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Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong records second death – live updates Coronavirus outbreak: number of new cases in South Korea rises to 20 – live updates
(32 minutes later)
Deaths on the mainland pass 2,000 as passengers begin leaving the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan. Follow all the latest news here Deaths on mainland China pass 2,000 as passengers begin leaving the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan. Follow all the latest news here
The are no indications the new coronavirus has spread to North Korea, the World Health Organization said, after South Korean media suggested there were cases and deaths there being covered up by the Pyongyang authorities.
Experts have raised concerns that the disease, which has now killed over 2,000 people in neighbouring China, could be devastating for North Korea’s under-resourced health system.
Aid agencies have called for exceptions to international trading sanctions to make it easier if needed to help Pyongyang fight the disease.
Dr Mike Ryan, head of WHO’s emergencies programme, said: “At the moment there are no signals, there are no indications we are dealing with any Covid-19 there.”
A WHO spokesman, Tarik Jasarevic, said North Korea had reported checking nearly 7,300 travellers entering the country over a six-week period to 9 February.
He also said 141 travellers with fevers had been tested for the virus and all had tested negative.
Jasarevic said the WHO would provide North Korea with supplies including laboratory reagents for tests and protective equipment such as goggles, gloves, masks and gowns for health workers.
A former North Korean diplomat, Thae Yong-ho, who defected to South Korea in 2016 said the ability of the WHO to evaluate the situation in North Korea was probably limited, as its staff and other foreigners would mostly be confined in the capital Pyongyang.
Already one of the world’s most closed-off countries, North Korea has stopped flights and train services with its neighbours, established month-long mandatory quarantines, suspended international tourism and imposed a near-complete lockdown on cross-border travel.
South Korea has now confirmed 20 new cases of the coronavirus, including 14 people involved in an outbreak traced to several church services in the central city of Daegu.South Korea has now confirmed 20 new cases of the coronavirus, including 14 people involved in an outbreak traced to several church services in the central city of Daegu.
The spike in new cases is unprecedented so far in South Korea and brings the number of people infected in the country to 51. The jump in new cases is unprecedented so far in South Korea and brings the number of people infected in the country to 51.
Including the cases announced on Wednesday, 19 have been reported in Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongsang province, with 16 of them tied to an earlier confirmed carrier, Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said in a statement.Including the cases announced on Wednesday, 19 have been reported in Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongsang province, with 16 of them tied to an earlier confirmed carrier, Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said in a statement.
The earlier case was confirmed on Tuesday in a 61-year-old woman known as ‘Patient 31’. She had no recent record of overseas travel but had attended church services and sought care at a hospital before being tested for the virus, the agency said.The earlier case was confirmed on Tuesday in a 61-year-old woman known as ‘Patient 31’. She had no recent record of overseas travel but had attended church services and sought care at a hospital before being tested for the virus, the agency said.
According to a Reuters report, at least 15 people who attended religious services with ‘Patient 31’ have tested positive for the virus.According to a Reuters report, at least 15 people who attended religious services with ‘Patient 31’ have tested positive for the virus.
One other person, who came in contact with her at a hospital, has also come down with the disease.One other person, who came in contact with her at a hospital, has also come down with the disease.
Hundreds of people are believed to have attended services with ‘Patient 31’ in recent weeks at a branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, a religious movement founded in 1984 by South Korean Lee Man-hee, who is revered as a messiah by followers.Hundreds of people are believed to have attended services with ‘Patient 31’ in recent weeks at a branch of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, a religious movement founded in 1984 by South Korean Lee Man-hee, who is revered as a messiah by followers.
On Tuesday, Shincheonji Church posted a statement on its website confirming the woman had attended services and advised its members to stay home. It encouraged members who had attended meetings on 9 and 16 February to be tested and quarantine themselves.On Tuesday, Shincheonji Church posted a statement on its website confirming the woman had attended services and advised its members to stay home. It encouraged members who had attended meetings on 9 and 16 February to be tested and quarantine themselves.
