This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/world/asia/coronavirus-china.html

The article has changed 66 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
Coronavirus Live Updates: Xi Urges Tougher Response to the Crisis Coronavirus Live Updates: Xi Urges Tougher Response to the Crisis
(32 minutes later)
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has signaled a more assertive strategy for dealing with the coronavirus epidemic after days of seeming to retreat from center stage.China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has signaled a more assertive strategy for dealing with the coronavirus epidemic after days of seeming to retreat from center stage.
His convening of a second special Communist Party meeting on Monday was only his second public appearance since the government in Wuhan, the city at the epicenter of the outbreak, took the extraordinary step of locking down the city on Jan. 23. That order was almost certainly approved at the highest levels in Beijing.His convening of a second special Communist Party meeting on Monday was only his second public appearance since the government in Wuhan, the city at the epicenter of the outbreak, took the extraordinary step of locking down the city on Jan. 23. That order was almost certainly approved at the highest levels in Beijing.
Mr. Xi sent Premier Li Keqiang to Wuhan more than a week ago, when the death toll stood at 106. By Tuesday, the toll in China was more than 420 deaths.Mr. Xi sent Premier Li Keqiang to Wuhan more than a week ago, when the death toll stood at 106. By Tuesday, the toll in China was more than 420 deaths.
The Chinese government has reported 20,438 confirmed cases — roughly 15,000 more than during the SARS outbreak, according to the World Health Organization.The Chinese government has reported 20,438 confirmed cases — roughly 15,000 more than during the SARS outbreak, according to the World Health Organization.
Mr. Xi, presiding over a meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee, called the crisis “a major test of China’s system and capacity for governance,” according to the state-run news media. His comments underline the scale of the crisis and represent at least an implicit acknowledgment that the system has fallen short in some areas.Mr. Xi, presiding over a meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee, called the crisis “a major test of China’s system and capacity for governance,” according to the state-run news media. His comments underline the scale of the crisis and represent at least an implicit acknowledgment that the system has fallen short in some areas.
Mr. Xi warned officials not to resist orders or to let “bureaucratism” slow government efforts to bring the outbreak under control. “Those who disobey the unified command or shirk off responsibilities will be punished,” Mr. Xi said, the Xinhua news agency reported.Mr. Xi warned officials not to resist orders or to let “bureaucratism” slow government efforts to bring the outbreak under control. “Those who disobey the unified command or shirk off responsibilities will be punished,” Mr. Xi said, the Xinhua news agency reported.
A handful of local officials have been relieved of their duties, and more are expected to fall as China’s 1.4 billion people ask what went wrong and senior officials engage in an unusually blunt display of finger pointing.A handful of local officials have been relieved of their duties, and more are expected to fall as China’s 1.4 billion people ask what went wrong and senior officials engage in an unusually blunt display of finger pointing.
The committee called for an overhaul of environmental sanitation standards, Xinhua reported, and for a crackdown on the trade in wildlife, which has been identified as the probable source of the outbreak in a wholesale market in Wuhan.The committee called for an overhaul of environmental sanitation standards, Xinhua reported, and for a crackdown on the trade in wildlife, which has been identified as the probable source of the outbreak in a wholesale market in Wuhan.
A 39-year-old man in Hong Kong died on Tuesday from the new coronavirus, the city’s Hospital Authority said.A 39-year-old man in Hong Kong died on Tuesday from the new coronavirus, the city’s Hospital Authority said.
The death from the outbreak was the first in Hong Kong, a semiautonomous Chinese territory, and the second outside mainland China. A man in the Philippines who was from Wuhan also died from the coronavirus, Philippine officials said Sunday.The death from the outbreak was the first in Hong Kong, a semiautonomous Chinese territory, and the second outside mainland China. A man in the Philippines who was from Wuhan also died from the coronavirus, Philippine officials said Sunday.
The man who died on Tuesday had traveled by train to Wuhan on Jan. 21 and returned to the territory two days later, the Hong Kong government said in a statement.The man who died on Tuesday had traveled by train to Wuhan on Jan. 21 and returned to the territory two days later, the Hong Kong government said in a statement.
