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Coronavirus: 99 more cases confirmed on cruise ship - live news Coronavirus: 99 more cases confirmed on cruise ship - as it happened
(about 5 hours later)
Diamond Princess evacuations begin as Japan warns outbreak ‘entering new phase’. Follow latest updatesDiamond Princess evacuations begin as Japan warns outbreak ‘entering new phase’. Follow latest updates
Here is quick summary of the latest coronavirus developments across the globe over the past few hours:Here is quick summary of the latest coronavirus developments across the globe over the past few hours:
A Holiday Inn hotel at Heathrow has been block-booked to serve as a coronavirus facility for those at risk of spreading the disease.A Holiday Inn hotel at Heathrow has been block-booked to serve as a coronavirus facility for those at risk of spreading the disease.
British passengers stuck on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan could be flown home as the government considers a repatriation flight.British passengers stuck on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan could be flown home as the government considers a repatriation flight.
It is too early to tell if the decline in new cases will continue, the WHO chief said, but the virus is certainly not as deadly as previous outbreaks.It is too early to tell if the decline in new cases will continue, the WHO chief said, but the virus is certainly not as deadly as previous outbreaks.
Doctors in Shanghai have started using the blood plasma from those who have recovered from the disease to treat new patients.Doctors in Shanghai have started using the blood plasma from those who have recovered from the disease to treat new patients.
Nearly half of China’s population is living under some form of travel restrictions.Nearly half of China’s population is living under some form of travel restrictions.
The number of global cases is now over 71,000 - the vast majority are in mainland China, with 99 new cases on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.The number of global cases is now over 71,000 - the vast majority are in mainland China, with 99 new cases on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.
Doctors in Shanghai are using infusions of blood plasma from people who have recovered from the coronavirus to treat those still battling the infection, with some encouraging results.Doctors in Shanghai are using infusions of blood plasma from people who have recovered from the coronavirus to treat those still battling the infection, with some encouraging results.
A top emergency expert at the World Health Organization said that using convalescent plasma was a “very valid” approach to test, but it was important to get the timing right to maximise the boost to a patient’s immunity.A top emergency expert at the World Health Organization said that using convalescent plasma was a “very valid” approach to test, but it was important to get the timing right to maximise the boost to a patient’s immunity.
China’s financial hub of Shanghai has had 332 infected cases, one of whom died in recent weeks.China’s financial hub of Shanghai has had 332 infected cases, one of whom died in recent weeks.
Lu Hongzhou, professor and co-director of the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre, said that 184 people were still in hospital , including 166 mild cases, while 18 were in serious and critical conditions, Reuters reports.Lu Hongzhou, professor and co-director of the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre, said that 184 people were still in hospital , including 166 mild cases, while 18 were in serious and critical conditions, Reuters reports.
He said the hospital had set up a special clinic to administer plasma therapy and was selecting patients who were willing to donate. The blood would be screened to check if he or she had other diseases like hepatitis B or C, he added.He said the hospital had set up a special clinic to administer plasma therapy and was selecting patients who were willing to donate. The blood would be screened to check if he or she had other diseases like hepatitis B or C, he added.
“We are positive that this method can be very effective in our patients,” he said.“We are positive that this method can be very effective in our patients,” he said.
There are no fully licensed treatments or vaccines against the new coronavirus, and the process of developing and testing drugs can take many months and even years.There are no fully licensed treatments or vaccines against the new coronavirus, and the process of developing and testing drugs can take many months and even years.
Convalescent plasma has been proven “effective and life-saving” against other infectious diseases, including rabies and diphtheria, Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO health emergencies programme, told reporters in Geneva.Convalescent plasma has been proven “effective and life-saving” against other infectious diseases, including rabies and diphtheria, Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO health emergencies programme, told reporters in Geneva.
Ryan added: “So it is a very important area of discovery, and I believe they are starting trials on that in China. But it is a very valid way to explore therapeutics, especially when we don’t have vaccines and we don’t have specific antivirals.”Ryan added: “So it is a very important area of discovery, and I believe they are starting trials on that in China. But it is a very valid way to explore therapeutics, especially when we don’t have vaccines and we don’t have specific antivirals.”
