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U.S. plans evacuations for American passengers on cruise ship in Japan, but further quarantine awaits them U.S. plans evacuations for American passengers on cruise ship in Japan, but further quarantine awaits them
(32 minutes later)
The U.S. government told American passengers they would be evacuated from the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise liner moored off the Japanese port of Yokohama on Saturday. But they will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine once back in the United States. The U.S. government told American passengers they would be evacuated from the coronavirus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise liner moored off the Japanese port of Yokohama. But they will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine once back in the United States.
In China, strict new controls were placed in the capital of Beijing and in other cities across the country, as the coronavirus continued to spread, even as the rate of infection outside the epicenter of Hubei province declined.In China, strict new controls were placed in the capital of Beijing and in other cities across the country, as the coronavirus continued to spread, even as the rate of infection outside the epicenter of Hubei province declined.
Here are the latest developments:Here are the latest developments:
●France announced a patient with coronavirus had died, marking the first death outside of Asia.●France announced a patient with coronavirus had died, marking the first death outside of Asia.
●After protracted negotiations, a team of experts from the World Health Organization, including Americans, is due to arrive in Beijing this weekend.●After protracted negotiations, a team of experts from the World Health Organization, including Americans, is due to arrive in Beijing this weekend.
●All residents returning to Beijing are now required to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days upon arrival. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Saturday that “it’s impossible to predict which direction this epidemic will take” and expressed concern with “the lack of urgency in funding the response from the international community.”
● An 83-year-old American on the MS Westerdam, a cruise ship that docked in Cambodia Friday after being refused by five other reports, tested positive for coronavirus, Bloomberg News reported. The woman reported symptoms after landing in Malaysia on Friday.
●China’s National Health Commission reported 2,641 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday and 143 deaths. The total number of confirmed cases is now 66,492 and the death toll on the Chinese mainland stands at 1,523.●China’s National Health Commission reported 2,641 new cases of the coronavirus on Friday and 143 deaths. The total number of confirmed cases is now 66,492 and the death toll on the Chinese mainland stands at 1,523.
●The vast majority of cases are in Hubei province, where the virus outbreak began in the capital, Wuhan. A total of 54,406 people in Hubei have been diagnosed with the pneumonia-like illness, and 1,457 have died.●The vast majority of cases are in Hubei province, where the virus outbreak began in the capital, Wuhan. A total of 54,406 people in Hubei have been diagnosed with the pneumonia-like illness, and 1,457 have died.
●All residents returning to Beijing are now required to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days upon arrival.
BEIJING — Chinese authorities have implemented new draconian quarantine rules in cities across the country, including in the capital, in a sign that existing measures to contain the coronavirus sweeping the country have been deemed insufficient.BEIJING — Chinese authorities have implemented new draconian quarantine rules in cities across the country, including in the capital, in a sign that existing measures to contain the coronavirus sweeping the country have been deemed insufficient.
This came as countries around the world continued to grapple with the virus that can cause pneumonia-like symptoms: France announced a patient had died of the illness, marking the first death outside Asia, while American passengers prepared to be evacuated from a virus-stricken cruise ship in Japan.This came as countries around the world continued to grapple with the virus that can cause pneumonia-like symptoms: France announced a patient had died of the illness, marking the first death outside Asia, while American passengers prepared to be evacuated from a virus-stricken cruise ship in Japan.
In Japan, the U.S. government on Saturday told the Americans onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner moored off the port of Yokohama that they will be evacuated from the ship.In Japan, the U.S. government on Saturday told the Americans onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner moored off the port of Yokohama that they will be evacuated from the ship.
They will have to go into a 14-day quarantine once back in the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo wrote in an email to the passengers. This is consistent with the isolation of Americans evacuated from Wuhan. The virus has a maximum incubation period of 14 days.They will have to go into a 14-day quarantine once back in the United States, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo wrote in an email to the passengers. This is consistent with the isolation of Americans evacuated from Wuhan. The virus has a maximum incubation period of 14 days.
The Diamond Princess was declared a quarantine zone on Feb. 5, so passengers had expected to be able to leave the ship beginning Feb. 19. But as more tests were carried out on passengers and crew, it became obvious that a high percentage had contracted the virus, and experts warned there was a risk it could still be spreading onboard the ship.The Diamond Princess was declared a quarantine zone on Feb. 5, so passengers had expected to be able to leave the ship beginning Feb. 19. But as more tests were carried out on passengers and crew, it became obvious that a high percentage had contracted the virus, and experts warned there was a risk it could still be spreading onboard the ship.