“The Daegu branch has been shut down since this morning and is conducting prevention measures,” the statement said.“The Daegu branch has been shut down since this morning and is conducting prevention measures,” the statement said.
Health authorities view the Daegu case as a “super-spreading event”, KCDC Director Jeong Eun-kyeong told briefings on Wednesday. Health authorities view the Daegu case as a “super-spreading event”, The KCDC director, Jeong Eun-kyeong, told briefings on Wednesday.
Besides the church, ‘Patient 31’ also visited a hotel and, eventually, a hospital, Daegu mayor Kwon Young-jin said in a Facebook post. Besides the church, ‘Patient 31’ also visited a hotel and, eventually, a hospital, the Daegu mayor, Kwon Young-jin, said in a Facebook post.
None of the woman’s family members have shown symptoms, while taxi drivers who were in contact with her are now in self-quarantine, Kwon said. None of the woman’s family members has shown symptoms, while taxi drivers who were in contact with her are now in self-quarantine, Kwon said.
A clinic that treated Patient 31 after a traffic accident on 6 February said she refused to be tested for the virus at that time, despite a fever, because she had not travelled abroad recently or been in contact with known patients.A clinic that treated Patient 31 after a traffic accident on 6 February said she refused to be tested for the virus at that time, despite a fever, because she had not travelled abroad recently or been in contact with known patients.
KCDC officials said they were reviewing policies governing people who refuse to be tested, and added police could be involved in such cases.KCDC officials said they were reviewing policies governing people who refuse to be tested, and added police could be involved in such cases.
After her symptoms worsened, she was finally tested for the virus on 17 February, according to the KCDC.After her symptoms worsened, she was finally tested for the virus on 17 February, according to the KCDC.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has called for stringent infection control measures and every possible action to boost the economy, which he said was in an emergency situation as the result of the epidemic. The South Korean president, Moon Jae-in, has called for stringent infection control measures and every possible action to boost the economy, which he said was in an emergency situation as the result of the epidemic.
As the quarantine of the Diamond Princess cruise ship ends today, questions continue to swirl over how the virus spread so readily on the ship.As the quarantine of the Diamond Princess cruise ship ends today, questions continue to swirl over how the virus spread so readily on the ship.
Via Japan’s state broadcaster NHK, health minister Katsunobu Kato defended Japan’s efforts to halt the outbreak:Via Japan’s state broadcaster NHK, health minister Katsunobu Kato defended Japan’s efforts to halt the outbreak:
But some health experts have criticised the measures taken to control the disease on board.But some health experts have criticised the measures taken to control the disease on board.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Japan’s efforts might have slowed down the virus but were not enough. In a statement it said:The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Japan’s efforts might have slowed down the virus but were not enough. In a statement it said:
From the start, experts raised questions about quarantine on the ship. Passengers weren’t confined to their rooms until 5 February. The day before, as officials screened them, onboard events continued, including dances, quiz games and an exercise class, one passenger said.From the start, experts raised questions about quarantine on the ship. Passengers weren’t confined to their rooms until 5 February. The day before, as officials screened them, onboard events continued, including dances, quiz games and an exercise class, one passenger said.
A number of readers have asked about the air conditioning employed on the ship, and whether this could have contributed to the spread of the virus.A number of readers have asked about the air conditioning employed on the ship, and whether this could have contributed to the spread of the virus.
Previously health authorities said the air conditioning was not a problem. However, Princess Cruises’ executive vice-president Rai Caluori said that, “in an abundance of caution”, the amount of fresh air going through the system was maximised. Previously health authorities said the air conditioning was not a problem. However, Princess Cruises’ executive vice-president, Rai Caluori ,said that, “in an abundance of caution”, the amount of fresh air going through the system was maximised.
Dr Richard Darwood, a medical director and specialist in travel medicine, told Metro.co.uk: “If air is being ducted between one part of the ship to another then that could possibly be a factor.”Dr Richard Darwood, a medical director and specialist in travel medicine, told Metro.co.uk: “If air is being ducted between one part of the ship to another then that could possibly be a factor.”
