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China’s leaders shake up political ranks as coronavirus cases pass 63,000; Japan announces second virus fatality outside China | China’s leaders shake up political ranks as coronavirus cases pass 63,000; Japan announces second virus fatality outside China |
(30 days later) | |
China’s Communist Party removed senior officials in the virus-stricken province of Hubei, as the country’s leadership looks to tighten control over its epidemic response and assuage public outrage over authorities’ handling of the coronavirus crisis. | China’s Communist Party removed senior officials in the virus-stricken province of Hubei, as the country’s leadership looks to tighten control over its epidemic response and assuage public outrage over authorities’ handling of the coronavirus crisis. |
The ruling party said Thursday that it fired Jiang Chaoliang, a former banker who had been party secretary of Hubei province since 2016. He will be replaced by Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong. Ma Guoqiang, the party boss overseeing Wuhan, the city at the center of the outbreak, has been replaced by Wang Zhonglin, an official from eastern Shandong province. | The ruling party said Thursday that it fired Jiang Chaoliang, a former banker who had been party secretary of Hubei province since 2016. He will be replaced by Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong. Ma Guoqiang, the party boss overseeing Wuhan, the city at the center of the outbreak, has been replaced by Wang Zhonglin, an official from eastern Shandong province. |
News of the reshuffle came hours after China announced a significant jump in infection numbers in Hubei. The surge followed a change in official methodology for diagnosing and counting cases, a shift that revived questions about the reliability of China’s data and testing methods. | News of the reshuffle came hours after China announced a significant jump in infection numbers in Hubei. The surge followed a change in official methodology for diagnosing and counting cases, a shift that revived questions about the reliability of China’s data and testing methods. |
Here’s what we know: | Here’s what we know: |
● Japan reported its first fatality from coronavirus, only the second worldwide outside China. It also announced that 44 more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus on board the quarantined cruise liner Diamond Princess, bringing to 218 the number of infected. | ● Japan reported its first fatality from coronavirus, only the second worldwide outside China. It also announced that 44 more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus on board the quarantined cruise liner Diamond Princess, bringing to 218 the number of infected. |
● The political shake-up in Communist Party ranks underscored Chinese leaders’ jitters about the potential for the outbreak to fuel domestic instability. | ● The political shake-up in Communist Party ranks underscored Chinese leaders’ jitters about the potential for the outbreak to fuel domestic instability. |
● China announced about 4,800 new cases and 116 new deaths in Hubei province a day after health officials increased the province’s case numbers by 15,000 when they began taking into account cases diagnosed by doctors using clinical methods. | ● China announced about 4,800 new cases and 116 new deaths in Hubei province a day after health officials increased the province’s case numbers by 15,000 when they began taking into account cases diagnosed by doctors using clinical methods. |
● Experts said that until China reveals more about its new testing process, it will be difficult to assess what exactly the latest data means. On Thursday, the World Health Organization said that the spike in cases “does not represent a significant change in the trajectory of the outbreak.” | ● Experts said that until China reveals more about its new testing process, it will be difficult to assess what exactly the latest data means. On Thursday, the World Health Organization said that the spike in cases “does not represent a significant change in the trajectory of the outbreak.” |
● The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the 15th case of coronavirus in the United States. The person had been under quarantine in Texas after arriving on a State Department-chartered plane from Wuhan on Feb. 7. | ● The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the 15th case of coronavirus in the United States. The person had been under quarantine in Texas after arriving on a State Department-chartered plane from Wuhan on Feb. 7. |
About 5,100 cases of covid-19 were confirmed in China on Thursday and 121 more people died, Chinese health officials said Friday morning. Most of the new cases and deaths continued to be in Hubei province. | About 5,100 cases of covid-19 were confirmed in China on Thursday and 121 more people died, Chinese health officials said Friday morning. Most of the new cases and deaths continued to be in Hubei province. |
More than 63,000 confirmed cases and approximately 1,380 deaths have been reported in China since the outbreak began. | More than 63,000 confirmed cases and approximately 1,380 deaths have been reported in China since the outbreak began. |
A second Wuhan-based citizen journalist, Fang Bin, has gone missing after he produced public videos about the coronavirus outbreak, Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK reported. | A second Wuhan-based citizen journalist, Fang Bin, has gone missing after he produced public videos about the coronavirus outbreak, Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK reported. |