The case raised alarm that the disease may have been transmitted within the man’s household: His mother, who did not travel to Wuhan, later contracted the virus. His wife and two children and a domestic helper who worked for the family are being quarantined.The case raised alarm that the disease may have been transmitted within the man’s household: His mother, who did not travel to Wuhan, later contracted the virus. His wife and two children and a domestic helper who worked for the family are being quarantined.
Though Hong Kong shares a landmass with mainland China, the territory has not been hit nearly as hard by the outbreak, with just 17 confirmed cases. A neighboring city just across the border, Shenzhen, has had hundreds of cases.Though Hong Kong shares a landmass with mainland China, the territory has not been hit nearly as hard by the outbreak, with just 17 confirmed cases. A neighboring city just across the border, Shenzhen, has had hundreds of cases.
Hong Kong’s government has been under pressure to close its borders to mainland China. All but three border checkpoints out of 16 were shut on Monday, but the remaining entry points can still admit thousands of mainland Chinese visitors per day.Hong Kong’s government has been under pressure to close its borders to mainland China. All but three border checkpoints out of 16 were shut on Monday, but the remaining entry points can still admit thousands of mainland Chinese visitors per day.
More than 2,500 medical workers went on strike Monday to demand a fully closed border. They said they were unsatisfied by the partial closings, and many continued to strike on Tuesday.More than 2,500 medical workers went on strike Monday to demand a fully closed border. They said they were unsatisfied by the partial closings, and many continued to strike on Tuesday.
The Chinese territory’s economy had already slipped into recession among months of antigovernment protests, as mainland tourists stopped coming and companies canceled conventions and other corporate events. Economists predict that the rest of this year could be just as damaging.The Chinese territory’s economy had already slipped into recession among months of antigovernment protests, as mainland tourists stopped coming and companies canceled conventions and other corporate events. Economists predict that the rest of this year could be just as damaging.
The coronavirus crisis is testing China’s ability to feed its 1.4 billion people, one of the Communist Party’s proudest achievements.The coronavirus crisis is testing China’s ability to feed its 1.4 billion people, one of the Communist Party’s proudest achievements.
Cooped up at home and fearful that the epidemic could last weeks or even months, families across China are hoarding provisions, making it harder for shops and supermarkets to keep fresh food in stock. Many places have closed off roads to passing traffic, slowing truck shipments and raising freight costs.Cooped up at home and fearful that the epidemic could last weeks or even months, families across China are hoarding provisions, making it harder for shops and supermarkets to keep fresh food in stock. Many places have closed off roads to passing traffic, slowing truck shipments and raising freight costs.
Chinese officials have vowed to keep food flowing to Wuhan, the inland city of 11 million at the center of the outbreak. Shouguang, one of the country’s biggest hubs for growing, trading and shipping vegetables, has begun donating produce by the truckload to the locked-down city.Chinese officials have vowed to keep food flowing to Wuhan, the inland city of 11 million at the center of the outbreak. Shouguang, one of the country’s biggest hubs for growing, trading and shipping vegetables, has begun donating produce by the truckload to the locked-down city.
Grocery bills in China were already climbing in recent months as an epidemic of swine fever ravaged the nation’s hog population.Grocery bills in China were already climbing in recent months as an epidemic of swine fever ravaged the nation’s hog population.
Now, retail prices for fresh food have crept up further in many places as the coronavirus spreads — coming at the same time as a “highly pathogenic” outbreak of bird flu at a chicken farm in Hunan Province led to the death of about 4,500 chickens and the culling of another 17,000.Now, retail prices for fresh food have crept up further in many places as the coronavirus spreads — coming at the same time as a “highly pathogenic” outbreak of bird flu at a chicken farm in Hunan Province led to the death of about 4,500 chickens and the culling of another 17,000.
As the coronavirus spreads internationally and airlines cancel flights to and from China, some travelers are trying to get refunds, while others are unsure of whether to rebook their trips for later dates or cancel them altogether.As the coronavirus spreads internationally and airlines cancel flights to and from China, some travelers are trying to get refunds, while others are unsure of whether to rebook their trips for later dates or cancel them altogether.
