This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2020/feb/18/coronavirus-outbreak-updates-coronavirus-live-updates-hubei-deaths-china-wuhan-outbreak-apple-iphone-death-toll-latest-news

The article has changed 35 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 11 Version 12
Coronavirus live updates: Japan to trial HIV retroviral drugs on infected people – latest news Coronavirus live updates: Wuhan uses 'dragnet' to identify infected residents – latest news
(32 minutes later)
As the UK prepares an evacuation flight for passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, Japan announces new medical tactic. Follow the latest news and updates here Campaign comes as UK prepares an evacuation flight for passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
HSBC, the international bank based in Hong Kong and London, has reported a fall 30% fall in profits for the last financial year.HSBC, the international bank based in Hong Kong and London, has reported a fall 30% fall in profits for the last financial year.
HSBC said its 2019 pre-tax profits fell by a third on year to $13.3 billion as interim chief Noel Quinn warned that the global banking giant was “not delivering acceptable returns”. Most of the loss was a “goodwill impairment” on its business in Europe.HSBC said its 2019 pre-tax profits fell by a third on year to $13.3 billion as interim chief Noel Quinn warned that the global banking giant was “not delivering acceptable returns”. Most of the loss was a “goodwill impairment” on its business in Europe.
In his comments, chairman Mark Tucker said the “macroeconomic environment” was uncertain and that the bank had lowered its growth forecast for Asia because of the Covid-19 outbreak.In his comments, chairman Mark Tucker said the “macroeconomic environment” was uncertain and that the bank had lowered its growth forecast for Asia because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
From Justin McCurry in Tokyo:From Justin McCurry in Tokyo:
Japan is to trial HIV antiretroviral drugs to treat people with coronavirus, the government said on Tuesday, as the number of infections in the country reached 520, including 454 cases onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner.Japan is to trial HIV antiretroviral drugs to treat people with coronavirus, the government said on Tuesday, as the number of infections in the country reached 520, including 454 cases onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner.
Yoshihide Suga, the chief cabinet secretary, said the government was “currently conducting preparations so that clinical trials using HIV medication on the novel coronavirus can start as soon as possible”.Yoshihide Suga, the chief cabinet secretary, said the government was “currently conducting preparations so that clinical trials using HIV medication on the novel coronavirus can start as soon as possible”.
Suga said he couldn’t comment on how long it would take for the new drug to be approved.Suga said he couldn’t comment on how long it would take for the new drug to be approved.
Doctors in Thailand said they appeared to have had some success in treating severe cases of the coronavirus with a combination of influenza medication and HIV antivirals lopinavir and ritonavir.Doctors in Thailand said they appeared to have had some success in treating severe cases of the coronavirus with a combination of influenza medication and HIV antivirals lopinavir and ritonavir.
Thai doctors used an lopinavir-ritonavir combination along with the flu drug oseltamivir - also known as Tamiflu - to treat a Chinese coronavirus patient in her 70s, the Thai ministry of public health said in a report this month, according to Japan’s Nikkei Asian Review.Thai doctors used an lopinavir-ritonavir combination along with the flu drug oseltamivir - also known as Tamiflu - to treat a Chinese coronavirus patient in her 70s, the Thai ministry of public health said in a report this month, according to Japan’s Nikkei Asian Review.
The woman’s condition had not improved 10 days after she was diagnosed, but she recovered within 48 hours of being treated with the combination of HIV and flu drugs, the report said.The woman’s condition had not improved 10 days after she was diagnosed, but she recovered within 48 hours of being treated with the combination of HIV and flu drugs, the report said.
A senior doctor treating patients in Wuhan has died from the coronavirus outbreak.A senior doctor treating patients in Wuhan has died from the coronavirus outbreak.
“Liu Zhiming, the director of Wuhan Wuchang hospital, died at 10.30am this morning after resuscitation efforts failed,” reported the China Central Television’s microblog.“Liu Zhiming, the director of Wuhan Wuchang hospital, died at 10.30am this morning after resuscitation efforts failed,” reported the China Central Television’s microblog.
A hospital director in Hubei province has also died of the virus, it was confirmed, as the authorities in the city step up their attempts to roundup everyone infected.A hospital director in Hubei province has also died of the virus, it was confirmed, as the authorities in the city step up their attempts to roundup everyone infected.
My colleague Verna Yu has the full story here:My colleague Verna Yu has the full story here:
Singapore Airlines is following Cathay Pacific and other airlines by temporarily cutting flights across its global network in the three months until May, it said on Tuesday, blaming the Covid-19 outbreak.Singapore Airlines is following Cathay Pacific and other airlines by temporarily cutting flights across its global network in the three months until May, it said on Tuesday, blaming the Covid-19 outbreak.
The main affected destinations include Frankfurt, Jakarta, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, Paris, Seoul, Sydney and Tokyo.The main affected destinations include Frankfurt, Jakarta, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, Paris, Seoul, Sydney and Tokyo.
“Singapore Airlines and SilkAir will temporarily reduce services across our network due to weak demand as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak,” it said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and make further adjustments as necessary.”“Singapore Airlines and SilkAir will temporarily reduce services across our network due to weak demand as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak,” it said. “We will continue to monitor the situation and make further adjustments as necessary.”