A video by Professor Kentaro Iwata, a specialist in infectious diseases at Kobe University Hospital, has been circulated widely on social media. A video by Prof Kentaro Iwata, a specialist in infectious diseases at Kobe University Hospital, has been circulated widely on social media.
He doesn’t mention the air conditioning system, but he says the cruise ship was completely inadequate in terms of infection control, with no distinction between the green zone (which is free of infection) and the red zone (which is potentially contaminated by the virus).He doesn’t mention the air conditioning system, but he says the cruise ship was completely inadequate in terms of infection control, with no distinction between the green zone (which is free of infection) and the red zone (which is potentially contaminated by the virus).
“It was completely chaotic. I was so scared of getting Covid-19, because there was no way to tell where the virus is,” he said. He said there was no professional infection control person in charge on the ship and the bureaucrats in control were violating all infection control principles.“It was completely chaotic. I was so scared of getting Covid-19, because there was no way to tell where the virus is,” he said. He said there was no professional infection control person in charge on the ship and the bureaucrats in control were violating all infection control principles.
He said he met a health worker who had completely given up wearing protection because they said they had already been infected with the coronavirus.He said he met a health worker who had completely given up wearing protection because they said they had already been infected with the coronavirus.
Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, Iwata said:Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, Iwata said:
The remaining passengers who were stuck onboard a cruise ship docked in Cambodia for almost a week have left the vessel after testing negative for the coronavirus.The remaining passengers who were stuck onboard a cruise ship docked in Cambodia for almost a week have left the vessel after testing negative for the coronavirus.
The MS Westerdam arrived in the port of Sihanoukville on 13 February having been turned away from five other ports after leaving Hong Kong, which has reported more than 60 cases of the virus and two deaths.The MS Westerdam arrived in the port of Sihanoukville on 13 February having been turned away from five other ports after leaving Hong Kong, which has reported more than 60 cases of the virus and two deaths.
The ship came under renewed scrutiny following Cambodia’s quick clearance for passengers to fly home, a move which was criticised after one American woman who had been on the cruise ship tested positive for the virus over the weekend in Malaysia.The ship came under renewed scrutiny following Cambodia’s quick clearance for passengers to fly home, a move which was criticised after one American woman who had been on the cruise ship tested positive for the virus over the weekend in Malaysia.
On Wednesday, a series of cheers went up from people lining the lower deck of the cruise ship and there were several loud blasts of the ship’s horn as passengers began disembarking, 18 days after the ship first left Hong Kong.On Wednesday, a series of cheers went up from people lining the lower deck of the cruise ship and there were several loud blasts of the ship’s horn as passengers began disembarking, 18 days after the ship first left Hong Kong.
Kheang Phearum, spokesman for Preah Sihanouk province, where Sihanoukville is located, said:Kheang Phearum, spokesman for Preah Sihanouk province, where Sihanoukville is located, said:
Holland America Line, the ship’s operator, confirmed in a statement the last passengers had been given health clearances to leave the ship and make their way home.Holland America Line, the ship’s operator, confirmed in a statement the last passengers had been given health clearances to leave the ship and make their way home.
Upon leaving the vessel, passengers received traditional checkered Cambodian scarves as souvenirs.Upon leaving the vessel, passengers received traditional checkered Cambodian scarves as souvenirs.
The passengers will spend a night in capital Phnom Penh and then fly home, said Sun Chan Thol, Cambodia’s minister of public transport.The passengers will spend a night in capital Phnom Penh and then fly home, said Sun Chan Thol, Cambodia’s minister of public transport.
Holland America said the ship would remain at dock in Sihanoukville while hundreds of crew members were being tested.Holland America said the ship would remain at dock in Sihanoukville while hundreds of crew members were being tested.
The last of the Australians who were in quarantine on Christmas Island have left and been declared free of coronavirus, prime minister Scott Morrison said. The last of the Australians who were in quarantine on Christmas Island have left and been declared free of coronavirus, the prime minister, Scott Morrison, has said.