There is also confusion for those with itineraries via China to other destinations.There is also confusion for those with itineraries via China to other destinations.
InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison site, has experienced “at least a 30 percent increase in call volume,” said Julie Loffredi, the media relations manager. Most calls concern the coronavirus.InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance comparison site, has experienced “at least a 30 percent increase in call volume,” said Julie Loffredi, the media relations manager. Most calls concern the coronavirus.
For some, it is unclear who is responsible for issuing refunds, and travel insurance does not always cover the cost of a canceled trip, since policies differ and refund eligibility may depend on when an insurance policy was bought.For some, it is unclear who is responsible for issuing refunds, and travel insurance does not always cover the cost of a canceled trip, since policies differ and refund eligibility may depend on when an insurance policy was bought.
The United States has advised Americans not to travel to China because of the public health threat officials in Washington as promise “aggressive measures” to contain the coronavirus. And Britain elevated its travel warning on Tuesday, telling its citizens that “if you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so.” The United States has advised Americans not to travel to China because of the public health threat officials. And Britain elevated its travel warning on Tuesday, telling its citizens that “if you’re in China and able to leave, you should do so.”
Cathay Pacific, the flagship airline of Hong Kong, a semiautonomous Chinese territory, said on Tuesday that it was temporarily cutting its flight capacity 30 percent, including suspending 90 percent of its flights into mainland China.Cathay Pacific, the flagship airline of Hong Kong, a semiautonomous Chinese territory, said on Tuesday that it was temporarily cutting its flight capacity 30 percent, including suspending 90 percent of its flights into mainland China.
American Airlines said on Tuesday that it had suspended flights to Hong Kong from both Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles through Feb. 20 “due to demand.”American Airlines said on Tuesday that it had suspended flights to Hong Kong from both Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles through Feb. 20 “due to demand.”
Japan Airlines said it was suspending several flights to mainland China, and the British authorities said that British Airways and Virgin Atlantic had suspended their mainland China flights.Japan Airlines said it was suspending several flights to mainland China, and the British authorities said that British Airways and Virgin Atlantic had suspended their mainland China flights.
What is a coronavirus, and how dangerous is it? Read up on the basics, including its symptoms and how it is transmitted.What is a coronavirus, and how dangerous is it? Read up on the basics, including its symptoms and how it is transmitted.
Where has the virus spread? You can track its movement with this map.Where has the virus spread? You can track its movement with this map.
How is the United States being affected? There were 11 confirmed cases as of Monday. American citizens and permanent residents who fly to the United States from China are now subject to a two-week quarantine.How is the United States being affected? There were 11 confirmed cases as of Monday. American citizens and permanent residents who fly to the United States from China are now subject to a two-week quarantine.
Four military bases in Texas, California and Colorado were preparing to house American citizens for up to two weeks as part of a highly unusual federal effort aimed at slowing the spread of the deadly coronavirus — though as of late Monday, expectations that a large number of Americans who had traveled to China might quickly be held under quarantine had not come to pass.
No new travelers from China have been brought to those military bases, federal officials said. The only people under federal quarantine are the fewer than 200 people who had been in Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, and were flown to a base in Riverside, Calif., last week, the officials said.
About 250 other Americans who recently spent time in China and showed signs of symptoms were considered “patients under investigation” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and have been monitored, the federal authorities said.
“This is an unprecedented situation, and we’ve taken aggressive measures,” said Dr. Nancy Messonnier, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, which is part of the C.D.C.
The Trump administration ordered that as of Sunday afternoon, any American citizen who in the last two weeks had visited the Hubei Province, whose capital city is Wuhan, was subject to a quarantine of up to 14 days after arriving in the United States.
It is unclear how extensive the quarantine will ultimately become. The United States has 11 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and major American airlines have canceled flights to and from China.
Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control said last week that healthy people did not need to wear surgical masks unless visiting a hospital. Hong Kong’s chief executive instructed officials on Tuesday to stop wearing masks to help save supplies for medical workers.Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control said last week that healthy people did not need to wear surgical masks unless visiting a hospital. Hong Kong’s chief executive instructed officials on Tuesday to stop wearing masks to help save supplies for medical workers.
