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Coronavirus live updates: death toll jumps to 170 amid evacuation delays for foreign nationals Coronavirus live updates: death toll jumps to 170 amid evacuation delays for foreign nationals
(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
Work has continued under bright lights overnight on Leishenshan Hospital, the second of two that workers are rushing to build in a matter of days in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Beijing News reports that workers have split into two shifts, with the night crew working from 8pm to 7.30am. The New Zealand government has said it will charter an Air New Zealand plane to get its citizens out of Wuhan. The plane has a capacity of 300 passengers. The government says additional seats will be offered to Australian and Pacific Islands citizens “as a matter of priority”.
Those who take a seat on the plane will be required to pay a “nominal fee”, but the bulk of the cost will be carried by the NZ government.
The statement from the foreign affairs department, which you can read in full below, says officials are “currently developing procedures for: pre-departure health screening of passengers, infection control inflight, and isolation of all passengers arriving in New Zealand for up to two weeks.”
Government charters Air NZ flight to assist Wuhan departure
The Government has agreed with Air New Zealand to charter an aircraft to assist New Zealanders leaving Wuhan, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
The aircraft will have capacity for around 300 passengers and will fly from Wuhan to New Zealand. Officials will be working through operational requirements with Air New Zealand and Chinese authorities.
New Zealanders in the Hubei region who are registered on Safetravel have been emailed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to register interest in the flight, which is subject to Chinese Government approval.
“We are pleased to be have been able to offer this assistance to New Zealanders in a challenging situation,” Mr Peters said.
“We encourage all New Zealanders in the Hubei region to register on Safetravel and ensure all their details are accurate and up to date. This will give us a better understanding of the level of demand for this flight.”
“New Zealand will be offering any additional seats to Pacific Island and Australian citizens as a matter of priority.”
“This is a complex operation as we work through all the necessary requirements but we are working to have the aircraft depart as soon as possible.”
Consular teams will be working with health officials to ensure that the risks of transmission of the Coronavirus to New Zealand are carefully managed throughout the evacuation process.
Officials are currently developing procedures for: pre-departure health screening of passengers, infection control inflight, and isolation of all passengers arriving in New Zealand for up to two weeks.
Those who do take a seat on the plane will be required to pay a nominal fee, however the government will absorb most of the cost of the charter flight.
“The New Zealand Government would like to thank Air New Zealand for its support in assisting to bring New Zealanders home,” Mr Peters said.
Asian stocks have slipped today as anxieties about the coronavirus outbreak again preyed on the minds of investors.
Major airlines have suspended travel to China and Oreo maker Mondelez has shut down two factories in China for 10 days, highlighting corporate concerns about the spread of the virus.
Jerome Powell, chair of the US federal reserve, said the outbreak was adding to global economic uncertainty as he announced rates were staying on hold for now.
“In a matter of days, the coronavirus has shuffled the cards, and Fed policy is not sitting quite as comfortably,” said Alan Ruskin, chief international strategist at Deutsche Bank told Reuters.
“The Fed, like everybody else, is going to have a tough time quantifying the scale of the potentially large shock emanating out of China.”
New Zealand has not currently had any cases of the virus, nor any suspected cases, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, director general of health for New Zealand has said.
“We are expecting a case but we know what to do when we do,” he said.
His main advice to New Zealanders was that if they have been in Hubei or Wuhan in the past 14 days, they should self-isolate (as per the advice in neighbouring Australia).
“It means largely staying at home - exercise or a walk is fine,” he said.
He said that with no precautionary measures taken by someone with the virus, they could be expected to infect two or three other people, which is a “relatively low” number.
He didn’t give any update on potential plans for New Zealanders to join Australia’s intended evacuation of its citizens to Christmas Island.
Our correspondent in Sichuan province, Michael Standaert, writes that work has continued under bright lights overnight on Leishenshan Hospital, the second of two that workers are rushing to build in around two weeks in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Beijing News reports that workers have split into two shifts, with the night crew working from 8pm to 7.30am.
Once completed the hospital will have 1,600 beds for patients and enough room for 2,000 medical staff, with most of the facility devoted to isolation wards. Live views of the progress can be seen here.Once completed the hospital will have 1,600 beds for patients and enough room for 2,000 medical staff, with most of the facility devoted to isolation wards. Live views of the progress can be seen here.
Chinese state media, Xinhua, reports that the hospital is expected to be completed in four more days:Chinese state media, Xinhua, reports that the hospital is expected to be completed in four more days:
I’m also seeing reports that Delta Airlines have announced that they are cutting in half the number of flights between China and the US.I’m also seeing reports that Delta Airlines have announced that they are cutting in half the number of flights between China and the US.