More than 200 Australians spent two weeks in quarantine on the remote island, best known for its immigration detention centre, after being evacuated from Wuhan in China.More than 200 Australians spent two weeks in quarantine on the remote island, best known for its immigration detention centre, after being evacuated from Wuhan in China.
Morrison also confirmed that 170 Australians on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan will be flown home tomorrow, and they will also be subject to two weeks in quarantine on arrival.Morrison also confirmed that 170 Australians on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan will be flown home tomorrow, and they will also be subject to two weeks in quarantine on arrival.
Shanghai has compiled a list of firms, including local units of multi-nationals Unilever PLC and 3M Co, as eligible for millions of dollars in subsidised loans to ease any blow from the coronavirus outbreak, according to bankers and documents seen by Reuters.Shanghai has compiled a list of firms, including local units of multi-nationals Unilever PLC and 3M Co, as eligible for millions of dollars in subsidised loans to ease any blow from the coronavirus outbreak, according to bankers and documents seen by Reuters.
In an economically bruising three weeks, China has cordoned off cities and suspended transport links in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.In an economically bruising three weeks, China has cordoned off cities and suspended transport links in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.
“Every bank in Shanghai is rushing to lend to the companies on its list, to earn political goodwill,” said one banker who had seen a list with 194 firms, including restaurant operators and property developers.“Every bank in Shanghai is rushing to lend to the companies on its list, to earn political goodwill,” said one banker who had seen a list with 194 firms, including restaurant operators and property developers.
Companies have the option to nominate themselves to be added to the overall list. Each lender then determines independently whether to approach a company on its list and offer finance, according to the bankers.Companies have the option to nominate themselves to be added to the overall list. Each lender then determines independently whether to approach a company on its list and offer finance, according to the bankers.
Companies producing medical supplies and which are “backbone enterprises” providing daily necessities are eligible for the special loans, according to a notice on the Shanghai MIIT’s website.Companies producing medical supplies and which are “backbone enterprises” providing daily necessities are eligible for the special loans, according to a notice on the Shanghai MIIT’s website.
China is trying to deal with a nationwide shortage of medical supplies, from face masks to protective suits, while hospitals in central Hubei province - the epicentre of the outbreak - struggle to manage hundreds of new cases a day.China is trying to deal with a nationwide shortage of medical supplies, from face masks to protective suits, while hospitals in central Hubei province - the epicentre of the outbreak - struggle to manage hundreds of new cases a day.
There is no indication from the list that loans offered will necessarily be sought, or that such firms are in any financial need.There is no indication from the list that loans offered will necessarily be sought, or that such firms are in any financial need.
The Bank of Shanghai Co Ltd told Reuters it will lend 5.5 billion yuan ($786 million) to 57 firms on its list.The Bank of Shanghai Co Ltd told Reuters it will lend 5.5 billion yuan ($786 million) to 57 firms on its list.
The aim of the loans is to ensure financial support to key companies helping prevent and fight the epidemic, the Shanghai government notice said.The aim of the loans is to ensure financial support to key companies helping prevent and fight the epidemic, the Shanghai government notice said.
A spokeswoman from Unilever said it had “no current plans to apply for any financing support”. 3M and other companies listed including Shanghai Kindly Enterprise Development Group and Tellgen did not respond to requests for comment.A spokeswoman from Unilever said it had “no current plans to apply for any financing support”. 3M and other companies listed including Shanghai Kindly Enterprise Development Group and Tellgen did not respond to requests for comment.
Big Chinese manufacturing hubs are starting to ease curbs on the movement of people and traffic, Reuters reports, as local governments prod factories to restart production following weeks of stoppages due to the coronavirus outbreak.Big Chinese manufacturing hubs are starting to ease curbs on the movement of people and traffic, Reuters reports, as local governments prod factories to restart production following weeks of stoppages due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The tough restriction measures slowed the sprawling industrial sector to a crawl, with companies unable to resume production or restore output to normal levels due to a lack of workers after the Lunar New Year holiday which was extended by around 10 days.The tough restriction measures slowed the sprawling industrial sector to a crawl, with companies unable to resume production or restore output to normal levels due to a lack of workers after the Lunar New Year holiday which was extended by around 10 days.