The answer to the simplest of questions — do they work? — is, unfortunately, not that simple. There isn’t much high-quality scientific evidence on whether masks are an effective safeguard outside health care settings, where experts generally agree that they reduce risks.The answer to the simplest of questions — do they work? — is, unfortunately, not that simple. There isn’t much high-quality scientific evidence on whether masks are an effective safeguard outside health care settings, where experts generally agree that they reduce risks.
It appears that while they can slow the spread of disease when worn by sick people, the masks — of which there is now a global shortage — do little when worn by healthy people.It appears that while they can slow the spread of disease when worn by sick people, the masks — of which there is now a global shortage — do little when worn by healthy people.
Still, in some Asian cities like Hong Kong, where long lines form each morning for limited mask supplies, most people on sidewalks and public transportation wear one, and people who don’t are sometimes questioned about it.Still, in some Asian cities like Hong Kong, where long lines form each morning for limited mask supplies, most people on sidewalks and public transportation wear one, and people who don’t are sometimes questioned about it.
The masks can prevent large respiratory droplets from other people’s sneezes and coughs from entering your mouth and nose, but gaps around the mouth can let in unfiltered air. People also often misuse the masks or move them aside.The masks can prevent large respiratory droplets from other people’s sneezes and coughs from entering your mouth and nose, but gaps around the mouth can let in unfiltered air. People also often misuse the masks or move them aside.
There’s no need for people in the United States to stock up, though some have begun hoarding them. A shortage of masks could raise the risk of the virus spreading if health care workers are unable to get the supplies they need.There’s no need for people in the United States to stock up, though some have begun hoarding them. A shortage of masks could raise the risk of the virus spreading if health care workers are unable to get the supplies they need.
Most experts agree: To prevent the spread of the coronavirus and keep yourself safe, it’s best to wash your hands and avoid touching your face.Most experts agree: To prevent the spread of the coronavirus and keep yourself safe, it’s best to wash your hands and avoid touching your face.
Stocks shot higher on Wall Street in early trading on Tuesday after China took further measures to bolster its economy amid the still expanding coronavirus outbreak. The People’s Bank of China announced that it had pumped roughly $70 billion into the country’s financial system on Tuesday, on top of an injection of over $170 billion into money markets on Monday.Stocks shot higher on Wall Street in early trading on Tuesday after China took further measures to bolster its economy amid the still expanding coronavirus outbreak. The People’s Bank of China announced that it had pumped roughly $70 billion into the country’s financial system on Tuesday, on top of an injection of over $170 billion into money markets on Monday.
After a tumble on Monday — the first day Chinese markets were open since the start of the outbreak — the move by Beijing on Tuesday stabilized Asian markets, with the CSI 300 rising 2.6 percent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng up 1.2 percent. Major European markets in France, Germany and Italy also rose more than 1 percent.After a tumble on Monday — the first day Chinese markets were open since the start of the outbreak — the move by Beijing on Tuesday stabilized Asian markets, with the CSI 300 rising 2.6 percent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng up 1.2 percent. Major European markets in France, Germany and Italy also rose more than 1 percent.
In New York, the S&P 500 was up more than 1 percent, its second straight climb. American markets had dipped in recent days as investors sought to understand what disruptions the virus might bring to global economic growth and corporate supply chains.In New York, the S&P 500 was up more than 1 percent, its second straight climb. American markets had dipped in recent days as investors sought to understand what disruptions the virus might bring to global economic growth and corporate supply chains.
On Wednesday, Larry Kudlow, President Trump’s top economic adviser, played down the impact of the coronavirus on the United States. “It’s not a catastrophe,” he told Fox Business. “It’s not a disaster.”On Wednesday, Larry Kudlow, President Trump’s top economic adviser, played down the impact of the coronavirus on the United States. “It’s not a catastrophe,” he told Fox Business. “It’s not a disaster.”
He said the epidemic would have a “minimal impact” on the American economy and could even spur “some business investment.”He said the epidemic would have a “minimal impact” on the American economy and could even spur “some business investment.”
Japan has quarantined around 3,700 people aboard a cruise ship off the port city of Yokohama after one of the passengers tested positive for the new coronavirus, the authorities said on Tuesday.