City firefighters broke down his door on Sunday and a plainclothes police officer arrested him, according to RTHK, which did not cite its sources. Fang also has not posted to his YouTube channel since Sunday. | City firefighters broke down his door on Sunday and a plainclothes police officer arrested him, according to RTHK, which did not cite its sources. Fang also has not posted to his YouTube channel since Sunday. |
Fang, a businessman, was previously arrested and then released after he published a video of eight body bags outside a hospital. He told The Washington Post at the time that officers had promised to charge him with political crimes. | Fang, a businessman, was previously arrested and then released after he published a video of eight body bags outside a hospital. He told The Washington Post at the time that officers had promised to charge him with political crimes. |
China has experienced flickers of freedom of speech during the outbreak, as the country has withheld the tough punishment it normally deals to people who criticize the government. Still, Fang is not the only critic to disappear. Chinese lawyer and citizen journalist Chen Qiushi has been missing for a week after some of his reports on the outbreak circulated worldwide. | China has experienced flickers of freedom of speech during the outbreak, as the country has withheld the tough punishment it normally deals to people who criticize the government. Still, Fang is not the only critic to disappear. Chinese lawyer and citizen journalist Chen Qiushi has been missing for a week after some of his reports on the outbreak circulated worldwide. |
One of Japan’s state ministers of health, labor and welfare on Friday spoke to people on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship that is docked in Yokohama with at least 218 coronavirus-infected people, according to audio from the visit distributed by a couple on board. | One of Japan’s state ministers of health, labor and welfare on Friday spoke to people on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship that is docked in Yokohama with at least 218 coronavirus-infected people, according to audio from the visit distributed by a couple on board. |
The official, Gaku Hashimoto, said his agency had asked pharmacies to provide medications that the passengers had requested and would set up dedicated phone lines for passengers to manage their prescriptions. He also repeated a previously announced plan to let some high-risk passengers disembark from the ship before the end of the quarantine and temporarily stay in government-provided accommodations. | The official, Gaku Hashimoto, said his agency had asked pharmacies to provide medications that the passengers had requested and would set up dedicated phone lines for passengers to manage their prescriptions. He also repeated a previously announced plan to let some high-risk passengers disembark from the ship before the end of the quarantine and temporarily stay in government-provided accommodations. |
“We understand that everyone is currently confined to the vessel in difficult and inconvenient circumstances due to the covid-19 virus,” Hashimoto said, according to an English translation read by the ship’s captain. “We also understand that there are many people who are hoping to go home as soon as possible and people who have pre-existing medical conditions who are still on board.” | “We understand that everyone is currently confined to the vessel in difficult and inconvenient circumstances due to the covid-19 virus,” Hashimoto said, according to an English translation read by the ship’s captain. “We also understand that there are many people who are hoping to go home as soon as possible and people who have pre-existing medical conditions who are still on board.” |
Hashimoto thanked the passengers and crew members for their “patience and cooperation.” | Hashimoto thanked the passengers and crew members for their “patience and cooperation.” |
Catholics in Hong Kong received permission from their diocese to forgo Mass on Sundays or weekdays through Feb. 28 to avoid public gatherings that could hasten the spread of covid-19, the Vatican said Thursday. The diocese also canceled its Feb. 26 liturgy to observe Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. | Catholics in Hong Kong received permission from their diocese to forgo Mass on Sundays or weekdays through Feb. 28 to avoid public gatherings that could hasten the spread of covid-19, the Vatican said Thursday. The diocese also canceled its Feb. 26 liturgy to observe Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. |
Live-streamed Masses will be offered so people can participate from home during the next two weeks, which Cardinal John Tong Hon in Hong Kong called “a crucial time to suppress the epidemic.” The Catholic catechism usually requires practitioners to attend Mass on Sundays and specific other days of the year. | Live-streamed Masses will be offered so people can participate from home during the next two weeks, which Cardinal John Tong Hon in Hong Kong called “a crucial time to suppress the epidemic.” The Catholic catechism usually requires practitioners to attend Mass on Sundays and specific other days of the year. |
Nicolas de Francqueville, a priest running a Hong Kong parish, told Vatican News that the coronavirus outbreak was both a crisis and an opportunity. | Nicolas de Francqueville, a priest running a Hong Kong parish, told Vatican News that the coronavirus outbreak was both a crisis and an opportunity. |
