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Coronavirus updates: China's second worst-hit city bans residents from leaving home – live news Coronavirus updates: China's second worst-hit city bans residents from leaving home – live news
(32 minutes later)
People who flout new order in Xiaogan city in central Hubei face detention for 10 days as global death toll reaches 1,775. Follow live news and latest updatesPeople who flout new order in Xiaogan city in central Hubei face detention for 10 days as global death toll reaches 1,775. Follow live news and latest updates
The Economist’s correspondent in Shanghai, Simon Rabinovitch, has published some a good graph showing the infections in China outside Hubei.
Just breaking down that flurry of speakers at the press conference in Australia ... one of the most significant things to come out of it for me was that the chief medical officer saying they are not sure why the infections on the Diamond Princess cruise liner are continuing to spread, despite the quarantine measures in place.
Shares in China have posted strong gains after the country’s central bank cut the interest rate on its medium-term lending to try to cushion businesses from the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak. The bank also injected another 200bn yuan of liquidity into the system.
The move is expected to pave the way for a reduction in the country’s benchmark loan prime rate on Thursday, Reuters reports, to lower borrowing costs and ease financial strains on companies hit by the epidemic.
China’s authorities have already loosened borrowing requirements and arranged special loans for businesses hit by the lockdown of millions of people. On Sunday, the finance ministry said it would roll out targeted and phased tax and fee cuts.
The Shanghai Composite index of leading shares was up 1.4% and Hong Kong was 0.4% to the good. But the picture was less rosy elsewhere in Asia Pacific with the poor GDP data pushing the Nikkei down by 0.65% in Tokyo. In Sydney the ASX200 was flat.
A reporter is asking about Australians onboard the MS Westerdam cruise ship that docked in Cambodia last Thursday. An American passenger on that ship was subsequently diagnosed with Covid-19, after testing in Malaysia. The foreign affairs minister, Marise Payne answers:
Payne says they are being tested in Cambodia and results expect to be returned in the next 48 hours. Ten Australians remain on the ship, still docked in Cambodia
She says the Cambodian government is making arrangements to test those people who remained on the ship tested – another 200 or so people. She says that will happen in the next two to three days.
Scott Morrison made very clear that the decision has been made by the national security committee that:
Brendan Murphy’s, Australia’s chief health officer, has the microphone now. He says he is not sure why there have continued to be further infections onboard the Diamond Princess ship.
He says he sympathises with people who have already done nearly two weeks in quarantine on the ship, and who may not want to do another two weeks of quarantine, but notes that other countries have also imposed additional two weeks of quarantine, including Canada and the US.
The Australian health minister, Greg Hunt, is talking now. He confirms Australia still only has 15 cases of Covid-19, eight of which have now recovered.
He says the 242 passengers who were airlifted out of Wuhan on the first Australian evacuation flight out of that city, will leave Christmas Island today, where they have been staying for 2 weeks.
Payne reiterates the decision to bring citizens home from Japan is based on medical advice.
We’re now hearing from Australia’s foreign affairs minister, Marise Payne. She thanks the government of Japan for its co-operation during this process of getting Australia’s citizens home from the ship, currently docked south of Tokyo.
She also thanks Japan for the care they are giving to the 20 or so Australians in hospital in Japan who have tested positive for Covid-19.
Morrison says they are contacting all the passengers on the ship and that New Zealand citizens on the ship will also be offered seats on the Qantas flight.
The Australian PM, Scott Morrison, has announced Qantas will fly home Australian citizens stuck on the stricken Diamond Princess cruise liner in Japan this Wednesday.
There are more than 200 Australians on the ship. They will face a further 14 days in quarantine at the Howard Springs facility near the Australian city of Darwin.
In Hong Kong armed robbers have stolen hundreds of toilet rolls, amid panic buying from stores as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.
Toilet rolls have become hot property in the business hub, despite government assurances that supplies remain unaffected by the virus outbreak.
You can read our full story here.
Agence France-Presse has rounded up where the coronavirus cases are globally.Agence France-Presse has rounded up where the coronavirus cases are globally.
ASIA-PACIFICASIA-PACIFIC
Cruise ship Diamond Princess, quarantined off Japan: 355, plus a quarantine officer.Cruise ship Diamond Princess, quarantined off Japan: 355, plus a quarantine officer.