The passenger, an 80-year-old resident of Hong Kong, boarded the ship in Yokohama on Jan. 20, the national broadcaster NHK reported. He arrived five days later in Hong Kong, where he disembarked and was diagnosed, according to the cruise line, Princess Cruises.
The ship traveled to Vietnam, Taiwan and the Japanese island of Okinawa before returning to Yokohama, where it is currently anchored.
Passengers are being held on the ship as they wait for officials from Japan’s Health Ministry to test them for the coronavirus, the chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said during a regular news briefing on Tuesday.
“The quarantine office will make an appropriate judgment about whether we will approve the ship to dock and passengers to disembark,” he said, adding that the quarantine office would make the decision based on guidelines from the World Health Organization.
One person was turned away by hotel after hotel after showing his ID card. Another was expelled by fearful villagers. A third found his most sensitive personal information leaked online after registering with the authorities.One person was turned away by hotel after hotel after showing his ID card. Another was expelled by fearful villagers. A third found his most sensitive personal information leaked online after registering with the authorities.
These outcasts are from Wuhan, the Hubei Province capital that is the epicenter of the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak. They are pariahs in China, among the millions unable to go home and feared as potential carriers.These outcasts are from Wuhan, the Hubei Province capital that is the epicenter of the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak. They are pariahs in China, among the millions unable to go home and feared as potential carriers.
Across China, despite a vast surveillance network with facial recognition systems and high-end cameras that is increasingly used to track the country’s 1.4 billion people, the government has turned to familiar authoritarian techniques — like setting up dragnets and asking neighbors to inform on one another — as it tries to contain the outbreak.Across China, despite a vast surveillance network with facial recognition systems and high-end cameras that is increasingly used to track the country’s 1.4 billion people, the government has turned to familiar authoritarian techniques — like setting up dragnets and asking neighbors to inform on one another — as it tries to contain the outbreak.
It took the authorities about five days to contact Harmo Tang, a college student in Wuhan, after he returned to his hometown in eastern Zhejiang Province.It took the authorities about five days to contact Harmo Tang, a college student in Wuhan, after he returned to his hometown in eastern Zhejiang Province.
Mr. Tang says he was already under self-imposed isolation when local officials asked for his personal information, including name, address, phone number, identity card number and the date he returned from Wuhan.Mr. Tang says he was already under self-imposed isolation when local officials asked for his personal information, including name, address, phone number, identity card number and the date he returned from Wuhan.
Local officials returned a few days later to fasten police tape to his door and hang a sign that warned neighbors that a Wuhan returnee lived there. The sign included a hotline to call if anyone saw him or his family leave the apartment.Local officials returned a few days later to fasten police tape to his door and hang a sign that warned neighbors that a Wuhan returnee lived there. The sign included a hotline to call if anyone saw him or his family leave the apartment.
Mr. Tang said he received about four calls a day from local government departments.Mr. Tang said he received about four calls a day from local government departments.
“In reality there’s not much empathy,” he said. “It’s not a caring tone they’re using. It’s a warning tone. I don’t feel very comfortable about it.”“In reality there’s not much empathy,” he said. “It’s not a caring tone they’re using. It’s a warning tone. I don’t feel very comfortable about it.”
A recent attack on an Asian woman in Germany that the police classified as xenophobic — and that prompted concern that it was linked to fears over the new coronavirus — has led the Korean Embassy in Berlin to warn its citizens to be vigilant in the country.A recent attack on an Asian woman in Germany that the police classified as xenophobic — and that prompted concern that it was linked to fears over the new coronavirus — has led the Korean Embassy in Berlin to warn its citizens to be vigilant in the country.
“As the new coronavirus situation worsens, there is heightened alertness and aversion to Chinese and Asian,” said the embassy’s warning, which described the attack victim as Chinese. “Our people should always keep in mind that similar events may occur and pay attention to personal safety.”“As the new coronavirus situation worsens, there is heightened alertness and aversion to Chinese and Asian,” said the embassy’s warning, which described the attack victim as Chinese. “Our people should always keep in mind that similar events may occur and pay attention to personal safety.”
