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Coronavirus: Japan to trial HIV retroviral drugs on patients – latest news Coronavirus: Japan to trial HIV retroviral drugs on patients – latest news
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Campaign comes as UK prepares evacuation flight for cruise ship passengers. Follow the latest newsCampaign comes as UK prepares evacuation flight for cruise ship passengers. Follow the latest news
The Associated Press has reported the latest breakdown on the number of cases and deaths from the coronavirus outbreak. A small number of Irish people are on board two cruise ships where coronavirus has been detected, the Irish government said, according to a report by PA Media.
The viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 73,000 people globally. Minister Simon Coveney said his Department of Foreign Affairs was in contact with citizens on the Diamond Princess in Japan and the Westerdam off Cambodia.
Here are latest figures reported by each government’s health authority as of Tuesday: He told RTE’s Morning Ireland:
The department said in a statement:
The Associated Press has reported the latest breakdown of the number of cases and deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.
The viral outbreak that began in China has infected more than 73,000 people worldwide.
Here are the latest figures reported by each government’s health authority as of Tuesday morning (UK time):
Mainland China: 1,868 deaths among 72,436 cases, mostly in the central province of HubeiMainland China: 1,868 deaths among 72,436 cases, mostly in the central province of Hubei
Hong Kong: 58 cases, 1 deathHong Kong: 58 cases, 1 death
Macao: 10Macao: 10
Japan: 607 cases, including 542 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, 1 deathJapan: 607 cases, including 542 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, 1 death
Singapore: 77 casesSingapore: 77 cases
Thailand: 35Thailand: 35
South Korea: 31South Korea: 31
Malaysia: 22Malaysia: 22
Taiwan: 22 cases, 1 deathTaiwan: 22 cases, 1 death
Vietnam: 16 casesVietnam: 16 cases
Germany: 16Germany: 16
United States: 15 cases; separately, 1 U.S. citizen died in China United States: 15 cases; separately, 1 US citizen died in China
Australia: 14 casesAustralia: 14 cases
France: 12 cases, 1 deathFrance: 12 cases, 1 death
United Kingdom: 9 casesUnited Kingdom: 9 cases
United Arab Emirates: 9United Arab Emirates: 9
Canada: 8Canada: 8
Philippines: 3 cases, 1 deathPhilippines: 3 cases, 1 death
India: 3 casesIndia: 3 cases
Italy: 3Italy: 3
Russia: 2Russia: 2
Spain: 2Spain: 2
Belgium: 1Belgium: 1
Nepal: 1Nepal: 1
Sri Lanka: 1Sri Lanka: 1
Sweden: 1Sweden: 1
Cambodia: 1Cambodia: 1
Finland: 1Finland: 1
Egypt: 1Egypt: 1
Another 88 passengers on board the Diamond Princess have tested positive for the new coronavirus, ABC News reports. Another 88 passengers onboard the Diamond Princess have tested positive for the new coronavirus, ABC News reports.
The son of the British couple who tested positive for the coronavirus while on board the Diamond Princess described the government’s response as “appalling”.The son of the British couple who tested positive for the coronavirus while on board the Diamond Princess described the government’s response as “appalling”.
David and Sally Abel, who published video diaries from a cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan, said they have tested positive for the new coronavirus.David and Sally Abel, who published video diaries from a cruise ship quarantined off the coast of Japan, said they have tested positive for the new coronavirus.
Their son, Steve, told BBC Breakfast: “My assessment of the government treatment to them … appalling.Their son, Steve, told BBC Breakfast: “My assessment of the government treatment to them … appalling.
“They haven’t done anything. They probably are behind the scenes, which is great if they are, but no one is communicating with us. The FCO have got my number, my wife’s number, my brother’s number, my sister’s number and they haven’t got back to us on anything. We’ve been calling them every day for about four or five days.”“They haven’t done anything. They probably are behind the scenes, which is great if they are, but no one is communicating with us. The FCO have got my number, my wife’s number, my brother’s number, my sister’s number and they haven’t got back to us on anything. We’ve been calling them every day for about four or five days.”
David Abel, from Oxfordshire, announced on Facebook that he and Sally had tested positive for the new virus. In a later post, however, he said he doubted his diagnosis.David Abel, from Oxfordshire, announced on Facebook that he and Sally had tested positive for the new virus. In a later post, however, he said he doubted his diagnosis.
“Frankly I think this is a setup! We are NOT being taken to a hospital but a hostel. That’s where partners are sent waiting out their quarantine,” he wrote. “No phone, no wifi and no medical facilities. I really am smelling a very big rat here! Waiting for the transfer now.”“Frankly I think this is a setup! We are NOT being taken to a hospital but a hostel. That’s where partners are sent waiting out their quarantine,” he wrote. “No phone, no wifi and no medical facilities. I really am smelling a very big rat here! Waiting for the transfer now.”