So far 218 passengers and crew have tested positive for the virus, out of 713 people who have been assessed. There were 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew on the ship when it was placed in quarantine, but those found to have the virus have been evacuated to hospitals around Japan.So far 218 passengers and crew have tested positive for the virus, out of 713 people who have been assessed. There were 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew on the ship when it was placed in quarantine, but those found to have the virus have been evacuated to hospitals around Japan.
In China, a team of experts from the World Health Organization is due to arrive this weekend, following prolonged negotiations with the Chinese government. They will travel to Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus, and other badly affected cities to see the efforts underway to contain the virus and treat the patients, China’s National Health Commission said Saturday.In China, a team of experts from the World Health Organization is due to arrive this weekend, following prolonged negotiations with the Chinese government. They will travel to Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus, and other badly affected cities to see the efforts underway to contain the virus and treat the patients, China’s National Health Commission said Saturday.
China’s leaders — after initially trying to suppress or play down the severity of the virus but discovering that belated efforts to contain it were not working — are trying to show they are on top of the epidemic, even as the number of infections continues to climb.China’s leaders — after initially trying to suppress or play down the severity of the virus but discovering that belated efforts to contain it were not working — are trying to show they are on top of the epidemic, even as the number of infections continues to climb.
Beijing is also increasingly worried about the impact on China’s economy, which was already undergoing a structural slowdown.Beijing is also increasingly worried about the impact on China’s economy, which was already undergoing a structural slowdown.
Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged that the “black swan” of the coronavirus epidemic would make it difficult for the government to achieve its economic and social development goals for the year.Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged that the “black swan” of the coronavirus epidemic would make it difficult for the government to achieve its economic and social development goals for the year.
But he ordered Communist Party cadres to “resolutely win the blockade war” against the coronavirus and “keep the economy running smoothly and the society harmonious and stable,” according to a front-page article Saturday morning in the People’s Daily, the party newspaper.But he ordered Communist Party cadres to “resolutely win the blockade war” against the coronavirus and “keep the economy running smoothly and the society harmonious and stable,” according to a front-page article Saturday morning in the People’s Daily, the party newspaper.
As part of the new efforts, all residents returning to Beijing, a city of some 22 million people, are now required to stay at home “or submit to group observation” for 14 days, and those who refuse “will be held accountable under law,” according to a notice issued late Friday night by the capital’s virus prevention working group.As part of the new efforts, all residents returning to Beijing, a city of some 22 million people, are now required to stay at home “or submit to group observation” for 14 days, and those who refuse “will be held accountable under law,” according to a notice issued late Friday night by the capital’s virus prevention working group.
Analysts saw this as a sign that the virus, which 274 people in Beijing have contracted, is still spreading, but also that the Communist rulers are growing increasingly nervous about party meetings due to be held in the first week of March. The “Two Sessions” attract thousands of party members from around the country to Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.Analysts saw this as a sign that the virus, which 274 people in Beijing have contracted, is still spreading, but also that the Communist rulers are growing increasingly nervous about party meetings due to be held in the first week of March. The “Two Sessions” attract thousands of party members from around the country to Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Hundreds of millions of Chinese were on the move in January in the week leading up to the Lunar New Year holiday, as the virus raged undetected, and the Transport Ministry said some 283 million trips had been made since Jan. 25, after the first lockdowns began, as people returned from holidays in their hometowns.Hundreds of millions of Chinese were on the move in January in the week leading up to the Lunar New Year holiday, as the virus raged undetected, and the Transport Ministry said some 283 million trips had been made since Jan. 25, after the first lockdowns began, as people returned from holidays in their hometowns.
As part of the new regulations, residential compounds in the capital gave residents papers to sign, pledging to register when they arrive back in Beijing and voluntarily quarantine themselves.As part of the new regulations, residential compounds in the capital gave residents papers to sign, pledging to register when they arrive back in Beijing and voluntarily quarantine themselves.
“I promise that I will not obstruct the normal diagnosis and treatment work of medical institutions and medical staff, not participate in various kinds of illegal criminal activities such as attacking medical staff, making trouble in hospitals,” one compound’s paperwork read.“I promise that I will not obstruct the normal diagnosis and treatment work of medical institutions and medical staff, not participate in various kinds of illegal criminal activities such as attacking medical staff, making trouble in hospitals,” one compound’s paperwork read.
Most residents in Chinese cities live in compounds with managers that oversee their operations, often with police like vigor.Most residents in Chinese cities live in compounds with managers that oversee their operations, often with police like vigor.
