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China Ousts 2 Party Officials Amid Outrage About Coronavirus Response China Ousts 2 Party Officials Amid Outrage About Coronavirus Response
(about 16 hours later)
BEIJING — China’s leader, Xi Jinping, summarily ousted two top Communist Party officials from the province at the center of the coronavirus epidemic on Thursday, exacting political punishment for the regional government’s handling of a crisis that seemed far from under control.BEIJING — China’s leader, Xi Jinping, summarily ousted two top Communist Party officials from the province at the center of the coronavirus epidemic on Thursday, exacting political punishment for the regional government’s handling of a crisis that seemed far from under control.
The reshuffling of the party leadership in the province, Hubei, and its capital, Wuhan, reflected an aggressive effort by Mr. Xi to contain not only the political and economic damage of the epidemic but also any simmering public anger among millions of people locked down now for more than three weeks.The reshuffling of the party leadership in the province, Hubei, and its capital, Wuhan, reflected an aggressive effort by Mr. Xi to contain not only the political and economic damage of the epidemic but also any simmering public anger among millions of people locked down now for more than three weeks.
The Communist Party replaced both officials with protégés of Mr. Xi who have extensive backgrounds in public security.The Communist Party replaced both officials with protégés of Mr. Xi who have extensive backgrounds in public security.
The moves, announced in terse statements in state news media, came as the number of deaths and infections skyrocketed by the highest amounts in any day so far. The rise, in part, reflected changes in the way infections in Hubei are counted, but the latest figures confirmed warnings that the true scale of the epidemic remains muddled.The moves, announced in terse statements in state news media, came as the number of deaths and infections skyrocketed by the highest amounts in any day so far. The rise, in part, reflected changes in the way infections in Hubei are counted, but the latest figures confirmed warnings that the true scale of the epidemic remains muddled.
“The personnel changes can be spun as Beijing finally taking decisive action and beginning the process of sheeting home responsibility for the crisis,” said Richard McGregor, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, using a nautical idiom meaning to fix blame, “but they also reek a little of panic.”“The personnel changes can be spun as Beijing finally taking decisive action and beginning the process of sheeting home responsibility for the crisis,” said Richard McGregor, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, using a nautical idiom meaning to fix blame, “but they also reek a little of panic.”
Only the day before, Mr. Xi presided over a third emergency session of the country’s top political body, the Politburo Standing Committee, and declared that the government’s efforts were beginning to have “positive effects.”Only the day before, Mr. Xi presided over a third emergency session of the country’s top political body, the Politburo Standing Committee, and declared that the government’s efforts were beginning to have “positive effects.”
“All regions and departments performed their duties actively and conscientiously,” Mr. Xi said, once again referring to the fight against the epidemic as a “people’s war.”“All regions and departments performed their duties actively and conscientiously,” Mr. Xi said, once again referring to the fight against the epidemic as a “people’s war.”
Mr. Xi’s reassuring remarks made the dismissals, like the rise in new cases and deaths, even more of a surprise.Mr. Xi’s reassuring remarks made the dismissals, like the rise in new cases and deaths, even more of a surprise.
In a separate move that underscored similar concerns, the government’s highest body, the State Council, announced that it had appointed another Xi protégé to take over the national office overseeing Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests since last summer and by the coronavirus now.In a separate move that underscored similar concerns, the government’s highest body, the State Council, announced that it had appointed another Xi protégé to take over the national office overseeing Hong Kong, which has been roiled by protests since last summer and by the coronavirus now.
The dismissal of a provincial party leader is rare, even in the increasingly centralized authoritarian system that Mr. Xi has built since coming to power in 2013. He has overseen a sweeping anticorruption campaign that has toppled scores of officials, but only two other top provincial-level leaders have been ousted during his tenure, both on charges of corruption.The dismissal of a provincial party leader is rare, even in the increasingly centralized authoritarian system that Mr. Xi has built since coming to power in 2013. He has overseen a sweeping anticorruption campaign that has toppled scores of officials, but only two other top provincial-level leaders have been ousted during his tenure, both on charges of corruption.
The last, in 2017, was Sun Zhengcai, the party secretary of Chongqing, a provincial-level city, like Beijing. A high-flying politician once touted as a potential national leader, he was accused of “violations of discipline” and is now serving a life sentence in prison.The last, in 2017, was Sun Zhengcai, the party secretary of Chongqing, a provincial-level city, like Beijing. A high-flying politician once touted as a potential national leader, he was accused of “violations of discipline” and is now serving a life sentence in prison.