Asked in the comments below one of his posts whether he was sure the test was positive, he replied: “I doubt it was positive. If it was, we would be in hospital.”Asked in the comments below one of his posts whether he was sure the test was positive, he replied: “I doubt it was positive. If it was, we would be in hospital.”
Philippines’ tourism and travel industry is projected to lose billions of peso with the temporary travel ban imposed on travellers from China, in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus outbreak.Philippines’ tourism and travel industry is projected to lose billions of peso with the temporary travel ban imposed on travellers from China, in the aftermath of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Apple has announced it could miss its revenues target in the first quarter of 2020 because of the coronavirus outbreak.Apple has announced it could miss its revenues target in the first quarter of 2020 because of the coronavirus outbreak.
European shares dropped as a revenue warning from the iPhone maker sent “shockwaves through the tech sector”.European shares dropped as a revenue warning from the iPhone maker sent “shockwaves through the tech sector”.
Reuters reports:Reuters reports:
David and Sally Abel, a British couple onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner in Japan, have tested positive for coronavirus, a day before passengers who tested negative were due to start leaving the ship after spending two weeks in quarantine.David and Sally Abel, a British couple onboard the Diamond Princess cruise liner in Japan, have tested positive for coronavirus, a day before passengers who tested negative were due to start leaving the ship after spending two weeks in quarantine.
Abel, who has uploaded daily videos from the couple’s cabin on social media, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon (local time): “There is going to be a time of quiet. We have been proved positive and leaving for hospital soon. Blessings all xxx.”Abel, who has uploaded daily videos from the couple’s cabin on social media, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon (local time): “There is going to be a time of quiet. We have been proved positive and leaving for hospital soon. Blessings all xxx.”
The Abels’ diagnosis came as the British government said it was preparing to send a plane to Japan to repatriate about 70 British nationals from the ship, which has been moored off Yokohama, near Tokyo, since 3 February. The vessel, originally carrying 3,700 passengers and crew, was quarantined after a previous passenger tested positive for Covid-19 at the end of last month.The Abels’ diagnosis came as the British government said it was preparing to send a plane to Japan to repatriate about 70 British nationals from the ship, which has been moored off Yokohama, near Tokyo, since 3 February. The vessel, originally carrying 3,700 passengers and crew, was quarantined after a previous passenger tested positive for Covid-19 at the end of last month.
Abel has used his video posts to apply pressure on Britain to evacuate its citizens. The US has evacuated more than 300 citizens, while Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Canada have said they will follow suit.Abel has used his video posts to apply pressure on Britain to evacuate its citizens. The US has evacuated more than 300 citizens, while Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Canada have said they will follow suit.
The Foreign Office said: “Given the conditions onboard, we are working to organise a flight back to the UK for British nationals on the Diamond Princess as soon as possible. Our staff are contacting British nationals on board to make the necessary arrangements. We urge all those who have not yet responded to get in touch immediately.”The Foreign Office said: “Given the conditions onboard, we are working to organise a flight back to the UK for British nationals on the Diamond Princess as soon as possible. Our staff are contacting British nationals on board to make the necessary arrangements. We urge all those who have not yet responded to get in touch immediately.”
Japanese health authorities said on Tuesday they had collected samples from everyone on the ship and that the planned evacuation of passengers who tested negative would begin as scheduled on Wednesday and be completed by the end of the week.Japanese health authorities said on Tuesday they had collected samples from everyone on the ship and that the planned evacuation of passengers who tested negative would begin as scheduled on Wednesday and be completed by the end of the week.
By Monday, 454 people on the ship had tested positive, but the final number of infections onboard has not been announced. Four Britons with confirmed coronavirus are currently in hospital in Japan, according to the latest official figures.By Monday, 454 people on the ship had tested positive, but the final number of infections onboard has not been announced. Four Britons with confirmed coronavirus are currently in hospital in Japan, according to the latest official figures.
Among the remaining passengers and crew, those whose tests come back negative will be allowed to leave, while those found to be infected will be treated at hospitals in Japan. However, people who had close contact with those who have tested positive will have their quarantine reset to the date of their last contact with an infected person.The large number of cases onboard the Diamond Princess has prompted criticism of Japan’s decision to keep everyone on the ship throughout the two-week quarantine. But the government’s top spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, told reporters on Tuesday the measure had been “appropriate”.Among the remaining passengers and crew, those whose tests come back negative will be allowed to leave, while those found to be infected will be treated at hospitals in Japan. However, people who had close contact with those who have tested positive will have their quarantine reset to the date of their last contact with an infected person.The large number of cases onboard the Diamond Princess has prompted criticism of Japan’s decision to keep everyone on the ship throughout the two-week quarantine. But the government’s top spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, told reporters on Tuesday the measure had been “appropriate”.