“I hope that in this dangerous time of the virus it can also be an opportunity for Christians, and for everyone, to maybe show more solidarity, to slow down their lives which are usually so busy, so that maybe people can be more with their families, have more time to pray, to reflect on the sense of their lives, perhaps spend more time doing other things,” he said. | “I hope that in this dangerous time of the virus it can also be an opportunity for Christians, and for everyone, to maybe show more solidarity, to slow down their lives which are usually so busy, so that maybe people can be more with their families, have more time to pray, to reflect on the sense of their lives, perhaps spend more time doing other things,” he said. |
Health officials in Hubei province, the center of the outbreak, on Friday announced more than 4,800 new cases of covid-19, including about 3,100 that were clinically diagnosed. They said there were also 116 new deaths. | Health officials in Hubei province, the center of the outbreak, on Friday announced more than 4,800 new cases of covid-19, including about 3,100 that were clinically diagnosed. They said there were also 116 new deaths. |
Hubei had added almost 15,000 cases to its count on Thursday after saying that it would now include infections diagnosed by doctors, instead of only counting those that tested positive in a laboratory. Other Chinese jurisdictions so far have not revised their own diagnosis guidelines. | Hubei had added almost 15,000 cases to its count on Thursday after saying that it would now include infections diagnosed by doctors, instead of only counting those that tested positive in a laboratory. Other Chinese jurisdictions so far have not revised their own diagnosis guidelines. |
The total number of confirmed cases in Hubei province now stands at nearly 52,000, accounting for the majority of cases worldwide. | The total number of confirmed cases in Hubei province now stands at nearly 52,000, accounting for the majority of cases worldwide. |
The San Antonio hospital that received the United States’ 15th coronavirus patient said Thursday that it worked with the CDC to activate extra safety protocols before the patient arrived. | The San Antonio hospital that received the United States’ 15th coronavirus patient said Thursday that it worked with the CDC to activate extra safety protocols before the patient arrived. |
Hospital staff privately escorted the person through a remote entrance and kept the person isolated, Methodist Texsan Hospital said in a statement. The patient has mild symptoms of the virus and is in stable condition. | Hospital staff privately escorted the person through a remote entrance and kept the person isolated, Methodist Texsan Hospital said in a statement. The patient has mild symptoms of the virus and is in stable condition. |
The person had been quarantined at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland after arriving Feb. 7 on a State Department-chartered flight from China. After coming down with a fever, the patient tested positive for the coronavirus. | The person had been quarantined at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland after arriving Feb. 7 on a State Department-chartered flight from China. After coming down with a fever, the patient tested positive for the coronavirus. |
Eight cases of the virus have been confirmed in California, one in Arizona, one in Washington state, one in Wisconsin, two in Illinois and one in Massachusetts. | Eight cases of the virus have been confirmed in California, one in Arizona, one in Washington state, one in Wisconsin, two in Illinois and one in Massachusetts. |
The State Department on Thursday said it supports U.S. and international aid and health organizations working to prevent the spread of covid-19 in North Korea, which has long been under economic sanctions from the United States and other countries. | The State Department on Thursday said it supports U.S. and international aid and health organizations working to prevent the spread of covid-19 in North Korea, which has long been under economic sanctions from the United States and other countries. |
“The United States is ready and prepared to expeditiously facilitate the approval of assistance from these organizations,” Morgan Ortagus, a department spokesperson, said in a statement. | “The United States is ready and prepared to expeditiously facilitate the approval of assistance from these organizations,” Morgan Ortagus, a department spokesperson, said in a statement. |
The U.N. Sanctions Committee also has signaled that it would consider any requests from North Korea for exemptions related to combating the coronavirus, Voice of America reported. Since 2006, the United Nations has used sanctions to discourage the country’s nuclear weapons program. | The U.N. Sanctions Committee also has signaled that it would consider any requests from North Korea for exemptions related to combating the coronavirus, Voice of America reported. Since 2006, the United Nations has used sanctions to discourage the country’s nuclear weapons program. |
Although North Korea has not publicly confirmed any coronavirus cases, South Korean news outlets have reported that North Korea has had several suspected infections. Citing sources in the country, the Daily NK reported that five people who died at hospitals in North Korea’s Sinuiju region had the virus. | Although North Korea has not publicly confirmed any coronavirus cases, South Korean news outlets have reported that North Korea has had several suspected infections. Citing sources in the country, the Daily NK reported that five people who died at hospitals in North Korea’s Sinuiju region had the virus. |