The night before getting sacked, Hubei’s provincial party secretary, Jiang Chaoliang, presided over a meeting of officials, obsequiously citing Mr. Xi’s “important speeches” as guidance for the region’s responses. He will be replaced by Ying Yong, who has served since 2017 as the mayor of Shanghai, China’s largest city.The night before getting sacked, Hubei’s provincial party secretary, Jiang Chaoliang, presided over a meeting of officials, obsequiously citing Mr. Xi’s “important speeches” as guidance for the region’s responses. He will be replaced by Ying Yong, who has served since 2017 as the mayor of Shanghai, China’s largest city.
Mr. Ying, who is 62, rose through the political ranks in Zhejiang Province, where Mr. Xi himself began his climb to power. Mr. Ying studied law and held a variety of positions in the judiciary and in the powerful Public Security Bureau, including ones overseeing antidrug and antiterrorism agencies.Mr. Ying, who is 62, rose through the political ranks in Zhejiang Province, where Mr. Xi himself began his climb to power. Mr. Ying studied law and held a variety of positions in the judiciary and in the powerful Public Security Bureau, including ones overseeing antidrug and antiterrorism agencies.
Mr. Jiang, by contrast, was an economist and a former banker, who was only three years ago on the shortlist to take over China’s central bank.Mr. Jiang, by contrast, was an economist and a former banker, who was only three years ago on the shortlist to take over China’s central bank.
Wuhan’s party secretary, Ma Guoqiang, was replaced by Wang Zhonglin, a counterpart in another regional capital, Jinan, in Shandong Provence. Mr. Ma had offered to resign, the city’s mayor said in January, but he had remained in his position until Thursday.Wuhan’s party secretary, Ma Guoqiang, was replaced by Wang Zhonglin, a counterpart in another regional capital, Jinan, in Shandong Provence. Mr. Ma had offered to resign, the city’s mayor said in January, but he had remained in his position until Thursday.
Mr. Wang served for 15 years in the Public Security Bureau in Shandong before rising through the party ranks.Mr. Wang served for 15 years in the Public Security Bureau in Shandong before rising through the party ranks.
Mr. Xi’s inclination to turn to officials with whom he is familiar is not surprising. Nor are their backgrounds in security affairs. Moving to install the officials now, even before the extent of the crisis is clear, underscored the challenge the epidemic has created for Mr. Xi and for his ambitions as the country’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.Mr. Xi’s inclination to turn to officials with whom he is familiar is not surprising. Nor are their backgrounds in security affairs. Moving to install the officials now, even before the extent of the crisis is clear, underscored the challenge the epidemic has created for Mr. Xi and for his ambitions as the country’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.
Wu Qiang, an independent political analyst in Beijing, said in an interview that, “To cope with a crisis that may become more serious in the future, the first thing that they need is highly loyal people.”Wu Qiang, an independent political analyst in Beijing, said in an interview that, “To cope with a crisis that may become more serious in the future, the first thing that they need is highly loyal people.”
At Wednesday’s meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee, Mr. Xi urged officials to do everything possible to improve the care of those sickened in Hubei. At the same time, he urged them to make sure that business returned to normal and that the government met its economic development goals for the year, according to an official summary of the meeting by Xinhua, the state-run news agency.At Wednesday’s meeting of the Politburo Standing Committee, Mr. Xi urged officials to do everything possible to improve the care of those sickened in Hubei. At the same time, he urged them to make sure that business returned to normal and that the government met its economic development goals for the year, according to an official summary of the meeting by Xinhua, the state-run news agency.
Those goals include his 2020 deadlines for eradicating extreme poverty and creating a “comprehensively well-off society.”Those goals include his 2020 deadlines for eradicating extreme poverty and creating a “comprehensively well-off society.”
Mr. Xi once again called the epidemic a test of the government he has, after seven years in power, put in place.Mr. Xi once again called the epidemic a test of the government he has, after seven years in power, put in place.
That was “a pretty gutsy thing to say at a time when support for the system is likely at an all-time low because it failed to protect people’s lives,” Susan L. Shirk, chairwoman of the 21st Century China Center at the University of California, San Diego.That was “a pretty gutsy thing to say at a time when support for the system is likely at an all-time low because it failed to protect people’s lives,” Susan L. Shirk, chairwoman of the 21st Century China Center at the University of California, San Diego.