The French health minister, Olivier Veran, said on Tuesday there was a “credible risk” the coronavirus outbreak could turn into a pandemic, Reuters reports.The French health minister, Olivier Veran, said on Tuesday there was a “credible risk” the coronavirus outbreak could turn into a pandemic, Reuters reports.
“This is both a working assumption and a credible risk,” Veran told France Info radio, when asked about the possibility of the coronavirus spreading globally.“This is both a working assumption and a credible risk,” Veran told France Info radio, when asked about the possibility of the coronavirus spreading globally.
He said France was ready to deal with all the possibilities and its health system was sufficiently robust and well-equipped.He said France was ready to deal with all the possibilities and its health system was sufficiently robust and well-equipped.
I want to hear your news, experiences and questions about the coronavirus outbreak. You can email me at aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com or tweet me at @aamnamohdinI want to hear your news, experiences and questions about the coronavirus outbreak. You can email me at aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com or tweet me at @aamnamohdin
I’m particularly interested in hearing from travellers who have booked flights to China and are currently in limbo.I’m particularly interested in hearing from travellers who have booked flights to China and are currently in limbo.
Taiwan has urged the World Health Organization not to be “kidnapped” by China, as the self-ruled island fights its label as an infected area.Taiwan has urged the World Health Organization not to be “kidnapped” by China, as the self-ruled island fights its label as an infected area.
Taiwan has reported 22 cases, compared with China’s figure of more than 72,400, but the island shares the agency’s classification of China as “very high risk” since the WHO considers Taiwan as part of China.Taiwan has reported 22 cases, compared with China’s figure of more than 72,400, but the island shares the agency’s classification of China as “very high risk” since the WHO considers Taiwan as part of China.
“Taiwan is not ruled by China and certainly should not be labelled as an infected area,” the foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou told a news conference, according to a report by Reuters. “We urge the WHO to be professional and neutral: break away from China’s unreasonable claim. Don’t be kidnapped by China.”“Taiwan is not ruled by China and certainly should not be labelled as an infected area,” the foreign ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou told a news conference, according to a report by Reuters. “We urge the WHO to be professional and neutral: break away from China’s unreasonable claim. Don’t be kidnapped by China.”
Taipei is already in dispute with Beijing over its exclusion from the WHO because of objections by China, which considers Taiwan its own territory and has blocked the island’s membership of many international bodies.Taipei is already in dispute with Beijing over its exclusion from the WHO because of objections by China, which considers Taiwan its own territory and has blocked the island’s membership of many international bodies.
Countries including El Salvador, Mongolia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have adopted travel curbs for people who have visited Taiwan, while the island’s largest airline is included in an Italian ban on flights from China.Countries including El Salvador, Mongolia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have adopted travel curbs for people who have visited Taiwan, while the island’s largest airline is included in an Italian ban on flights from China.
Ou said the WHO should immediately correct its “inappropriate label” for the island, which was continuing to press Italy to resume flights.Ou said the WHO should immediately correct its “inappropriate label” for the island, which was continuing to press Italy to resume flights.
Morning, I’m Aamna Mohdin taking over the live blog from Martin Farrer.Morning, I’m Aamna Mohdin taking over the live blog from Martin Farrer.
Britons David and Sally Abel, who are on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, have tested positive for Covid-19. Abel, who has been posting regular video updates from the quarantined ship, said on Facebook: “There is going to be a time of quiet. We have been proved positive and leaving for hospital soon. Blessings all.”Britons David and Sally Abel, who are on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, have tested positive for Covid-19. Abel, who has been posting regular video updates from the quarantined ship, said on Facebook: “There is going to be a time of quiet. We have been proved positive and leaving for hospital soon. Blessings all.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said it is “working to organise” a flight back to the UK for British nationals on the ship who have tested negative.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said it is “working to organise” a flight back to the UK for British nationals on the ship who have tested negative.
The department has come under increasing pressure to fly home the 74 Britons on the Diamond Princess after the US repatriated 340 of its citizens.The department has come under increasing pressure to fly home the 74 Britons on the Diamond Princess after the US repatriated 340 of its citizens.