HONG KONG — A new type of protest art is emerging from the coronavirus crisis in Hong Kong. But, as before, the government remains the target. | HONG KONG — A new type of protest art is emerging from the coronavirus crisis in Hong Kong. But, as before, the government remains the target. |
The artwork of dissent became a mainstay amid the pro-democracy demonstrations that erupted last year. Now, artists are turning their gaze — and anger — toward what is widely seen as a confusing and disorganized response by authorities to the coronavirus outbreak. | The artwork of dissent became a mainstay amid the pro-democracy demonstrations that erupted last year. Now, artists are turning their gaze — and anger — toward what is widely seen as a confusing and disorganized response by authorities to the coronavirus outbreak. |
The coronavirus numbers in Hong Kong are a fraction of what has hit the mainland, and its leadership has refused to seal the land border but demanded a 14-day quarantine for anyone coming from the mainland. | The coronavirus numbers in Hong Kong are a fraction of what has hit the mainland, and its leadership has refused to seal the land border but demanded a 14-day quarantine for anyone coming from the mainland. |
That led to a strike by medical workers demanding a full border closure and greater anti-virus protections on the job. | That led to a strike by medical workers demanding a full border closure and greater anti-virus protections on the job. |
That has fed worries in Hong Kong that the local outbreak could get worse. | That has fed worries in Hong Kong that the local outbreak could get worse. |
At the same time, supplies have run low in hospitals. People have waited in lines for hours — sometimes overnight — to buy masks at the few stores that have them. | At the same time, supplies have run low in hospitals. People have waited in lines for hours — sometimes overnight — to buy masks at the few stores that have them. |
The virus art is seen as a natural extension from the months of street unrest. | The virus art is seen as a natural extension from the months of street unrest. |
“This is consistent with what we have been doing all along,’’ said Ryan, a product designer who helps showcase the artwork. He gave only his first name, fearing reprisals from authorities. | “This is consistent with what we have been doing all along,’’ said Ryan, a product designer who helps showcase the artwork. He gave only his first name, fearing reprisals from authorities. |
“At a time like this, instead of organizing rallies, our priority is reminding people to protect themselves,” he added. “Keeping ourselves alive is part of the resistance.” | “At a time like this, instead of organizing rallies, our priority is reminding people to protect themselves,” he added. “Keeping ourselves alive is part of the resistance.” |
Read more here. | Read more here. |
Officials at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center told reporters Thursday that they expect to soon see more people with suspected coronavirus infections. The hospital has three people in isolation, all of whom were evacuated from Wuhan and were temporarily quarantined at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar north of the city before being hospitalized. | Officials at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center told reporters Thursday that they expect to soon see more people with suspected coronavirus infections. The hospital has three people in isolation, all of whom were evacuated from Wuhan and were temporarily quarantined at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar north of the city before being hospitalized. |
Two of the patients have confirmed infections and are among the 15 people in the U.S. who have been identified as having the disease. A third remains under investigation, the hospital said. | Two of the patients have confirmed infections and are among the 15 people in the U.S. who have been identified as having the disease. A third remains under investigation, the hospital said. |
One of the now-confirmed cases had been taken to the hospital and then returned to the military base in what Randy Taplitz, an infectious disease doctor, called a communication problem. That patient tested positive for the virus and returned to the hospital Monday. | One of the now-confirmed cases had been taken to the hospital and then returned to the military base in what Randy Taplitz, an infectious disease doctor, called a communication problem. That patient tested positive for the virus and returned to the hospital Monday. |
Of the two confirmed cases, one patient is in “fair” condition and the other in “very good” condition, Taplitz said. The person still under investigation is in “excellent” condition, she said. | Of the two confirmed cases, one patient is in “fair” condition and the other in “very good” condition, Taplitz said. The person still under investigation is in “excellent” condition, she said. |
“If experience has taught us anything, we should anticipate that there will be more individuals,” Taplitz said. | “If experience has taught us anything, we should anticipate that there will be more individuals,” Taplitz said. |