Many have also been unable to take delivery of raw materials or send products to clients due to logistical hurdles, with the disruptions spilling over into supply chains worldwide.Many have also been unable to take delivery of raw materials or send products to clients due to logistical hurdles, with the disruptions spilling over into supply chains worldwide.
Beijing is trying to balance stamping out the epidemic which has infected more than 70,000 people and killed over 2,000, while also shielding the already weakened economy from more damage.Beijing is trying to balance stamping out the epidemic which has infected more than 70,000 people and killed over 2,000, while also shielding the already weakened economy from more damage.
The city of Foshan, a large manufacturer of electronics and household appliances in southern Guangdong province, said late on Tuesday that businesses no longer need to seek prior approval before resuming operations and they returning workers will not need to provide proof of their health.The city of Foshan, a large manufacturer of electronics and household appliances in southern Guangdong province, said late on Tuesday that businesses no longer need to seek prior approval before resuming operations and they returning workers will not need to provide proof of their health.
On Monday, the nearby city of Zhongshan similarly lowered administrative barriers.On Monday, the nearby city of Zhongshan similarly lowered administrative barriers.
In eastern Zhejiang province over the weekend, the cities of Hangzhou and Ningbo also pared back the approval process for companies looking to restart.In eastern Zhejiang province over the weekend, the cities of Hangzhou and Ningbo also pared back the approval process for companies looking to restart.
Morgan Stanley research said:Morgan Stanley research said:
Some cities in Guangdong and Zhejiang this week organised buses and trains to ferry workers back from their hometowns.Some cities in Guangdong and Zhejiang this week organised buses and trains to ferry workers back from their hometowns.
The city of Taizhou, in Zhejiang, even arranged for several planes to pick up migrant workers from Chongqing, Guiyang, Chengdu, Kunming and Xian, with the local government of Taizhou footing a third of the bill.The city of Taizhou, in Zhejiang, even arranged for several planes to pick up migrant workers from Chongqing, Guiyang, Chengdu, Kunming and Xian, with the local government of Taizhou footing a third of the bill.
The outbreak has also chilled consumer demand and hammered the services sector, with restaurants, hotels, cinemas and travel agents among the segments most visibly hit.In a bid to revive consumption, Foshan announced stimulus measures for its auto market, the first city in China to do so amid the outbreak.The outbreak has also chilled consumer demand and hammered the services sector, with restaurants, hotels, cinemas and travel agents among the segments most visibly hit.In a bid to revive consumption, Foshan announced stimulus measures for its auto market, the first city in China to do so amid the outbreak.
The city government will offer subsidies of 2,000 yuan ($285) for purchases of new cars and 3,000 ($429) yuan for replacement of existing cars, according to a document published on its website.The city government will offer subsidies of 2,000 yuan ($285) for purchases of new cars and 3,000 ($429) yuan for replacement of existing cars, according to a document published on its website.
Jessica Murray here, taking over the coronavirus blog for the next few hours - as always, feel free to get in touch on Twitter (@journojess_) or via email (jessica.murray@theguardian.com).Jessica Murray here, taking over the coronavirus blog for the next few hours - as always, feel free to get in touch on Twitter (@journojess_) or via email (jessica.murray@theguardian.com).
The Foreign Office has confirmed that although most passengers are free to leave the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan today after its official quarantine comes to an end, those who do so many not be able to board the UK evacuation flight planned for later this week.The Foreign Office has confirmed that although most passengers are free to leave the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan today after its official quarantine comes to an end, those who do so many not be able to board the UK evacuation flight planned for later this week.
In a statement, the Foreign and Commonwealth office said:In a statement, the Foreign and Commonwealth office said:
I’m handing over the blogging duties to my colleagues in London. Thanks for reading but here’s a summary of the main developments today so far:I’m handing over the blogging duties to my colleagues in London. Thanks for reading but here’s a summary of the main developments today so far:
Deaths from the virus have risen above 2,000 after a 40% spike in fatalities in Hubei overnight. However, the number of new cases in China has fallen again.Deaths from the virus have risen above 2,000 after a 40% spike in fatalities in Hubei overnight. However, the number of new cases in China has fallen again.
