sensitivity of thermal scanners.
Health officials in the US have reported their country’s first case of person-to-person transmission of the Chinese coronavirus, the Associated Press is reporting.
The patient is the spouse of a Chicago woman diagnosed with the virus after returning from Wuhan, and is the sixth reported in the US. The other five were all travellers who developed the illness after coming into the US from China.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra has cancelled its coming tour of Asia amid concerns about the deadly virus in China, the Associated Press reports.
Andris Nelsons, the orchestra’s music director, said on Thursday that the decision was made out of concern for the health and well-being of its musicians.
The orchestra had been scheduled to go on a four-city tour that included Seoul in South Korea, Taipei in Taiwan and Shanghai and Hong Kong in China from 6 to 16 February.
“Please know that we are all passionately committed to a future visit to East Asia soon,” Nelsons said in a statement. “Most importantly, our hearts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by the coronavirus.”
The International Monetary Fund is monitoring developments on the coronavirus outbreak in “real time,” a spokesman said Thursday, adding that the economic hit depends on the duration of the epidemic, AFP reports.
“We at the IMF are monitoring this very closely, we’re looking at the economic indicators on a real-time basis,” said IMF spokesman Gerry Rice.
“If global supply chains were systematically affected or global financial markets were significantly impacted by increasing uncertainty, then obviously the impact would be greater,” Rice said, adding that the effects would be more severe if the ailment spreads to other parts of Asia from China.
“We’re not at this point in a position to put any hard numbers around this,” Rice said. “That’s something that we would do in due course, but it’s just too early to do that.”
Russia’s first McDonald’s restaurant has scrapped a plan to sell Big Mac burgers for virtually nothing to mark its 30th anniversary over fears it would attract huge crowds, which authorities have advised against due to coronavirus fears, Reuters reports.
The restaurant on Moscow’ central Pushkin Square, was due on Friday to sell the Big Mac for just three roubles ($0.0474) instead of its usual price of 135 roubles, and expected to draw tens of thousands of people. But on Thursday it ditched the plan after Moscow authorities issued a city-wide warning against mass public events.
“Yesterday the Moscow government announced precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus,” McDonald’s said in a statement.
“(It) recommended refraining from holding public events in the near future in places where citizens gather en masse in order to minimise risks of infection.”
There have been no confirmed cases of the virus in Russia.
Singapore has confirmed three new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infected patients in the city state to 13. All patients so far are Chinese nationals from Wuhan, Singapore’s health ministry is reported as saying by the Straits Times.
The latest patients are all in stable condition and warded in isolation rooms at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, the paper said.
Twitter is rerouting #coronavirus searches in the UK to automatically direct users to the Department of Health and Social Care’s Twitter profile page and the gov.uk website, in a move touted as an attempt to tackle disinformation about the outbreak.
A DHSC spokesman said the UK is the first country in the EU to have such an arrangement with Twitter “directing users to credible, authoritative information to help tackle misinformation and ensure the public is well informed.”
Announcing the arrangement, Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said:
According to Chinese officials, 170 people have so far died from coronavirus infections. Not included in those statistics will be 17-year-old Yan Cheng, although his death is most certainly a result of the outbreak.
According to a report by freelance journalist Michael Standaert for the Guardian, Yan, who suffered from cerebral palsy, died alone at his home in a rural village in China’s Hubei province, six days after his father and brother were taken into quarantine at a facility 15 miles away.
Unable to get out to care for his son, Yan’s father posted messages asking for help on the social media platform Weibo. Village officials reportedly visited Yan but fed him only twice over the six-day period.
He was found dead in his bed on Wednesday.
The Philippines announced its first confirmed case of coronavirus on Wednesday morning, after one of 29 people being monitored by the country’s department of health tested positive.
The patient is a 38-year-old Chines woman who traveled to the Philippines from Wuhan, China, via Hong Kong on January 21, health secretary Francisco Duque told a news conference, according to a report in the Rappler, an English language Filipino news website.
The head of health services in a city near the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak has been sacked after she could not answer questions on state television about how many people were being treated.
Tang Zhihong, who ran the health department in Huanggang city, which has reported almost 500 confirmed cases and 12 deaths, appeared on state television earlier on Thursday, Reuters reported.
On being questioned by a central government inspection team and a reporter on issues like how many people a certain hospital under her remit could handle, she could not immediately answer.
“I don’t know, I’m unclear,” she said, when being asked how many sick people there were. “I only know how many beds there are. Don’t ask me how many people are being treated.”
Hours later the city’s health department said Tang had been removed. It gave no other details. It was not possible to reach her for comment, Reuters said.
The government has said it will investigate and punish officials involved in fighting the virus who slack off on their jobs.
The number of cases in Huanggang is second only to that of nearby Wuhan, where the virus was first reported in December. Huanggang has also been largely shut off from the outside world by the government as it seeks to control the virus’ spread.