She stressed that the hospital staff is trained in techniques to avoid spreading infections, and other patients at the hospital should not be fearful. Taplitz also said she could not share much information about the patients. | She stressed that the hospital staff is trained in techniques to avoid spreading infections, and other patients at the hospital should not be fearful. Taplitz also said she could not share much information about the patients. |
“They are obviously aware that they have the infection. They’re grappling with that and what it means,” she said. | “They are obviously aware that they have the infection. They’re grappling with that and what it means,” she said. |
TORONTO — The novel coronavirus is projected to shrink the Canadian economy this quarter, the country’s parliamentary watchdog said Thursday. | TORONTO — The novel coronavirus is projected to shrink the Canadian economy this quarter, the country’s parliamentary watchdog said Thursday. |
Yves Giroux, Canada’s parliamentary budget officer, wrote in a report that while estimates of the “overall impact” of the virus on the economy are still “highly uncertain,” he projected that it will lower Canada’s real gross domestic product by 0.34 percentage points in the first quarter of 2020. | Yves Giroux, Canada’s parliamentary budget officer, wrote in a report that while estimates of the “overall impact” of the virus on the economy are still “highly uncertain,” he projected that it will lower Canada’s real gross domestic product by 0.34 percentage points in the first quarter of 2020. |
The report said that GDP growth will suffer direct hits in industries such as tourism and air transportation, but also be hurt indirectly through supply chain disruptions and weakened commodity prices. | The report said that GDP growth will suffer direct hits in industries such as tourism and air transportation, but also be hurt indirectly through supply chain disruptions and weakened commodity prices. |
Giroux wrote that the impact of the novel coronavirus on Canada’s economy could be different from that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. | Giroux wrote that the impact of the novel coronavirus on Canada’s economy could be different from that of the severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS. |
In 2003, SARS killed 44 people in Toronto — the greatest number of deaths outside Asia. The outbreak crippled tourism, particularly after the World Health Organization issued an advisory against nonessential travel to Toronto. | In 2003, SARS killed 44 people in Toronto — the greatest number of deaths outside Asia. The outbreak crippled tourism, particularly after the World Health Organization issued an advisory against nonessential travel to Toronto. |
The Bank of Canada estimated that SARS shaved off 0.1. percent of Canada’s GDP for 2003. It said that the effects of the virus on the economy were temporary and that most of them were later reversed. | The Bank of Canada estimated that SARS shaved off 0.1. percent of Canada’s GDP for 2003. It said that the effects of the virus on the economy were temporary and that most of them were later reversed. |
Unlike the SARS outbreak in 2003, Giroux wrote, Canada is not one of the countries that is most affected by the coronavirus, and its public health officials are better prepared for an epidemic, suggesting that impacts on the travel and accommodation industries could be smaller. | Unlike the SARS outbreak in 2003, Giroux wrote, Canada is not one of the countries that is most affected by the coronavirus, and its public health officials are better prepared for an epidemic, suggesting that impacts on the travel and accommodation industries could be smaller. |
But, he added, China is more important to the global economy than it was in 2003. | But, he added, China is more important to the global economy than it was in 2003. |
“Disruptions to China’s production could cause wide-ranging shortages and delays in global supply chains,” Giroux wrote. “Faster transmission of information through social media could also cause larger negative impact on consumer and business confidence.” | “Disruptions to China’s production could cause wide-ranging shortages and delays in global supply chains,” Giroux wrote. “Faster transmission of information through social media could also cause larger negative impact on consumer and business confidence.” |
President Trump praised China in an interview that aired Thursday, saying it handled the coronavirus outbreak “professionally,” apparently contradicting statements his top economic adviser made earlier in the day calling for more transparency. | President Trump praised China in an interview that aired Thursday, saying it handled the coronavirus outbreak “professionally,” apparently contradicting statements his top economic adviser made earlier in the day calling for more transparency. |
“We thought there was better transparency coming out of China, but it doesn’t appear to be,” Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told reporters Thursday. | “We thought there was better transparency coming out of China, but it doesn’t appear to be,” Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told reporters Thursday. |
Kudlow questioned the timing of Beijing’s disclosure Wednesday of some 15,000 additional coronavirus cases in Hubei province after implementing new diagnostic criteria there. | Kudlow questioned the timing of Beijing’s disclosure Wednesday of some 15,000 additional coronavirus cases in Hubei province after implementing new diagnostic criteria there. |