The department said in a statement:The department said in a statement:
On Monday, a No 10 spokesman said those onboard the ship docked near Yokohama, Japan, were being contacted about the possibility of a repatriation flight.On Monday, a No 10 spokesman said those onboard the ship docked near Yokohama, Japan, were being contacted about the possibility of a repatriation flight.
Shanghai’s government says the city’s schools, which have been closed for three weeks, will remain closed and will begin teaching primary and secondary school students online from 2 March.Shanghai’s government says the city’s schools, which have been closed for three weeks, will remain closed and will begin teaching primary and secondary school students online from 2 March.
Lu Jing, head of the Shanghai education committee, revealed the decision at a briefing on Tuesday, according to reports.Lu Jing, head of the Shanghai education committee, revealed the decision at a briefing on Tuesday, according to reports.
No date has been given for the proper reopening of schools.No date has been given for the proper reopening of schools.
I’m about to hand over to my colleagues in London so here are the main developments of the last eight hours or so:I’m about to hand over to my colleagues in London so here are the main developments of the last eight hours or so:
China has recorded 98 more deaths from the Covid-19 outbreak, taking the number of victims to 1,868.China has recorded 98 more deaths from the Covid-19 outbreak, taking the number of victims to 1,868.
Health officials confirmed another 1,886 new confirmed infections , bringing the total on the mainland to 72,436. More than 12,000 have recovered.Health officials confirmed another 1,886 new confirmed infections , bringing the total on the mainland to 72,436. More than 12,000 have recovered.
A senior hospital doctor in Wuhan has died from the virus.A senior hospital doctor in Wuhan has died from the virus.
A “dragnet-style” operation has been launched in Wuhan to roundup all people infected with the virus.A “dragnet-style” operation has been launched in Wuhan to roundup all people infected with the virus.
The UK government is evacuating its citizens from the stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan. South Korea, Canada and Australia gave more details of similar operations.The UK government is evacuating its citizens from the stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan. South Korea, Canada and Australia gave more details of similar operations.
Japan, which has 454 cases of the virus, is to trial HIV retroviral drugs on infected people.Japan, which has 454 cases of the virus, is to trial HIV retroviral drugs on infected people.
Hong Kong is to boost its Covid-19 emergency fund from HK$28bn (US$3.60bn) from HK$25bn.Hong Kong is to boost its Covid-19 emergency fund from HK$28bn (US$3.60bn) from HK$25bn.
Singapore Airlines is cutting flights to major cities such as London, Frankfurt and Los Angeles as the virus continues to impact international travel.Singapore Airlines is cutting flights to major cities such as London, Frankfurt and Los Angeles as the virus continues to impact international travel.
Asian stock markets have suffered losses after Apple said the factory shutdowns in China was causing a shortage of iPhones.Asian stock markets have suffered losses after Apple said the factory shutdowns in China was causing a shortage of iPhones.
Apple’s announcement on Monday night that the Covid-19 outbreak was causing a shortage of iPhones has hit tech stocks in Asia.Apple’s announcement on Monday night that the Covid-19 outbreak was causing a shortage of iPhones has hit tech stocks in Asia.
The Nikkei in Tokyo closed 1.4% for the day on Tuesday and Seoul finished down by a chunky 1.5%. The South Korean president Moon Jae-in said earlier that the economy faced an “emergency” situation because of the virus and the government would be making an all-out effort to boost growth.The Nikkei in Tokyo closed 1.4% for the day on Tuesday and Seoul finished down by a chunky 1.5%. The South Korean president Moon Jae-in said earlier that the economy faced an “emergency” situation because of the virus and the government would be making an all-out effort to boost growth.
They’re still trading in China where the Shanghai Composite is off 0.14% while the Hang Seng has fallen 1.35%.They’re still trading in China where the Shanghai Composite is off 0.14% while the Hang Seng has fallen 1.35%.
The FTSE100 is expected to shed 0.6% at the opening this morning and on Wall Street the Dow Jones is looking at a similar fall after having Monday off for President’s Day.The FTSE100 is expected to shed 0.6% at the opening this morning and on Wall Street the Dow Jones is looking at a similar fall after having Monday off for President’s Day.
“Apple is saying its recovery could be delayed, which could mean the impact of the virus may go beyond the current quarter,” Norihiro Fujito, chief investment strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities in Tokyo, told Reuters.“Apple is saying its recovery could be delayed, which could mean the impact of the virus may go beyond the current quarter,” Norihiro Fujito, chief investment strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities in Tokyo, told Reuters.
“If Apple shares were traded cheaply, that might not matter much. But when they are trading at a record high, investors will be surely tempted to sell.”“If Apple shares were traded cheaply, that might not matter much. But when they are trading at a record high, investors will be surely tempted to sell.”
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.