I mentioned earlier that some airlines, including British Airways, have suspended direct flights to China. Air Canada has announced it is suspending all flights to Beijing and Shanghai from 30 January to 29 February. The last flights from the two cities back to Canada will take off on 30 January. It follows the government’s advice to avoid non-essential travel to mainland China.I mentioned earlier that some airlines, including British Airways, have suspended direct flights to China. Air Canada has announced it is suspending all flights to Beijing and Shanghai from 30 January to 29 February. The last flights from the two cities back to Canada will take off on 30 January. It follows the government’s advice to avoid non-essential travel to mainland China.
Canada’s public health authorities have reported three confirmed cases of coronavirus.Canada’s public health authorities have reported three confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Donald Trump has recently tweeted that he’s been updated on the virus outbreak. American citizens were airlifted out of Wuhan on Wednesday.Donald Trump has recently tweeted that he’s been updated on the virus outbreak. American citizens were airlifted out of Wuhan on Wednesday.
Australian authorities are reporting the first case of the virus in the state of Queensland. The44-year-old Chinese national from Wuhan in Hubei province, flew into Melbourne, spent some time there and then flew to QLD on January 27, where he became unwell. He has been confirmed to have coronavirus and is in isolation in Gold Coast University hospital in a stable condition. The other eight people who were travelling with him are also in isolation in the same hospital. Four of them are unwell and are being tested for coronavirus.Australian authorities are reporting the first case of the virus in the state of Queensland. The44-year-old Chinese national from Wuhan in Hubei province, flew into Melbourne, spent some time there and then flew to QLD on January 27, where he became unwell. He has been confirmed to have coronavirus and is in isolation in Gold Coast University hospital in a stable condition. The other eight people who were travelling with him are also in isolation in the same hospital. Four of them are unwell and are being tested for coronavirus.
Queensland health authorities are contacting passengers on the flight the group took. They also confirmed that the Chinese women’s national football team is currently in isolation in a Brisbane hotel.Queensland health authorities are contacting passengers on the flight the group took. They also confirmed that the Chinese women’s national football team is currently in isolation in a Brisbane hotel.
I’m just catching up on the remainder of that Australian press conference a short time ago. The health minister, Greg Hunt, confirmed that two Australians in Guangdong province have contracted the coronavirus.I’m just catching up on the remainder of that Australian press conference a short time ago. The health minister, Greg Hunt, confirmed that two Australians in Guangdong province have contracted the coronavirus.
“They have been treated and the advice that I have – and I would want to be cautious on this – is that they have been released and are not seeking consular assistance at this stage.”“They have been treated and the advice that I have – and I would want to be cautious on this – is that they have been released and are not seeking consular assistance at this stage.”
We know that the US and Japan have carried out airlifts of hundreds of their nationals from China. A Japanese government-chartered plane took 206 people to Tokyo on Wednesday. A US-chartered plane took around 240 of its citizens home, including staff from Wuhan.We know that the US and Japan have carried out airlifts of hundreds of their nationals from China. A Japanese government-chartered plane took 206 people to Tokyo on Wednesday. A US-chartered plane took around 240 of its citizens home, including staff from Wuhan.
The roughly 200 UK citizens in Wuhan have been told they will not be airlifted out of the city on Thursday. Press Association is reporting that it’s understood Chinese officials have not yet granted permission for the chartered flight to depart. A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We are doing everything we can to get British people in Wuhan safely back to the UK. A number of countries’ flights have been unable to take off as planned.”The roughly 200 UK citizens in Wuhan have been told they will not be airlifted out of the city on Thursday. Press Association is reporting that it’s understood Chinese officials have not yet granted permission for the chartered flight to depart. A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We are doing everything we can to get British people in Wuhan safely back to the UK. A number of countries’ flights have been unable to take off as planned.”
Mondelez International, the American company that makes Oreos and Chips Ahoy cookies, said it expects first-quarter revenue will be hit by the coronavirus spreading across China, and it has temporarily closed two factories, Reuters reports.Mondelez International, the American company that makes Oreos and Chips Ahoy cookies, said it expects first-quarter revenue will be hit by the coronavirus spreading across China, and it has temporarily closed two factories, Reuters reports.
However, Mondezlez’s chief executive, Dirk Van de Put, said the coronavirus is expected to have only a short-term impact. China accounts for nearly 4.5% of the company’s sales.However, Mondezlez’s chief executive, Dirk Van de Put, said the coronavirus is expected to have only a short-term impact. China accounts for nearly 4.5% of the company’s sales.
He said the Chinese government had asked the company to close two factories for 10 days to minimise the risk of infection. The company had also placed restrictions on travel by staff in China and ordered other staff to travel less to China.He said the Chinese government had asked the company to close two factories for 10 days to minimise the risk of infection. The company had also placed restrictions on travel by staff in China and ordered other staff to travel less to China.
Three Japanese nationals who returned home from Wuhan have tested positive for the coronavirus, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday, citing the health ministry. Two of the three had not shown any symptoms, the ministry said, according to NHK.Three Japanese nationals who returned home from Wuhan have tested positive for the coronavirus, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday, citing the health ministry. Two of the three had not shown any symptoms, the ministry said, according to NHK.