Passengers have begun leaving the Diamond Princess cruise ship which has been anchored in Yokohama for two weeks.Passengers have begun leaving the Diamond Princess cruise ship which has been anchored in Yokohama for two weeks.
Questions remain about how Covid-19 has spread to infect 540 passengers and crew. One Japanese health expert says the quarantining was inadequate.Questions remain about how Covid-19 has spread to infect 540 passengers and crew. One Japanese health expert says the quarantining was inadequate.
A second person has died from the virus in Hong Kong.A second person has died from the virus in Hong Kong.
China’s authorities are stepping up their control on people’s movement – but could be risking a backlashChina’s authorities are stepping up their control on people’s movement – but could be risking a backlash
A senior nurse in a Wuhan hospital has become the latest health worker to die from the virus.A senior nurse in a Wuhan hospital has become the latest health worker to die from the virus.
South Korea has recorded 15 new cases, 10 of them centred around a church in Daegu.South Korea has recorded 15 new cases, 10 of them centred around a church in Daegu.
Casual staff at Australian universities fear for their livelihoods amid a slump in enrolments caused by the travel ban on Chinese students.Casual staff at Australian universities fear for their livelihoods amid a slump in enrolments caused by the travel ban on Chinese students.
Stock markets have bounced back across Asia Pacific, shrugging off increasing evidence of a widespread shutdown in the Chinese economy.Stock markets have bounced back across Asia Pacific, shrugging off increasing evidence of a widespread shutdown in the Chinese economy.
Casual staff at Australian universities fear for their livelihoods amid a slump in enrolments caused by the travel ban on Chinese students. Part-time teachers are “panicking” in fear that they won’t get paid if there no students to teach.Casual staff at Australian universities fear for their livelihoods amid a slump in enrolments caused by the travel ban on Chinese students. Part-time teachers are “panicking” in fear that they won’t get paid if there no students to teach.
“The casual workforce gets hired based on enrolments. Casual teaching contracts require student numbers to be confirmed. People were panicking,” one lecturer said.“The casual workforce gets hired based on enrolments. Casual teaching contracts require student numbers to be confirmed. People were panicking,” one lecturer said.
Stephanie Convery has the full story:Stephanie Convery has the full story:
Justin McCurry in Tokyo has cleared up the confusion about the diagnosis of David Abel, a British passenger onboard the Diamond Princess, and his wife. It turns out he and Sally Abel are both positive after all, despite a suggestion earlier today that they weren’t:Justin McCurry in Tokyo has cleared up the confusion about the diagnosis of David Abel, a British passenger onboard the Diamond Princess, and his wife. It turns out he and Sally Abel are both positive after all, despite a suggestion earlier today that they weren’t:
Following on from Verna Yu’s story (last post but one) about the crackdown on dissent in China, the Global Times has tweeted about the ongoing enforcement of rules in Huanggang, a city in Hubei hard-hit by the virus.Following on from Verna Yu’s story (last post but one) about the crackdown on dissent in China, the Global Times has tweeted about the ongoing enforcement of rules in Huanggang, a city in Hubei hard-hit by the virus.
The Chinese news site says people who violate the rules of the lockdown will be sent to “designated places to learn and recite government official documents”. Shades of Xinjiang.The Chinese news site says people who violate the rules of the lockdown will be sent to “designated places to learn and recite government official documents”. Shades of Xinjiang.
The relief of this passenger from the Diamond Princess is palpable. As it would be.The relief of this passenger from the Diamond Princess is palpable. As it would be.
Our reporter Verna Yu has been looking at how the government in Beijing has ruthlessly cracked down on dissent as it has tried to contain the spread of Covid-19.Our reporter Verna Yu has been looking at how the government in Beijing has ruthlessly cracked down on dissent as it has tried to contain the spread of Covid-19.
The situation is especially brutal in Wuhan where people risk jail if they dare to even leave their homes.The situation is especially brutal in Wuhan where people risk jail if they dare to even leave their homes.