Singapore: 75Singapore: 75
Japan: 59, including death of one infected womanJapan: 59, including death of one infected woman
Hong Kong: 57, including one deathHong Kong: 57, including one death
Thailand: 34Thailand: 34
South Korea: 30South Korea: 30
Malaysia: 22Malaysia: 22
Taiwan: 20, including one deathTaiwan: 20, including one death
Vietnam: 16Vietnam: 16
Australia: 15Australia: 15
Macau: 10Macau: 10
India: 3India: 3
Philippines: 3, including one deathPhilippines: 3, including one death
Nepal: 1Nepal: 1
Sri Lanka: 1Sri Lanka: 1
Cambodia: 1Cambodia: 1
NORTH AMERICANORTH AMERICA
United States: 15United States: 15
Canada: 8Canada: 8
EUROPEEUROPE
Germany: 16Germany: 16
France: 12, including one deathFrance: 12, including one death
Britain: 9Britain: 9
Italy: 3Italy: 3
Russia: 2Russia: 2
Spain: 2Spain: 2
Finland: 1Finland: 1
Sweden: 1Sweden: 1
Belgium: 1Belgium: 1
MIDDLE EASTMIDDLE EAST
United Arab Emirates: 9United Arab Emirates: 9
AFRICAAFRICA
Egypt: 1Egypt: 1
While we are on the economic impact of the coronavirus, New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said on Monday that the country’s GDP is expected to slow to around 2% to 2.5% this year, due to the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic.While we are on the economic impact of the coronavirus, New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said on Monday that the country’s GDP is expected to slow to around 2% to 2.5% this year, due to the economic impact of the coronavirus epidemic.
Ardern said the forecasts were from the treasury which had previously predicted a GDP growth of 2.2% to 2.8%. She said the impact will be seen in the first two quarters of the year.Ardern said the forecasts were from the treasury which had previously predicted a GDP growth of 2.2% to 2.8%. She said the impact will be seen in the first two quarters of the year.
“Treasury expect things to return to normal in the second half of 2020,” she told a news conference.“Treasury expect things to return to normal in the second half of 2020,” she told a news conference.
Japan’s NKH has reported new figures from the government that show GDP shrank in the final quarter of 2019 by 6.3% (on an annualised basis for October-December).Japan’s NKH has reported new figures from the government that show GDP shrank in the final quarter of 2019 by 6.3% (on an annualised basis for October-December).
NHK says it was the first contraction in five quarters. It was also the biggest fall since the consumption tax was last raised in 2014. Given that it’s from last year, it’s unlikely to be related to the coronavirus. But the figures show that the economy is already under pressure while it’s trying to absorb the impact of the virus.NHK says it was the first contraction in five quarters. It was also the biggest fall since the consumption tax was last raised in 2014. Given that it’s from last year, it’s unlikely to be related to the coronavirus. But the figures show that the economy is already under pressure while it’s trying to absorb the impact of the virus.
Reuters is citing experts warning that the widening fallout the outbreak is damaging output and tourism in Japan, undermining growth and potentially pushing the country into recession.Reuters is citing experts warning that the widening fallout the outbreak is damaging output and tourism in Japan, undermining growth and potentially pushing the country into recession.
Meanwhile, the Tokyo Marathon organisers are considering restricting the number of general participants in this year’s race as a precaution against the further spread of the virus. China’s Global Television Network is reporting that Chinese residents are being asked to defer their participation in the event until next year.Meanwhile, the Tokyo Marathon organisers are considering restricting the number of general participants in this year’s race as a precaution against the further spread of the virus. China’s Global Television Network is reporting that Chinese residents are being asked to defer their participation in the event until next year.
The marathon is believed to have more than 300,000 entrants this year.The marathon is believed to have more than 300,000 entrants this year.
Just a bit more on the new measures in the city of Xiaogan, that confine residents to their homes ... on Friday, the state media outlet, Xinhua, reported that all residents in the city would not be allowed to exit and re-enter their communities or residential areas. Today’s announcement appears to be a further escalation of this.Just a bit more on the new measures in the city of Xiaogan, that confine residents to their homes ... on Friday, the state media outlet, Xinhua, reported that all residents in the city would not be allowed to exit and re-enter their communities or residential areas. Today’s announcement appears to be a further escalation of this.
Xinhua reported that “community committees” would deliver daily necessities to residents and that buying services would be provided for urgently-needed goods. This is something we have also seen in Wuhan, with community workers delivering items to residents.Xinhua reported that “community committees” would deliver daily necessities to residents and that buying services would be provided for urgently-needed goods. This is something we have also seen in Wuhan, with community workers delivering items to residents.
Deutsche Welle’s East Asia correspondent William Yang says the new restrictions in Xiaogan will begin on Monday.Deutsche Welle’s East Asia correspondent William Yang says the new restrictions in Xiaogan will begin on Monday.
Yang also reports on a new initiative in eastern Hubei’s Huanggang city, where residents with a fever or cough who report their symptoms will be awarded 500 yuan or $72. The city is the third worst affected in Hubei, with 2,831 reported cases of Covid-19 and 78 deaths.Yang also reports on a new initiative in eastern Hubei’s Huanggang city, where residents with a fever or cough who report their symptoms will be awarded 500 yuan or $72. The city is the third worst affected in Hubei, with 2,831 reported cases of Covid-19 and 78 deaths.