As well as using plasma therapies, the Chinese doctors are also trying antiviral drugs licensed for use against other infections to see if they might help.As well as using plasma therapies, the Chinese doctors are also trying antiviral drugs licensed for use against other infections to see if they might help.
Scientists are testing two antiviral drugs and preliminary results are due in weeks, while the head of a Wuhan hospital had said plasma infusions from recovered patients had shown some encouraging preliminary results.Scientists are testing two antiviral drugs and preliminary results are due in weeks, while the head of a Wuhan hospital had said plasma infusions from recovered patients had shown some encouraging preliminary results.
The deaths of four members of the same family in Wuhan have raised concerns over the practice of self-isolating at home, Chinese media group Caixin reports.The deaths of four members of the same family in Wuhan have raised concerns over the practice of self-isolating at home, Chinese media group Caixin reports.
Chang Kai, a director at Hubei Film Studios, died on 14 February aged 55 from pneumonia caused by the Covid-19 virus, according to an obituary published by his employer.Chang Kai, a director at Hubei Film Studios, died on 14 February aged 55 from pneumonia caused by the Covid-19 virus, according to an obituary published by his employer.
His father, mother and older sister also died from the disease between 28 January and 14 February, according to the Caixin story.His father, mother and older sister also died from the disease between 28 January and 14 February, according to the Caixin story.
Chang Kai reportedly tried to take his ill father to a number of hospitals, but was turned away at each one due to a lack of beds. His father died at home a few days later.Chang Kai reportedly tried to take his ill father to a number of hospitals, but was turned away at each one due to a lack of beds. His father died at home a few days later.
Many people in Wuhan isolating at home, as over-stretched hospitals struggle with the huge number of cases in the city.Many people in Wuhan isolating at home, as over-stretched hospitals struggle with the huge number of cases in the city.
However, health experts have raised concerns that home quarantine can lead to cross-household and cross-community infectionsHowever, health experts have raised concerns that home quarantine can lead to cross-household and cross-community infections
China’s president, Xi Jinping, spelled out his plan to contain the coronavirus crisis at a meeting of the core Chinese leadership today, Reuters reports.China’s president, Xi Jinping, spelled out his plan to contain the coronavirus crisis at a meeting of the core Chinese leadership today, Reuters reports.
In the speech, Xi admitted there were “shortcomings” in China’s emergency response systems and said local officials would be punished if they failed to “take responsibility” or implement directives.In the speech, Xi admitted there were “shortcomings” in China’s emergency response systems and said local officials would be punished if they failed to “take responsibility” or implement directives.
He also condemned the “major hidden danger” of eating wild animals.He also condemned the “major hidden danger” of eating wild animals.
The speech was noteworthy for putting Xi at the centre of events earlier than had been previously revealed, analysts said, as he referred to directions he’d given at a 7 January meeting.The speech was noteworthy for putting Xi at the centre of events earlier than had been previously revealed, analysts said, as he referred to directions he’d given at a 7 January meeting.
Analysts also said the internal speech was unusual for being released to the public on Saturday, relatively soon after it was given.Analysts also said the internal speech was unusual for being released to the public on Saturday, relatively soon after it was given.
Xi was mostly absent from Chinese state media coverage of the crisis in its early days. His first public comments on the outbreak were on 20 January.Xi was mostly absent from Chinese state media coverage of the crisis in its early days. His first public comments on the outbreak were on 20 January.
A Pakistani international student on a university campus in Wuhan, the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in China, has told of how he and other international students have been ordered not to leave their dormitories.A Pakistani international student on a university campus in Wuhan, the city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in China, has told of how he and other international students have been ordered not to leave their dormitories.
More than 100 foreign students at Wuhan’s Zhongnan University of Economics and Law had been allowed to visit grocery stores for one hour a week to purchase basic necessities.More than 100 foreign students at Wuhan’s Zhongnan University of Economics and Law had been allowed to visit grocery stores for one hour a week to purchase basic necessities.