Anti-Chinese sentiment has spread internationally since the coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December. And President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines urged people this week to “stop this xenophobia thing,” saying that “China has been kind to us — we can also show the same favor to them.”Anti-Chinese sentiment has spread internationally since the coronavirus emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December. And President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines urged people this week to “stop this xenophobia thing,” saying that “China has been kind to us — we can also show the same favor to them.”
It initially appeared to be less pronounced in Germany, which has 12 confirmed cases of the virus. But the hashtag #IchbinkeinVirus (I am not a virus) was trending on Twitter on Monday as Asians in the country spoke of being targeted amid the outbreak.It initially appeared to be less pronounced in Germany, which has 12 confirmed cases of the virus. But the hashtag #IchbinkeinVirus (I am not a virus) was trending on Twitter on Monday as Asians in the country spoke of being targeted amid the outbreak.
Marvin Ku, a reporter at the Berliner Tagesspiegel newspaper whose parents immigrated from Shanghai, wrote this weekend that two people he was interviewing for a recent article had tried to put physical distance between themselves and him — something that didn’t seem to happen with his colleagues. Germany’s news media has also been criticized for its coverage of the virus.
“It was pretty clear what was going on,” said in an interview.
But Germany’s news media has also been criticized for its coverage of the virus.
When Der Spiegel, one of the country’s most important newsmagazines, published a cover story about the coronavirus and globalization, its title page showed a man with Asian features wearing protective gear and holding an iPhone. The words “Made in China” were prominently displayed as part of the headline.When Der Spiegel, one of the country’s most important newsmagazines, published a cover story about the coronavirus and globalization, its title page showed a man with Asian features wearing protective gear and holding an iPhone. The words “Made in China” were prominently displayed as part of the headline.
With Wuhan in lockdown, volunteers are trying to reach thousands of pets trapped alone in homes and at risk of starvation. Many pet owners who traveled out of the city during the Lunar New Year holiday period left only a few days’ supply of food and water, and they have taken to social media to plead for help in checking on their animals.With Wuhan in lockdown, volunteers are trying to reach thousands of pets trapped alone in homes and at risk of starvation. Many pet owners who traveled out of the city during the Lunar New Year holiday period left only a few days’ supply of food and water, and they have taken to social media to plead for help in checking on their animals.
Hundreds of people, worried about their cats, dogs, pigs and snakes, have joined chat groups connecting them with volunteers. On Saturday, the Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association, which is providing food and water to pets in isolation, said it had helped more than 600 pets in the last week.Hundreds of people, worried about their cats, dogs, pigs and snakes, have joined chat groups connecting them with volunteers. On Saturday, the Wuhan Small Animal Protection Association, which is providing food and water to pets in isolation, said it had helped more than 600 pets in the last week.
One Wuhan resident who asked to be identified as Lao Mao, or Old Cat, told Reuters that his team of volunteers had rescued more than 1,000 pets since Jan. 25, and estimated that as many as 50,000 pets remained unattended in the city.One Wuhan resident who asked to be identified as Lao Mao, or Old Cat, told Reuters that his team of volunteers had rescued more than 1,000 pets since Jan. 25, and estimated that as many as 50,000 pets remained unattended in the city.
But gaining entry to locked apartments and buildings, even with the permission of the owners, has been a challenge. But gaining entry to locked apartments and buildings, even with owners’ permission, has been a challenge.
In one instance, Lao Mao said, he climbed up rusty pipes to feed two cats in a third-floor apartment that had been left alone for 10 days. He found the cats barely alive under a sofa. When he video-called the owners, who could not return to Wuhan because of roadblocks, they cried.In one instance, Lao Mao said, he climbed up rusty pipes to feed two cats in a third-floor apartment that had been left alone for 10 days. He found the cats barely alive under a sofa. When he video-called the owners, who could not return to Wuhan because of roadblocks, they cried.
“My phone never stops ringing these days,” he said. “I barely sleep.”“My phone never stops ringing these days,” he said. “I barely sleep.”
The World Health Organization says that there is no evidence that companion animals like dogs and cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.The World Health Organization says that there is no evidence that companion animals like dogs and cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.