Chinese state media is reporting another city in Hubei province has banned residents from leaving their homes. In Xiaogan, population 4.8 million, in central Hubei, people who violate the order will be detained “for a maximum of 10 days”, the Global Times says.Chinese state media is reporting another city in Hubei province has banned residents from leaving their homes. In Xiaogan, population 4.8 million, in central Hubei, people who violate the order will be detained “for a maximum of 10 days”, the Global Times says.
The Global Times adds that pharmacies, designated supermarkets, hotels and markets are open, but need to “strictly control the flow of people” and to record customers’ temperatures.The Global Times adds that pharmacies, designated supermarkets, hotels and markets are open, but need to “strictly control the flow of people” and to record customers’ temperatures.
“Patrol teams” will monitor movements.“Patrol teams” will monitor movements.
Xiaogan is the second worst hit in Hubei after Wuhan, with 3,279 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 70 deaths. Xiaogan is about 70km from Wuhan.Xiaogan is the second worst hit in Hubei after Wuhan, with 3,279 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 70 deaths. Xiaogan is about 70km from Wuhan.
The economics research firm Capital Economics, has published some very interesting graphs which appear to show just how substantially activity in China has reduced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.The economics research firm Capital Economics, has published some very interesting graphs which appear to show just how substantially activity in China has reduced as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The first graph shows road congestion across 100 Chinese cities in the weeks before and after the lunar new year, comparing figures from the four years to 2020.The first graph shows road congestion across 100 Chinese cities in the weeks before and after the lunar new year, comparing figures from the four years to 2020.
The next graph looks at daily passenger trips by the millions.The next graph looks at daily passenger trips by the millions.
Many economists use electricity consumption as a proxy for economic activity in China, which makes this next graph particularly interesting.Many economists use electricity consumption as a proxy for economic activity in China, which makes this next graph particularly interesting.
And finally, the food wholesale price index, comparing 2017-2020.And finally, the food wholesale price index, comparing 2017-2020.
A fifth evacuation flight of Japanese citizens from Wuhan has landed in Tokyo.
It landed at Haneda airport shortly before 7.00am on Monday, the Japanese broadcaster NHK said, carrying 36 Japanese nationals and 29 Chinese nationals, including spouses of Japanese.
A total of 763 people returned to Japan from Hubei on the four previous flights, NHK says.
Singapore has cut its 2020 growth and exports forecasts due to an expected economic blow from the new coronavirus outbreak, flagging the chance of a recession this year, Reuters reports.
The country has reported 75 cases of the virus to date, one of the highest tallies outside China.
The downgrade of its GDP forecast range to -0.5% to 1.5%, from 0.5% to 2.5% previously, opens up the possibility that full-year growth could be negative, with the prime minister saying on Friday that a recession is possible.
“The outlook for the Singapore economy has weakened since the last review... In particular, the Covid-19 outbreak is expected to affect the Singapore economy,” said the ministry’s permanent secretary, Gabriel Lim.
Lim said the impact would be most keenly felt in manufacturing, trade, tourism and transport, alongside retail and food services.
Singapore is set to roll out a hefty package of measures to cushion the blow from the epidemic on its economy at its annual budget on Tuesday, with some analysts expecting it to plan for its biggest deficit in over a decade.
The full-year forecast range for non-oil domestic exports was also lowered on Monday to -0.5% to 1.5%, from 0% to 2% previously.
The economy had been staging a nascent recovery after recording its lowest growth rate in a decade in 2019 at 0.7% before the virus spread to the city-state in late January.
The Australian government is working on a plan to evacuate its citizens off the stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship – the largest site for Covid-18 infections outside of mainland China.
The ship, carrying more than 3,700 passengers and crew, is docked at Yokohama port south of Tokyo. 355 people have tested positive for coronavirus, including 16 Australians.
Nearly 200 Australians are on board.
The US has begun an airlift operation to bring more than 400 of its citizens home form the ship and into quarantine in the US. They face a further 14 days in isolation. Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong and Italy have announced flights home for their citizens and residents.
Australia’s national security committee of cabinet met late Sunday, and will meet again Monday afternoon, to formalise a plan to extract Australians from the ship.
Meanwhile, the first cohort of evacuees quarantined on Christmas Island are set to leave the remote island Monday afternoon. The evacuees will be flown to capital cities across Australia and allowed to return home. They have spent 14 days in the immigration detention centre on the remote island, and will not be required to self-isolate at home.