They have now apparently been advised to remain in isolation to reduce the risk of possible disease spread, though it is unclear if anyone has contracted the deadly virus.They have now apparently been advised to remain in isolation to reduce the risk of possible disease spread, though it is unclear if anyone has contracted the deadly virus.
“There are lots of people in this situation,” he said. “I am not alone. For the past few days, we have been told to stay in our room and not go anywhere. Our exterior doors are locked and we cannot go outside.”“There are lots of people in this situation,” he said. “I am not alone. For the past few days, we have been told to stay in our room and not go anywhere. Our exterior doors are locked and we cannot go outside.”
He and his fellow students spend most of their time in their rooms, only leaving to cook food in bulk to then refrigerate. The student said:He and his fellow students spend most of their time in their rooms, only leaving to cook food in bulk to then refrigerate. The student said:
Since the university was closed in the beginning of January, students from Bangladesh, Nepal, Russia and elsewhere have been returned to their home countries, but those from some African and Latin American states are also among those who pass the days reading books, phoning home and watching TV.Since the university was closed in the beginning of January, students from Bangladesh, Nepal, Russia and elsewhere have been returned to their home countries, but those from some African and Latin American states are also among those who pass the days reading books, phoning home and watching TV.
Movement has been increasingly restricted and prices of groceries have allegedly doubled.Movement has been increasingly restricted and prices of groceries have allegedly doubled.
The student said the university administration was trying its best to manage the situation, but is required to keep the students indoors.The student said the university administration was trying its best to manage the situation, but is required to keep the students indoors.
Pakistani authorities have reportedly said that more than 500 students from the country are in Wuhan, but no plans for their evacuation have yet been announced.Pakistani authorities have reportedly said that more than 500 students from the country are in Wuhan, but no plans for their evacuation have yet been announced.
The Pakistani student said:The Pakistani student said:
It is too early to tell if the recent decline in new coronavirus cases will continue, the World Health Organization chief has said, and data must be interpreted “cautiously”.It is too early to tell if the recent decline in new coronavirus cases will continue, the World Health Organization chief has said, and data must be interpreted “cautiously”.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of WHO, said in a press conference today:Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of WHO, said in a press conference today:
He added that the virus seems to be “not as deadly as other coronavirus including Sars and Mers”, with the majority of patients making a full recovery.He added that the virus seems to be “not as deadly as other coronavirus including Sars and Mers”, with the majority of patients making a full recovery.
Nearly half of China’s population is living under some form of travel restrictions, CNN analysis has revealed, as authorities strive to contain the coronavirus outbreak.Nearly half of China’s population is living under some form of travel restrictions, CNN analysis has revealed, as authorities strive to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
Travel restrictions of varying degrees are still being enforced across a number of provinces and cities in mainland China, affecting over 780 million people.Travel restrictions of varying degrees are still being enforced across a number of provinces and cities in mainland China, affecting over 780 million people.
This includes Hubei, Liaoning, Beijing and Shanghai, with restrictions ranging from self-quarantines to limits on who can come and go from neighbourhoods.This includes Hubei, Liaoning, Beijing and Shanghai, with restrictions ranging from self-quarantines to limits on who can come and go from neighbourhoods.
The strictest measures have been implemented in Hubei’s four cities – Wuhan, Huanggang, Shiyan and Xiaogan – which have completely sealed off all residential complexes and communities.The strictest measures have been implemented in Hubei’s four cities – Wuhan, Huanggang, Shiyan and Xiaogan – which have completely sealed off all residential complexes and communities.
Residents receive daily essentials from neighbourhood committees, and the use of non-essential vehicles on motorways is banned.Residents receive daily essentials from neighbourhood committees, and the use of non-essential vehicles on motorways is banned.
The World Health Organization is working “very closely” with the Japanese authorities regarding the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked off the coast of Japan.The World Health Organization is working “very closely” with the Japanese authorities regarding the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked off the coast of Japan.