The three infected people were among 206 Japanese who were repatriated on a government-chartered plane on Wednesday. A second plane carrying another 210 people landed in Tokyo on Thursday morning. The Japanese government is considering sending a third flight to collect a further 200 Japanese citizens who wish to return from Wuhan, the central Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak.The three infected people were among 206 Japanese who were repatriated on a government-chartered plane on Wednesday. A second plane carrying another 210 people landed in Tokyo on Thursday morning. The Japanese government is considering sending a third flight to collect a further 200 Japanese citizens who wish to return from Wuhan, the central Chinese city at the epicentre of the outbreak.
Japan has 11 confirmed cases of the virus, including two that are believed to have resulted from human-to-human transmission – a bus driver in his 60s who drove tourists from Wuhan on two occasions earlier this month, and a female tour guide in her 40s who worked alongside the driver and the tourists. Neither of them have travelled abroad in the past month, NHK said.Japan has 11 confirmed cases of the virus, including two that are believed to have resulted from human-to-human transmission – a bus driver in his 60s who drove tourists from Wuhan on two occasions earlier this month, and a female tour guide in her 40s who worked alongside the driver and the tourists. Neither of them have travelled abroad in the past month, NHK said.
With regards to Australians who may be airlifted from China, only people who are well and are showing no symptoms will be evacuated, authorities say. People who are sick will not be able to travel to Christmas Island.With regards to Australians who may be airlifted from China, only people who are well and are showing no symptoms will be evacuated, authorities say. People who are sick will not be able to travel to Christmas Island.
Australian authorities are now confirming what they know about how people can catch the virus: “In terms of walking past people in the street who may or may not be infected. That is also totally virtually safe. We’re talking about really close contact over a period of time. That’s an important message that people should take.”Australian authorities are now confirming what they know about how people can catch the virus: “In terms of walking past people in the street who may or may not be infected. That is also totally virtually safe. We’re talking about really close contact over a period of time. That’s an important message that people should take.”
Australian authorities are holding a press conference on the country’s response to the virus outbreak, including quarantining any citizens airlifted out of China on Christmas Island for 14 day. The island is where Australia has previously detained refugees and asylum arriving in the country by boat.Australian authorities are holding a press conference on the country’s response to the virus outbreak, including quarantining any citizens airlifted out of China on Christmas Island for 14 day. The island is where Australia has previously detained refugees and asylum arriving in the country by boat.
Let’s have a look at those new figures that have been announced. The total number of deaths is confirmed to be 170. This is up from 132 reported on Wednesday, and is a rise of of 29%.Let’s have a look at those new figures that have been announced. The total number of deaths is confirmed to be 170. This is up from 132 reported on Wednesday, and is a rise of of 29%.
Confirmed cases now stand at 7,711, up from 5,974.Confirmed cases now stand at 7,711, up from 5,974.
It’s understood that 162 of the deaths – or 95% – are in Hubei province, where the outbreak started.It’s understood that 162 of the deaths – or 95% – are in Hubei province, where the outbreak started.
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the coronavirus outbreak, I’m Alison Rourke.Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the coronavirus outbreak, I’m Alison Rourke.
The daily jumps in the death toll inside China have continued, with authorities announcing a new figures of 170 fatalities. All but eight of those are in Hubei province, where the outbreak began. Confirmed cases of infections stand at 7, 711.The daily jumps in the death toll inside China have continued, with authorities announcing a new figures of 170 fatalities. All but eight of those are in Hubei province, where the outbreak began. Confirmed cases of infections stand at 7, 711.
I’ll bring you some analysis on those figures shortly and how they fit into what seems to be a trend of increases over the past few days.I’ll bring you some analysis on those figures shortly and how they fit into what seems to be a trend of increases over the past few days.
In the mean time, here’s a summary of the other key points so far:In the mean time, here’s a summary of the other key points so far:
The World Health Organization says all countries must be on alert for the virus. The WHO’s emergency committee will meet again on Thursday.The World Health Organization says all countries must be on alert for the virus. The WHO’s emergency committee will meet again on Thursday.
The US and Japan have already flown out some of their citizens out of Wuhan.The US and Japan have already flown out some of their citizens out of Wuhan.
UK citizens have been told they will not be airlifted on Thursday. When they return, they may be kept in quarantine for 14 days.UK citizens have been told they will not be airlifted on Thursday. When they return, they may be kept in quarantine for 14 days.
Some major airlines, including British Airways, have suspended all direct flights to and from mainland China.Some major airlines, including British Airways, have suspended all direct flights to and from mainland China.
As always, you can get in touch with me via email: alison.rourke@theguardian.com or on Twitter @AlisonRourkeAs always, you can get in touch with me via email: alison.rourke@theguardian.com or on Twitter @AlisonRourke