Updated June 22, 2020 Updated June 24, 2020
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The epidemic has already shaken up the internal politics of the Communist Party unlike any other crisis in years. The next manifestation of that disruption is likely to be the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, largely ceremonial events in which thousands of delegates converge in Beijing to endorse the party’s policy agenda for the coming year.The epidemic has already shaken up the internal politics of the Communist Party unlike any other crisis in years. The next manifestation of that disruption is likely to be the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, largely ceremonial events in which thousands of delegates converge in Beijing to endorse the party’s policy agenda for the coming year.
The two sessions, as they are called, are scheduled to begin in early March and now appear very much in doubt.The two sessions, as they are called, are scheduled to begin in early March and now appear very much in doubt.
The epidemic has already provoked waves of fear, anguish and anger.The epidemic has already provoked waves of fear, anguish and anger.
Popular fury boiled over with the death last week of Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist in Wuhan who was punished by the authorities for warning his medical school classmates of a potential new contagion in late December.Popular fury boiled over with the death last week of Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist in Wuhan who was punished by the authorities for warning his medical school classmates of a potential new contagion in late December.
Since then, the authorities have moved aggressively to squelch any protest that showed signs of gaining strength, while trying to contain the public health crisis.Since then, the authorities have moved aggressively to squelch any protest that showed signs of gaining strength, while trying to contain the public health crisis.
Until now, Mr. Xi has resisted unusually public calls for heads to roll. The party had only moved against the party secretary and the director of Hubei’s provincial health commission, who were both replaced this week.Until now, Mr. Xi has resisted unusually public calls for heads to roll. The party had only moved against the party secretary and the director of Hubei’s provincial health commission, who were both replaced this week.
The dismissals of the provincial and city party chiefs reflected a move against functionaries of a higher political level. Both officials had presided over annual party congresses that went ahead in early January even as the epidemic set its tenacious roots in the city and began to spread.The dismissals of the provincial and city party chiefs reflected a move against functionaries of a higher political level. Both officials had presided over annual party congresses that went ahead in early January even as the epidemic set its tenacious roots in the city and began to spread.
Their dismissals were reported on CCTV’s nightly news program, but only after half an hour of other reports on efforts to fight the epidemic. That appeared to reflect a wariness of seeming to bow to public demands for accountability. The dismissals could also be an effort to deflect blame away from the central government.Their dismissals were reported on CCTV’s nightly news program, but only after half an hour of other reports on efforts to fight the epidemic. That appeared to reflect a wariness of seeming to bow to public demands for accountability. The dismissals could also be an effort to deflect blame away from the central government.
The appointment overseeing Hong Kong reflected a similar hope of containing another huge challenge without making concessions to public opinion.The appointment overseeing Hong Kong reflected a similar hope of containing another huge challenge without making concessions to public opinion.
Xia Baolong, a former party secretary of Zhejiang Province, took over the cabinet-level position of director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office. He replaced Zhang Xiaoming, who will remain as a deputy.Xia Baolong, a former party secretary of Zhejiang Province, took over the cabinet-level position of director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office. He replaced Zhang Xiaoming, who will remain as a deputy.
Lau Siu-kai, a former Hong Kong official who is now vice chairman of an elite Beijing’s advisory body, the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said the appointment showed that the national government was committed to cracking down hard on any threat to China’s control over the semiautonomous territory.Lau Siu-kai, a former Hong Kong official who is now vice chairman of an elite Beijing’s advisory body, the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said the appointment showed that the national government was committed to cracking down hard on any threat to China’s control over the semiautonomous territory.
“This coronavirus must make Beijing even more alert about Hong Kong’s internal hostile forces,” he said, “because they still want to use this pneumonia to arouse anti-mainland feelings and weaken the Hong Kong government.”“This coronavirus must make Beijing even more alert about Hong Kong’s internal hostile forces,” he said, “because they still want to use this pneumonia to arouse anti-mainland feelings and weaken the Hong Kong government.”
Keith Bradsher contributed reporting from Taipei, Taiwan. Claire Fu, Zoe Mou and Amber Wang contributed research from Beijing.Keith Bradsher contributed reporting from Taipei, Taiwan. Claire Fu, Zoe Mou and Amber Wang contributed research from Beijing.