Dr Sylvie Briand, director of pandemic and epidemic diseases at the WHO, said:Dr Sylvie Briand, director of pandemic and epidemic diseases at the WHO, said:
She said there was so much still unknown about the virus that measures were monitored on a nearly hourly basis as authorities learned more about the disease.She said there was so much still unknown about the virus that measures were monitored on a nearly hourly basis as authorities learned more about the disease.
The Department of Health has confirmed that a Holiday Inn at Heathrow Airport has been block booked to be used as a coronavirus facility.The Department of Health has confirmed that a Holiday Inn at Heathrow Airport has been block booked to be used as a coronavirus facility.
The hotel will be used by those who are considered at risk but have nowhere else to go.The hotel will be used by those who are considered at risk but have nowhere else to go.
It can be used as a place for people to self-isolate if they have been advised to do so, and to be tested for the virus and await results.It can be used as a place for people to self-isolate if they have been advised to do so, and to be tested for the virus and await results.
All tests will be carried out by clinicians and anyone who does test positive will be transferred straight to hospital.All tests will be carried out by clinicians and anyone who does test positive will be transferred straight to hospital.
Heathrow is the UK’s largest airline hub both in terms of incoming passengers but also those in transit.Heathrow is the UK’s largest airline hub both in terms of incoming passengers but also those in transit.
The son of a British couple stuck onboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship has renewed appeals for the UK government to help his parents.The son of a British couple stuck onboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship has renewed appeals for the UK government to help his parents.
Steve Abel appeared in a video posted on his father’s YouTube channel and admitted that his “greatest fear” was that his parents would become separated in Japan.Steve Abel appeared in a video posted on his father’s YouTube channel and admitted that his “greatest fear” was that his parents would become separated in Japan.
Throughout the video he displayed a white piece of paper reading “Mum and Dad are fine!” but said that his parents were beginning to feel the effects of living in quarantine for an extended period of time. He said:Throughout the video he displayed a white piece of paper reading “Mum and Dad are fine!” but said that his parents were beginning to feel the effects of living in quarantine for an extended period of time. He said:
Steve also asked the authorities to give his parents more information.Steve also asked the authorities to give his parents more information.
Abel said he was extremely concerned that his parents may be separated abroad.Abel said he was extremely concerned that his parents may be separated abroad.
Becoming visibly emotional, he said:Becoming visibly emotional, he said:
Japan is on the brink of recession, after its economy shrank at its fastest pace in more than five years as the impact of the coronavirus epidemic continues to set in.Japan is on the brink of recession, after its economy shrank at its fastest pace in more than five years as the impact of the coronavirus epidemic continues to set in.
Official figures showed gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 1.6% in the last quarter. If GDP falls for a second successive quarter, the economy will be in recession.Official figures showed gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 1.6% in the last quarter. If GDP falls for a second successive quarter, the economy will be in recession.
Along with the coronavirus, a sales tax hitting consumer and business spending, and the impact of a major typhoon have also hit the world’s third-largest economy badly.Along with the coronavirus, a sales tax hitting consumer and business spending, and the impact of a major typhoon have also hit the world’s third-largest economy badly.
Taro Saito, executive research fellow at NLI Research Institute, said: “There’s a pretty good chance the economy will suffer another contraction in January-March.Taro Saito, executive research fellow at NLI Research Institute, said: “There’s a pretty good chance the economy will suffer another contraction in January-March.
“The virus will mainly hit inbound tourism and exports, but could also weigh on domestic consumption quite a lot.“The virus will mainly hit inbound tourism and exports, but could also weigh on domestic consumption quite a lot.
“If this epidemic is not contained by the time of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the damage to the economy will be huge.”“If this epidemic is not contained by the time of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the damage to the economy will be huge.”
You can find out more on our Business live blog.You can find out more on our Business live blog.
A Russian court has ordered a woman who escaped from quarantine after testing negative for the disease to return to hospital for at least two more days.A Russian court has ordered a woman who escaped from quarantine after testing negative for the disease to return to hospital for at least two more days.
Alla llyina was admitted to hospital in St Petersburg on 6 February with a sore throat and was tested for the new coronavirus as she had returned from China five days earlier.Alla llyina was admitted to hospital in St Petersburg on 6 February with a sore throat and was tested for the new coronavirus as she had returned from China five days earlier.
She broke out of the hospital the next day by disabling an electronic lock in her room, after finding out she would have to spend 14 days in isolation instead of the 24 hours that doctors promised her.She broke out of the hospital the next day by disabling an electronic lock in her room, after finding out she would have to spend 14 days in isolation instead of the 24 hours that doctors promised her.
In an Instagram post, Ilyina wrote: “Wild. All three tests showed I was completely healthy, so why the hell the quarantine?”In an Instagram post, Ilyina wrote: “Wild. All three tests showed I was completely healthy, so why the hell the quarantine?”
Several days later, Russia’s public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, filed a lawsuit against her, asking the court to order compulsory confinement in hospital.Several days later, Russia’s public health watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, filed a lawsuit against her, asking the court to order compulsory confinement in hospital.
Ilyina’s defence lawyer argued during the court hearing on Monday that she didn’t pose any danger to people around her and noted that she was allowed into a courtroom packed with dozens of people, none of whom wore masks.Ilyina’s defence lawyer argued during the court hearing on Monday that she didn’t pose any danger to people around her and noted that she was allowed into a courtroom packed with dozens of people, none of whom wore masks.
Health officials maintained that isolating Ilyina was a necessary measure to stop the virus from spreading, claiming it can be latent in a person for up to 24 days.Health officials maintained that isolating Ilyina was a necessary measure to stop the virus from spreading, claiming it can be latent in a person for up to 24 days.
The St Petersburg branch of Rospotrebnadzor did not respond to a request for comment on the effectiveness of the court ruling, given that Ilyina has already roamed free for almost 10 days after escaping.The St Petersburg branch of Rospotrebnadzor did not respond to a request for comment on the effectiveness of the court ruling, given that Ilyina has already roamed free for almost 10 days after escaping.
Last week, at least three other people in quarantine for possible coronavirus infection fled the same St Petersburg hospital.Last week, at least three other people in quarantine for possible coronavirus infection fled the same St Petersburg hospital.
Two of them have since returned while the third a woman, named Anna Rybakova, remains at large, according to media reports.Two of them have since returned while the third a woman, named Anna Rybakova, remains at large, according to media reports.
Rospotrebnadzor has filed a lawsuit to bring Rybakova back to the hospital as well, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.Rospotrebnadzor has filed a lawsuit to bring Rybakova back to the hospital as well, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The chief of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, announced on Monday that health officials were looking into introducing harsher measures for patients who violated quarantine rules and stricter quarantine protocols.The chief of Rospotrebnadzor, Anna Popova, announced on Monday that health officials were looking into introducing harsher measures for patients who violated quarantine rules and stricter quarantine protocols.
Russia has recorded only two cases of the Covid-19 disease, two Chinese citizens who have been treated and released.Russia has recorded only two cases of the Covid-19 disease, two Chinese citizens who have been treated and released.
However, Russian authorities have confined in hospital hundreds of people who returned from China as a precaution.However, Russian authorities have confined in hospital hundreds of people who returned from China as a precaution.
Russia has also halted most air traffic to China, suspended all trains to China and North Korea, and closed its land border with China and Mongolia.Russia has also halted most air traffic to China, suspended all trains to China and North Korea, and closed its land border with China and Mongolia.
Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, has also said Russia may start deporting foreigners infected with the virus.Russia’s prime minister, Mikhail Mishustin, has also said Russia may start deporting foreigners infected with the virus.
A Russian woman onboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan is the first Russian citizen to be diagnosed with the disease.A Russian woman onboard the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan is the first Russian citizen to be diagnosed with the disease.