“We don’t know if it’s contained in China,” Kudlow said. “We thought they were tailing off in their head count. It turns out that might not be the case. On this particular matter, we are quite disappointed in China’s response.” | “We don’t know if it’s contained in China,” Kudlow said. “We thought they were tailing off in their head count. It turns out that might not be the case. On this particular matter, we are quite disappointed in China’s response.” |
Later the same day, in a podcast that aired on iHeartRadio, Trump said China had “handled it professionally, and I think they’re extremely capable,” Reuters reported. When asked if China was being truthful about case numbers, he replied, “Well, you never know. I think they want to put the best face on it.” | Later the same day, in a podcast that aired on iHeartRadio, Trump said China had “handled it professionally, and I think they’re extremely capable,” Reuters reported. When asked if China was being truthful about case numbers, he replied, “Well, you never know. I think they want to put the best face on it.” |
The economic casualties from China’s coronavirus epidemic are mounting as Asian and European auto plants run short of parts, free-spending Chinese tourists stay home and American companies brace for unpredictable turbulence. | The economic casualties from China’s coronavirus epidemic are mounting as Asian and European auto plants run short of parts, free-spending Chinese tourists stay home and American companies brace for unpredictable turbulence. |
That’s just the start of a financial hangover that is expected to linger for months even if the flulike illness is soon brought under control, according to economists and supply chain experts. The Chinese epidemic’s aftereffects will likely cause the global economy to shrink this quarter for the first time since the depths of the 2009 financial crisis, according to Capital Economics in London. | That’s just the start of a financial hangover that is expected to linger for months even if the flulike illness is soon brought under control, according to economists and supply chain experts. The Chinese epidemic’s aftereffects will likely cause the global economy to shrink this quarter for the first time since the depths of the 2009 financial crisis, according to Capital Economics in London. |
Chinese factories had been scheduled to reopen on Feb. 10 after a Lunar New Year holiday that already had been extended for several days because of the medical scare. But with many workers unable or unwilling to return to employers located in a sprawling quarantine region, the resumption of routine operations in many workplaces has been delayed. | Chinese factories had been scheduled to reopen on Feb. 10 after a Lunar New Year holiday that already had been extended for several days because of the medical scare. But with many workers unable or unwilling to return to employers located in a sprawling quarantine region, the resumption of routine operations in many workplaces has been delayed. |
Read more here. | Read more here. |
When China reported a notable decrease in new coronavirus cases Wednesday, the global economy seemed to respond with relief. Markets rallied and observers suggested that the development could signal that the outbreak was slowing down. | When China reported a notable decrease in new coronavirus cases Wednesday, the global economy seemed to respond with relief. Markets rallied and observers suggested that the development could signal that the outbreak was slowing down. |
But on Thursday, Chinese officials announced a sudden revision in the total case number for Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak. They credited the uptick, an additional 15,000 cases, to a new diagnostic methodology that would no longer rely solely on laboratory tests for confirmation. | But on Thursday, Chinese officials announced a sudden revision in the total case number for Hubei province, the epicenter of the outbreak. They credited the uptick, an additional 15,000 cases, to a new diagnostic methodology that would no longer rely solely on laboratory tests for confirmation. |
The dramatic rise shook global markets Thursday amid fears that the spread of the virus could be more severe than had been suspected. | The dramatic rise shook global markets Thursday amid fears that the spread of the virus could be more severe than had been suspected. |
But Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital, cautioned that the uptick is probably a reflection of what many public health experts knew all along — that China’s initial data vastly underestimated the breadth of the outbreak from the beginning. | But Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at Toronto General Hospital, cautioned that the uptick is probably a reflection of what many public health experts knew all along — that China’s initial data vastly underestimated the breadth of the outbreak from the beginning. |
“People who have been following this closely knew that this was much bigger than the reported numbers,” Bogoch said. “We knew we were dealing with a health-care system that was exceeding its capacity, and I don’t think this comes to anyone’s surprise.” | “People who have been following this closely knew that this was much bigger than the reported numbers,” Bogoch said. “We knew we were dealing with a health-care system that was exceeding its capacity, and I don’t think this comes to anyone’s surprise.” |