Macau’s top official said on Tuesday that the government would shut down the city’s lucrative casinos for half a month to combat the coronavirus outbreak, a drastic move that will further weaken the Chinese territory’s ailing economy.Macau’s top official said on Tuesday that the government would shut down the city’s lucrative casinos for half a month to combat the coronavirus outbreak, a drastic move that will further weaken the Chinese territory’s ailing economy.
The semiautonomous enclave, which neighbors Hong Kong and is the world’s largest gambling hub, has reported 10 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with a worker in the gambling industry among those infected. The shutdown was announced on Tuesday by Ho Iat Seng, the chief executive.The semiautonomous enclave, which neighbors Hong Kong and is the world’s largest gambling hub, has reported 10 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with a worker in the gambling industry among those infected. The shutdown was announced on Tuesday by Ho Iat Seng, the chief executive.
“Of course this was a difficult decision, but we must do it for the health of Macau’s residents,” Mr. Ho said.“Of course this was a difficult decision, but we must do it for the health of Macau’s residents,” Mr. Ho said.
Macau’s casinos have struggled as the coronavirus outbreak led to growing travel restrictions for visitors from the mainland. Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, derives a significant portion of its revenue from gamblers from the mainland.Macau’s casinos have struggled as the coronavirus outbreak led to growing travel restrictions for visitors from the mainland. Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, derives a significant portion of its revenue from gamblers from the mainland.
Mr. Ho also said the city’s basic public services — except for emergency ones — would be suspended, and he urged Macau residents to “not go outside” except to get food.Mr. Ho also said the city’s basic public services — except for emergency ones — would be suspended, and he urged Macau residents to “not go outside” except to get food.
A planeload of Australians evacuated from China’s Wuhan city arrived in the Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island, where they are to be quarantined, Reuters reported on Tuesday.A planeload of Australians evacuated from China’s Wuhan city arrived in the Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island, where they are to be quarantined, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
The Qantas Airways 747 carrying 243 passengers, 14 crew members, four pilots and officials from the Department of Health landed at a military air base about 700 miles north of Perth. The passengers were then transferred to two smaller planes bound for Christmas Island, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.The Qantas Airways 747 carrying 243 passengers, 14 crew members, four pilots and officials from the Department of Health landed at a military air base about 700 miles north of Perth. The passengers were then transferred to two smaller planes bound for Christmas Island, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
The first of the chartered flights landed on the island at 9 p.m. Monday. Officials were not immediately available to confirm the arrival of the second charter flight.The first of the chartered flights landed on the island at 9 p.m. Monday. Officials were not immediately available to confirm the arrival of the second charter flight.
Another evacuation flight from Wuhan chartered by Air New Zealand, with 70 New Zealanders and an unspecified number of Australians on board, was expected to arrive in Auckland on Tuesday, The New Zealand Herald reported.Another evacuation flight from Wuhan chartered by Air New Zealand, with 70 New Zealanders and an unspecified number of Australians on board, was expected to arrive in Auckland on Tuesday, The New Zealand Herald reported.
There were 600 Australians registered in the Hubei region of China as of last week, and the Australian government has said it will consider further evacuations if needed.There were 600 Australians registered in the Hubei region of China as of last week, and the Australian government has said it will consider further evacuations if needed.
Australia on Saturday followed the United States in barring entry to all foreign citizens traveling from mainland China and raised its travel warning for China to the highest level, advising people against visiting the country.Australia on Saturday followed the United States in barring entry to all foreign citizens traveling from mainland China and raised its travel warning for China to the highest level, advising people against visiting the country.
Even in countries still seemingly untouched by the outbreak, precautions are being ramped up. That was the situation in Mexico over the weekend.Even in countries still seemingly untouched by the outbreak, precautions are being ramped up. That was the situation in Mexico over the weekend.
There are no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the country, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But on Friday and Saturday, Uber temporarily suspended the accounts of 240 users in Mexico City to guard against the spread of the virus, the ride-hailing company said.There are no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the country, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But on Friday and Saturday, Uber temporarily suspended the accounts of 240 users in Mexico City to guard against the spread of the virus, the ride-hailing company said.