In Wuhan, authorities moved to seal all residential compounds. The city’s 11 million residents had been placed under a kind of emergency law that stipulates only one member of each household could go out, only once every three days, to buy groceries and other supplies. But now only people who are seeking medical treatment or working on epidemic prevention and control will be allowed to leave residential complexes.In Wuhan, authorities moved to seal all residential compounds. The city’s 11 million residents had been placed under a kind of emergency law that stipulates only one member of each household could go out, only once every three days, to buy groceries and other supplies. But now only people who are seeking medical treatment or working on epidemic prevention and control will be allowed to leave residential complexes.
Other cities in Hubei province — including Huanggang, Xiaogan and Honghu, with a combined population of 11 million — have instituted similar “wartime measures” for the next 14 days, banning residents from leaving their homes unless they are directly involved in fighting the epidemic. Elsewhere in the province, Jingmen city banned people and vehicles from other places from entering the city from Saturday morning.Other cities in Hubei province — including Huanggang, Xiaogan and Honghu, with a combined population of 11 million — have instituted similar “wartime measures” for the next 14 days, banning residents from leaving their homes unless they are directly involved in fighting the epidemic. Elsewhere in the province, Jingmen city banned people and vehicles from other places from entering the city from Saturday morning.
In Shanghai, population 24 million, current regulations stipulate only that people returning from areas “hit hard by the epidemic” are required to quarantine themselves. But the megacity is trying to dissuade those who don’t come from or work in the city from entering. Everyone arriving in Shanghai’s airports and train stations must have their temperature checked and registered against their name.In Shanghai, population 24 million, current regulations stipulate only that people returning from areas “hit hard by the epidemic” are required to quarantine themselves. But the megacity is trying to dissuade those who don’t come from or work in the city from entering. Everyone arriving in Shanghai’s airports and train stations must have their temperature checked and registered against their name.
Virus takes big toll on China’s health workersVirus takes big toll on China’s health workers
Meanwhile in Paris, French Health Minister Agnès Buzyn said Saturday that an 80-year-old man from Hubei province had succumbed to the illness, becoming the first coronavirus patient to die outside Asia. He had been hospitalized, along with his daughter, since Jan. 25 at the Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital in Paris. His daughter is expected to be discharged soon.Meanwhile in Paris, French Health Minister Agnès Buzyn said Saturday that an 80-year-old man from Hubei province had succumbed to the illness, becoming the first coronavirus patient to die outside Asia. He had been hospitalized, along with his daughter, since Jan. 25 at the Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital in Paris. His daughter is expected to be discharged soon.
France has seen the largest number of coronavirus cases in Europe to date, with 11. Of the nine other confirmed cases, four patients have fully recovered and five remain hospitalized without life-threatening symptoms.France has seen the largest number of coronavirus cases in Europe to date, with 11. Of the nine other confirmed cases, four patients have fully recovered and five remain hospitalized without life-threatening symptoms.
On the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the news of an additional quarantine period came as a blow to some of the Americans, who say they had been repeatedly told otherwise by U.S. officials.On the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the news of an additional quarantine period came as a blow to some of the Americans, who say they had been repeatedly told otherwise by U.S. officials.
“It’s completely devastating,” said Karey Sells, 44, of St. George, Utah. “If they wanted to keep us under quarantine for an additional period, they should have picked us up 10 days ago. They should have done their job.”“It’s completely devastating,” said Karey Sells, 44, of St. George, Utah. “If they wanted to keep us under quarantine for an additional period, they should have picked us up 10 days ago. They should have done their job.”
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said it was grateful to the cruise line and the Japanese government “for working diligently to contain and control the spread of the illness.”The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo said it was grateful to the cruise line and the Japanese government “for working diligently to contain and control the spread of the illness.”
“However, to fulfill our government’s responsibilities to U.S. citizens under our rules and practices, as well as to reduce the burden on the Japanese health care system, the U.S. government recommends, out of an abundance of caution, that U.S. citizens disembark and return to the United States for further monitoring,” it said in the email.“However, to fulfill our government’s responsibilities to U.S. citizens under our rules and practices, as well as to reduce the burden on the Japanese health care system, the U.S. government recommends, out of an abundance of caution, that U.S. citizens disembark and return to the United States for further monitoring,” it said in the email.
It was a decision some passengers said should have been taken much earlier.It was a decision some passengers said should have been taken much earlier.
“Why didn’t they test everybody (earlier), and it would have been over?” asked Melanie Haering, 58, from Tooele, Utah, echoing a question many people have asked right from the beginning.“Why didn’t they test everybody (earlier), and it would have been over?” asked Melanie Haering, 58, from Tooele, Utah, echoing a question many people have asked right from the beginning.
Denyer reported from Yokohama, Japan. Liu Yang in Beijing and James McAuley in Paris contributed to this report.Denyer reported from Yokohama, Japan. Liu Yang in Beijing and James McAuley in Paris contributed to this report.
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