One resident of the city told us:One resident of the city told us:
The bubbling resentment felt about the draconian controls can be seen on social media, Verna writes, with images of people being beaten by police for not wearing masks and paraded in chains.The bubbling resentment felt about the draconian controls can be seen on social media, Verna writes, with images of people being beaten by police for not wearing masks and paraded in chains.
It’s a serious test of Xi Jinping’s authority. Hu Jia, a veteran activist who has been previously jailed and often detained, says it’s the “gravest challenge to the authorities since 1989 (Tiananmen pro-democracy movement)”.It’s a serious test of Xi Jinping’s authority. Hu Jia, a veteran activist who has been previously jailed and often detained, says it’s the “gravest challenge to the authorities since 1989 (Tiananmen pro-democracy movement)”.
Stocks across the Asia Pacific region have rebounded today after the Apple-induced falls of Tuesday.Stocks across the Asia Pacific region have rebounded today after the Apple-induced falls of Tuesday.
In Sydney, the benchmark ASX200 rose 0.43% to close at a record high of 7144.6 points. That is also just 1 point off the all time intra-day high of 7145.7 which was set earlier in the year.In Sydney, the benchmark ASX200 rose 0.43% to close at a record high of 7144.6 points. That is also just 1 point off the all time intra-day high of 7145.7 which was set earlier in the year.
In Tokyo the Nikkei is up 1% with only 30 minutes of trading to go. The Shanghai Composite is up 0.3% and the Hang Seng has climbed 0.44% today.In Tokyo the Nikkei is up 1% with only 30 minutes of trading to go. The Shanghai Composite is up 0.3% and the Hang Seng has climbed 0.44% today.
The Kospi in Seoul is, however, off 0.2%, despite the government announcing billions of won in stimulus to help businesses through the Covid-19-driven slowdown.The Kospi in Seoul is, however, off 0.2%, despite the government announcing billions of won in stimulus to help businesses through the Covid-19-driven slowdown.
Our full story on the exodus from the Diamond Princess has just gone live on the site.Our full story on the exodus from the Diamond Princess has just gone live on the site.
Here it is:Here it is:
Reuters has given us a fascinating insight into what’s happening inside the Chinese economy and how people are losing their jobs amid the unprecedented shutdown.Reuters has given us a fascinating insight into what’s happening inside the Chinese economy and how people are losing their jobs amid the unprecedented shutdown.
Mark Xia, a cameraman at a video prooducer in Shanghai, returned to work this month to be told he had to take three months unpaid leave.Mark Xia, a cameraman at a video prooducer in Shanghai, returned to work this month to be told he had to take three months unpaid leave.
The company rejected his request to pay at least half his monthly salary during the suspension so he has quit and is now looking for a new job.The company rejected his request to pay at least half his monthly salary during the suspension so he has quit and is now looking for a new job.
“I understand the company’s cash-flow is tight,” Xia, 25, told Reuters. “We postponed some shooting due to the coronavirus outbreak, and that’s had a huge impact on our revenues, that’s the reality.”“I understand the company’s cash-flow is tight,” Xia, 25, told Reuters. “We postponed some shooting due to the coronavirus outbreak, and that’s had a huge impact on our revenues, that’s the reality.”
The government has rolled out special loans for small businesses facing loss of business and cash flow problems. But the real human cost to people like Xia could be profound if multiplied across China’s vast economy.The government has rolled out special loans for small businesses facing loss of business and cash flow problems. But the real human cost to people like Xia could be profound if multiplied across China’s vast economy.
As we saw in an earlier post, the government is pushing hard to get people back to work but faces some serious problems in the shape of travel restrictions on migrant workers. The Global Times said a little while ago that the government is urging provinces – except Hubei – to relax the restrictions on migrants.As we saw in an earlier post, the government is pushing hard to get people back to work but faces some serious problems in the shape of travel restrictions on migrant workers. The Global Times said a little while ago that the government is urging provinces – except Hubei – to relax the restrictions on migrants.