Uber made the decision after learning that a person with the virus traveled from Los Angeles to Mexico City last month and rode with two Uber drivers there, a company spokesman said.Uber made the decision after learning that a person with the virus traveled from Los Angeles to Mexico City last month and rode with two Uber drivers there, a company spokesman said.
The Mexico City Health Department alerted Uber, and Uber suspended the drivers, as well as other passengers they had picked up.The Mexico City Health Department alerted Uber, and Uber suspended the drivers, as well as other passengers they had picked up.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we temporarily suspended the accounts of two drivers who had transported the individual, as well as approximately 240 other users who had been in contact with those drivers,” the spokesman, Andrew Hasbun, said in a statement.“Out of an abundance of caution, we temporarily suspended the accounts of two drivers who had transported the individual, as well as approximately 240 other users who had been in contact with those drivers,” the spokesman, Andrew Hasbun, said in a statement.
The death toll from the new coronavirus has exceeded that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2002 and 2003 in mainland China. But the number of people who have recovered nationwide has also risen in recent days, suggesting that the new virus’s fatality rate is relatively low.The death toll from the new coronavirus has exceeded that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak in 2002 and 2003 in mainland China. But the number of people who have recovered nationwide has also risen in recent days, suggesting that the new virus’s fatality rate is relatively low.
China’s Health Commission reported on Tuesday that there were 632 recoveries and more than 420 deaths nationwide. During the SARS outbreak, 349 people died in mainland China.China’s Health Commission reported on Tuesday that there were 632 recoveries and more than 420 deaths nationwide. During the SARS outbreak, 349 people died in mainland China.
Health experts say they are encouraged by the steady rise in the number of recoveries. They take it as evidence that the treatments meted out have been effective and that the virus does not appear to be as deadly as SARS.Health experts say they are encouraged by the steady rise in the number of recoveries. They take it as evidence that the treatments meted out have been effective and that the virus does not appear to be as deadly as SARS.
SARS had a mortality rate of 9.6 percent, and about 2 percent of those reported to have been infected with the new coronavirus have died.SARS had a mortality rate of 9.6 percent, and about 2 percent of those reported to have been infected with the new coronavirus have died.
China first announced an outbreak in the city of Wuhan on Dec. 31. The authorities later began to place the city and much of the surrounding Hubei Province — home to tens of millions of people — under lockdown.China first announced an outbreak in the city of Wuhan on Dec. 31. The authorities later began to place the city and much of the surrounding Hubei Province — home to tens of millions of people — under lockdown.
Japan has quarantined around 3,700 people aboard a cruise ship off the port city of Yokohama after one of the passengers tested positive for the new coronavirus, the Japanese news media and the authorities said on Tuesday. Reporting was contributed by Daniel Victor, Elaine Yu, Tiffany May, Steven Lee Myers, Raymond Zhong, Li Yuan, Damien Cave, Paul Mozur, Ben Dooley, Hisako Ueno, Kate Conger, Isabella Kwai, Tariro Mzezewa, Alexandra Stevenson, Christopher F. Schuetze, Julie Bosman, Denise Grady and Mitch Smith.
The passenger, an 80-year-old resident of Hong Kong, boarded the ship in Yokohama on Jan. 20, the national broadcaster NHK reported. He arrived five days later in Hong Kong, where he disembarked and was diagnosed, it said.
The ship traveled to Vietnam, Taiwan and the Japanese island of Okinawa before returning to Yokohama, where it is currently anchored.
Passengers are being held on the ship as they wait for officials from Japan’s Health Ministry to test them for the coronavirus, the chief cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga said during a regular news briefing on Tuesday.
“The quarantine office will make an appropriate judgment about whether we will approve the ship to dock and passengers to disembark,” he said, adding that the quarantine office would make the decision based on guidelines from the World Health Organization.
Reporting was contributed by Daniel Victor, Elaine Yu, Tiffany May, Steven Lee Myers, Raymond Zhong, Li Yuan, Damien Cave, Paul Mozur, Ben Dooley, Hisako Ueno, Kate Conger, Isabella Kwai, Tariro Mzezewa, Alexandra Stevenson, Christopher F. Schuetze, Julie Bosman and Denise Grady.