Earlier I posted on the development of what appears to be an app-based health checking system in China.Earlier I posted on the development of what appears to be an app-based health checking system in China.
A reader has been in touch to tell me that such a system has been in place in the southern city of Shenzhen for a couple of weeks.A reader has been in touch to tell me that such a system has been in place in the southern city of Shenzhen for a couple of weeks.
It has worked like this.It has worked like this.
QR codes were put up on the bulletin boards of residential communities with people advised to scan the codes and then visit a website and enter their phone numbers, after which they would receive a text message confirming their movements. Once they’d done this, residents could then register with the local administration and be allowed a transit pass to get back into their own communities.QR codes were put up on the bulletin boards of residential communities with people advised to scan the codes and then visit a website and enter their phone numbers, after which they would receive a text message confirming their movements. Once they’d done this, residents could then register with the local administration and be allowed a transit pass to get back into their own communities.
Since 1 February, movement has been greatly restricted in Guangdong. On Saturday the province introduced “real name” verification just to ride the metro.Since 1 February, movement has been greatly restricted in Guangdong. On Saturday the province introduced “real name” verification just to ride the metro.
More from the Australian minister’s press call.More from the Australian minister’s press call.
He was asked if those passengers on the ship were angry at having to be placed in quarantine despite already having been isolated on the ship for two weeks.He was asked if those passengers on the ship were angry at having to be placed in quarantine despite already having been isolated on the ship for two weeks.
Health minister Greg Hunt says he understands their frustration and a mental health hotline and counselling service has been set up for them. But because of ongoing infections on the ship where 454 people have been infected, “there was no choice”.Health minister Greg Hunt says he understands their frustration and a mental health hotline and counselling service has been set up for them. But because of ongoing infections on the ship where 454 people have been infected, “there was no choice”.
Hunt says:Hunt says:
Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, is also at the briefing and he’s asked if it’s possible that the passengers – because of the growing number of cases on the ship – are more contagious than the Wuhan evacuees.Australia’s chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy, is also at the briefing and he’s asked if it’s possible that the passengers – because of the growing number of cases on the ship – are more contagious than the Wuhan evacuees.
Prof Murphy says it’s “possible” but adds that all the evacuees have tested negative and have also had a “proper throat swab sent to the lab and they’ll all have a health screen.Prof Murphy says it’s “possible” but adds that all the evacuees have tested negative and have also had a “proper throat swab sent to the lab and they’ll all have a health screen.
Australia health minister, Greg Hunt, is giving details about how its citizens are going to be evacuated from the Diamond Princess.Australia health minister, Greg Hunt, is giving details about how its citizens are going to be evacuated from the Diamond Princess.
Speaking in Darwin in the Northern territory, Hunt says the government is “talking to all of the Australian passengers on the Diamond Princess today” and it expects to have about 200 people on board an evacuation flight.Speaking in Darwin in the Northern territory, Hunt says the government is “talking to all of the Australian passengers on the Diamond Princess today” and it expects to have about 200 people on board an evacuation flight.
“It could be less. It could be a few more. But at this stage foreign affairs is going through the process of contacting everybody. And once we have final numbers, we’ll provide them immediately.”“It could be less. It could be a few more. But at this stage foreign affairs is going through the process of contacting everybody. And once we have final numbers, we’ll provide them immediately.”
Once they arrive back in Australia, Hunt says, they will be quarantined at Howard Springs for 14 days.Once they arrive back in Australia, Hunt says, they will be quarantined at Howard Springs for 14 days.
The last 36 people quarantined on Christmas Island – people who were evacuated from Wuhan two weeks ago – will be moved tomorrow, Hunt says, after 242 were repatriated on Monday.The last 36 people quarantined on Christmas Island – people who were evacuated from Wuhan two weeks ago – will be moved tomorrow, Hunt says, after 242 were repatriated on Monday.
“It was a really great example of the Australian spirit. Those who were quarantined, those who were taking care of them. And I understand it was a very emotional time at the departure, and they bonded and went very well. The remaining 36 are due to leave tomorrow. Then it takes some time to prepare the facility in case more - there are more people required to fill the spaces.”“It was a really great example of the Australian spirit. Those who were quarantined, those who were taking care of them. And I understand it was a very emotional time at the departure, and they bonded and went very well. The remaining 36 are due to leave tomorrow. Then it takes some time to prepare the facility in case more - there are more people required to fill the spaces.”
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said on Tuesday morning that it would evacuate citizens from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, and urged travellers who wish to be flown home to contact officials, writes Rebecca Ratcliffe, our south-east Asia correspondent.The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said on Tuesday morning that it would evacuate citizens from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, and urged travellers who wish to be flown home to contact officials, writes Rebecca Ratcliffe, our south-east Asia correspondent.
More than 450 passengers onboard the ship have now been infected with the virus - the biggest cluster of cases outside of mainland China.More than 450 passengers onboard the ship have now been infected with the virus - the biggest cluster of cases outside of mainland China.