271 Australians were evacuated to the island. None have tested positive for coronavirus. A second cohort will leave Wednesday.
Australia has also quarantined 266 citizens and permanent residents at a disused mining workers village on the outskirts of Darwin. They remain in quarantine. No coronavirus cases have been detected amongst that group either.
There’s been a lot of discussion about how the figures are trending over the past few days, particularly as there was a big spike in the number of recorded cases of infections in Hubei province last Wednesday, when it changed the way it was recording cases to include people who had been clinically diagnosed with Covid-19, as well as those who had tested positive on a Covid-19 test.
First let’s look at the trend for infections inside China but outside of Hubei, since they changed the way they were counting cases.
Sunday 16 February: 125 new cases excluding Hubei (1,933 inside Hubei)
Saturday 15 February: 166 new cases excluding Hubei (1,843 inside Hubei)
Friday 14 February: 221 cases excluding Hubei (2,641 inside Hubei)
Thursday 13 February: 267 cases excluding Hubei (4,823 inside Hubei)
On Wednesday 12 February, Hubei changed the way it was counting cases. That day the National Health Commission recorded 312 cases outside of Hubei.
The daily national figures for China have been announced. It says the total number of confirmed cases have by 2,048 to 70,548.
Total deaths now stand at 1,770, after 105 more deaths were reported in the past 24 hours.
Of those new deaths, only five were reported outside of Hubei province (3 in Henan, and 2 in Guangdong).
Of the new infections, only 125 were recorded outside of Hubei.
China’s ambassador in Australia, Chen Jingye, is giving an interview on Sky News Australia about the coronavirus outbreak.
“This is controllable. This is curable,” he says. “So we have every confidence and capacities to win against the epidemic.”
He says the Australian travel ban on people entering the country if they have travelled to China is “out of proportion”
“The situation here is ... inconsistent with recommendations from WHO,” he says.
He says he hopes the Australian government will take this into account when next reviewing the travel ban, due to expire on Saturday. He hopes restrictions will be relaxed.
He’s now being asked about the death of the whistleblower doctor, Li Wenliang, who died from the virus around 10 days ago.
“His contributions is (sic) acknowledged,” he says.
Chen says the best way to honour his memory is to keep fighting the virus.
The next question is about reports a speech President Xi gave on 3 February, in which he gave instructions to fight the virus on 7 January. His remarks were published by state media late Saturday.
“President Xi himself has shown strong leadership in this fight against the virus. He’s has been personally involved ... giving orders ... and overseeing and guiding efforts throughout this outbreak,” Chen said.
Chinese state media is reporting that penalties up to life imprisonment can be handed out to people who sell face masks or goggles which don’t meet national standards.
Hubei province is tightening its restrictions on movement further, in an effort to combat the virus. About 56 million people are effectively under quarantine, including in Wuhan, where the virus is believed to have started.
New measures include broad instructions that residential compounds and villages be “sealed off” from unnecessary visitors, with tenants’ outings “strictly managed”.
Last week Beijing, a city of more than 20 million people, said anyone returning to the city must go into self-imposed quarantine for 14 days, or face stiff penalties.
The World Health Organization says international experts in a WHO-led joint mission had arrived in Beijing and had had their first meeting with their Chinese counterparts.
“We look forward to this vitally important collaboration contributing to global knowledge about the COVID19 outbreak,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Twitter.
On Sunday, a spokesman for China’s National Health Commission said slowing case numbers nationally showed that China was controlling the outbreak.
But Tedros has warned it is “impossible to predict which direction this epidemic will take”.
Tedros also said the international community must “use the window of opportunity” to intensify preparations for the spread of Covid-19 infections.
Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.
The epicentre of the outbreak – Hubei province – has reported 100 new deaths in its daily update of figures on Monday, with 1,933 new infections.
This takes infections in China past 70,000, and deaths to at least 1,765. We are still waiting for Monday’s national figures and will bring you them shortly.
Five other deaths have been reported globally.
Outside China, attention has turned to the Diamond Princess cruise ship, stuck in Japan. The US has airlifted its passengers out, but around 40 Americans who tested positive to Covid-19, will remain in Japan where they are being treated. Here’s a quick summary of what else we know so far:
The US air flights carrying passengers from the stricken cruise ship quarantined south of Tokyo have departed
Canada and Hong Kong have offered flights to repatriate their nationals and we are expecting a decision in Australia on whether it will also offer flights home to the 200+ Australians on the ship.
The quarantine on the Diamond Princess is due to end on Wednesday, but there are questions about whether it will be extended
A passenger from the MS Westerdam cruise ship, which docked in Cambodia at the end of last week, has tested positive to the virus, after flying to Malaysia with nearly 150 other passengers from the ship
Taiwan has reported first death from coronavirus