Bogoch said that very few details have emerged on Hubei province’s new methodology. But he cast doubt on claims that medical professionals in Hubei are now relying on CT scans to make diagnoses. Such scans are a “very labor-intensive pursuit,” he said. “It’s not like … you just snap a picture and walk away.” | Bogoch said that very few details have emerged on Hubei province’s new methodology. But he cast doubt on claims that medical professionals in Hubei are now relying on CT scans to make diagnoses. Such scans are a “very labor-intensive pursuit,” he said. “It’s not like … you just snap a picture and walk away.” |
China’s health system is overburdened. Patients are seeking treatment wherever they can find a bed — which sometimes means in makeshift clinics in converted gymnasiums and conference centers. Realistically, he said, it seems more likely that medical professionals are relying for the most part on clinical diagnoses based on symptoms and patient history. | China’s health system is overburdened. Patients are seeking treatment wherever they can find a bed — which sometimes means in makeshift clinics in converted gymnasiums and conference centers. Realistically, he said, it seems more likely that medical professionals are relying for the most part on clinical diagnoses based on symptoms and patient history. |
Until China reveals more about its process, it will be difficult to assess what exactly the latest data means. But for now, Bogoch said, it’s promising that China was at least willing to reevaluate its methodology to respond to the reality on the ground. | Until China reveals more about its process, it will be difficult to assess what exactly the latest data means. But for now, Bogoch said, it’s promising that China was at least willing to reevaluate its methodology to respond to the reality on the ground. |
“It would certainly be a welcome sign if there is malleability in their response and they’re able to perhaps adapt to an emerging need, and in this case that emerging need was to redefine how cases were being defined,” he said. “We just need to know what exactly the definition is.” | “It would certainly be a welcome sign if there is malleability in their response and they’re able to perhaps adapt to an emerging need, and in this case that emerging need was to redefine how cases were being defined,” he said. “We just need to know what exactly the definition is.” |
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group warned Thursday that it expected the coronavirus outbreak to exert a negative impact on its revenue growth as the country’s consumers, sellers and producers continue to grapple with the economic fallout. | Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group warned Thursday that it expected the coronavirus outbreak to exert a negative impact on its revenue growth as the country’s consumers, sellers and producers continue to grapple with the economic fallout. |
“The epidemic has negatively impacted the overall China economy, especially the retail and service sectors,” Maggie Wu, the company’s chief financial officer, said in a conference call Thursday, Bloomberg reported. “While demand for goods and services is there, the means of production in the economy has been hampered by the delayed opening of offices, factories and schools after the Lunar New Year’s holiday.” | “The epidemic has negatively impacted the overall China economy, especially the retail and service sectors,” Maggie Wu, the company’s chief financial officer, said in a conference call Thursday, Bloomberg reported. “While demand for goods and services is there, the means of production in the economy has been hampered by the delayed opening of offices, factories and schools after the Lunar New Year’s holiday.” |
“Overall revenue will be negatively impacted,” she said. | “Overall revenue will be negatively impacted,” she said. |
The company reported a rise in revenue for the quarter that ended in December, when net income rose by 58 percent, Bloomberg reported. | The company reported a rise in revenue for the quarter that ended in December, when net income rose by 58 percent, Bloomberg reported. |
Nonetheless, Alibaba, which is involved in technology, retail, and e-commerce, has felt the effects of the decline in production and consumption in China. Workers are unable or unwilling to return to jobs and many factories remain shuttered or have been operating with skeleton teams. | Nonetheless, Alibaba, which is involved in technology, retail, and e-commerce, has felt the effects of the decline in production and consumption in China. Workers are unable or unwilling to return to jobs and many factories remain shuttered or have been operating with skeleton teams. |
The outbreak “will present near term challenges to Alibaba’s businesses across the board,” chief executive Daniel Zhang said in the call, Bloomberg reported. | The outbreak “will present near term challenges to Alibaba’s businesses across the board,” chief executive Daniel Zhang said in the call, Bloomberg reported. |
Zhang also said that the outbreak could offer Alibaba some new opportunities, such as the company’s plan to provide subsidies and lower service fees for some merchants and businesses hit by the virus. | Zhang also said that the outbreak could offer Alibaba some new opportunities, such as the company’s plan to provide subsidies and lower service fees for some merchants and businesses hit by the virus. |
If the company’s overall revenue falls in the March quarter, it would be the first such decline on record. | If the company’s overall revenue falls in the March quarter, it would be the first such decline on record. |