In a statement, the FCO said:In a statement, the FCO said:
The British government has come under mounting pressure to fly citizens back from the UK, with several other countries already announcing plans to do so. The US flew more than 300 American citizens out on Sunday, 14 of whom tested positive for the virus before getting on the plane. Passengers onboard the ship have been mostly confined to their cabins since 3 February.The British government has come under mounting pressure to fly citizens back from the UK, with several other countries already announcing plans to do so. The US flew more than 300 American citizens out on Sunday, 14 of whom tested positive for the virus before getting on the plane. Passengers onboard the ship have been mostly confined to their cabins since 3 February.
Affected British nationals should call the British Embassy in Tokyo on +81 3 5211 1100, the FCO said.Affected British nationals should call the British Embassy in Tokyo on +81 3 5211 1100, the FCO said.
Alibaba, the huge Chinese technology company, appears to be rolling out a health check app which will help authorities keep track of the virus as people return to work.Alibaba, the huge Chinese technology company, appears to be rolling out a health check app which will help authorities keep track of the virus as people return to work.
Beginning in Alibaba’s base city of Hangzhou near Shanghai, its subsidiary Alipay – China’s Paypal – will “provide development support for a national health code system” which will track people’s self-quarantine based on basic health information and travel history, according to the website Technode.Beginning in Alibaba’s base city of Hangzhou near Shanghai, its subsidiary Alipay – China’s Paypal – will “provide development support for a national health code system” which will track people’s self-quarantine based on basic health information and travel history, according to the website Technode.
People will be required to self-report their health and travel history over the past few weeks into the app. So as people return to work, companies will be asked to keep track of their employees’ health and allow the government to monitor people who they think could be at risk of being infected, perhaps from knowledge of proximity with an infected person.People will be required to self-report their health and travel history over the past few weeks into the app. So as people return to work, companies will be asked to keep track of their employees’ health and allow the government to monitor people who they think could be at risk of being infected, perhaps from knowledge of proximity with an infected person.
Once registered – it’s not clear if the system is mandatory or not – a resident would receive a coloured code. Residents with a green code means they are allowed to move around the city freely. Yellow means a seven-day quarantine, and red requires a 14-day quarantine.Once registered – it’s not clear if the system is mandatory or not – a resident would receive a coloured code. Residents with a green code means they are allowed to move around the city freely. Yellow means a seven-day quarantine, and red requires a 14-day quarantine.
This tweet suggests what it looks like:This tweet suggests what it looks like:
I’m indebted to a reader, Drew Gough, for spotting this. Drew lived in Hangzhou for two years while working for Alibaba. He says that a friend in Shanghai has received a text message – along with all other residents of the city – saying that it is mandatory to wear a face mask at all times while outside, and failure to do so was breaking the law and punishable by up to 10 days being detained.I’m indebted to a reader, Drew Gough, for spotting this. Drew lived in Hangzhou for two years while working for Alibaba. He says that a friend in Shanghai has received a text message – along with all other residents of the city – saying that it is mandatory to wear a face mask at all times while outside, and failure to do so was breaking the law and punishable by up to 10 days being detained.
The Alipay health code is also being rolled out in Shanghai, according to Technode.The Alipay health code is also being rolled out in Shanghai, according to Technode.
South Korea is sending the presidential jet to evacuate its citizens from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, according to the Yonhap news agency.South Korea is sending the presidential jet to evacuate its citizens from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan, according to the Yonhap news agency.
Speaking in Seoul on Tuesday, president Moon Jae-in said the economy faced an “emergency” situation because of the virus and the government would be making an all-out effort to boost growth.Speaking in Seoul on Tuesday, president Moon Jae-in said the economy faced an “emergency” situation because of the virus and the government would be making an all-out effort to boost growth.
“(The government) shouldn’t quibble over whether anything is unprecedented or not, rather, we should take every possible measure we can think of on the table to deploy them,” Moon said in a cabinet meeting, Reuters reports.“(The government) shouldn’t quibble over whether anything is unprecedented or not, rather, we should take every possible measure we can think of on the table to deploy them,” Moon said in a cabinet meeting, Reuters reports.
Last week, the governor of the Bank of Korea said the central bank was working on financial aid packages for those sectors directly affected by the spreading coronavirus. The carmakers Hyundai and Kia were forced to suspend production at their plants because of a lack of components from China although output has been resumed after parts were sourced from elsewhere in Asia and some Chinese factories reopened.Last week, the governor of the Bank of Korea said the central bank was working on financial aid packages for those sectors directly affected by the spreading coronavirus. The carmakers Hyundai and Kia were forced to suspend production at their plants because of a lack of components from China although output has been resumed after parts were sourced from elsewhere in Asia and some Chinese factories reopened.
The local Kospi stock market index has taken a decent hit today. It is down 1.35%.The local Kospi stock market index has taken a decent hit today. It is down 1.35%.
In Japan, our correspondent Justin McCurry reports on how the outbreak has disrupted the planned celebrations of the emperor’s 60th birthday.In Japan, our correspondent Justin McCurry reports on how the outbreak has disrupted the planned celebrations of the emperor’s 60th birthday.
Justin writes:Justin writes: