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Coronavirus claims lives of two passengers from Diamond Princess cruise ship, Japanese media says | Coronavirus claims lives of two passengers from Diamond Princess cruise ship, Japanese media says |
(4 months later) | |
Coronavirus claimed the lives of two passengers from the Diamond Princess Thursday, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported, marking the first confirmed cruse ship deaths. | Coronavirus claimed the lives of two passengers from the Diamond Princess Thursday, Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported, marking the first confirmed cruse ship deaths. |
The Japanese man and woman, both said to be in their 80s, had left the ship last week and were hospitalized. Both passengers reportedly had underlying conditions. | The Japanese man and woman, both said to be in their 80s, had left the ship last week and were hospitalized. Both passengers reportedly had underlying conditions. |
Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi Jinping is striking an increasingly confident note that the country can control the coronavirus outbreak and manage the economic and social fallout, as some Chinese health experts predict a peak in infections by the end of the month. | Meanwhile, Chinese leader Xi Jinping is striking an increasingly confident note that the country can control the coronavirus outbreak and manage the economic and social fallout, as some Chinese health experts predict a peak in infections by the end of the month. |
Chinese leaders, eager to kick-start economic activity, have dismantled some highway checkpoints, while businesses have begun to reopen. As of Wednesday, however, restrictions on personal mobility remained tight, suggesting wariness about rising infections. | Chinese leaders, eager to kick-start economic activity, have dismantled some highway checkpoints, while businesses have begun to reopen. As of Wednesday, however, restrictions on personal mobility remained tight, suggesting wariness about rising infections. |
China on Wednesday reported that the rate of new cases continues to decline, but international experts, including Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, say they are wary of declaring that the pace of worldwide infections is slowing. Here’s what we know: | China on Wednesday reported that the rate of new cases continues to decline, but international experts, including Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, say they are wary of declaring that the pace of worldwide infections is slowing. Here’s what we know: |
● Beijing’s central Xicheng district said it would seal off residential compounds for almost half a million residents in one of the strictest control policies to reach the Chinese capital. | ● Beijing’s central Xicheng district said it would seal off residential compounds for almost half a million residents in one of the strictest control policies to reach the Chinese capital. |
● China tallied a total of 394 new infections and 136 deaths through the end of Wednesday, making the cumulative total 74,546 infections and 2,118 deaths — the overwhelming majority still occurring in central Hubei province. | ● China tallied a total of 394 new infections and 136 deaths through the end of Wednesday, making the cumulative total 74,546 infections and 2,118 deaths — the overwhelming majority still occurring in central Hubei province. |
● Hong Kong reported its second death, a 70-year-old man. | ● Hong Kong reported its second death, a 70-year-old man. |
● New stricter criteria for diagnosing coronavirus cases will likely result in further drops in the rate of new infections reported. | ● New stricter criteria for diagnosing coronavirus cases will likely result in further drops in the rate of new infections reported. |
● In Japan, an infectious disease specialist slammed conditions on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where 79 new cases were reported Wednesday, saying officials endangered lives by failing to observe proper quarantine practices. | ● In Japan, an infectious disease specialist slammed conditions on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, where 79 new cases were reported Wednesday, saying officials endangered lives by failing to observe proper quarantine practices. |
● Iran reported its first two cases of the virus, raising the number infected with the coronavirus in the Middle East to 12, including in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. | ● Iran reported its first two cases of the virus, raising the number infected with the coronavirus in the Middle East to 12, including in Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. |
● The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea increased substantially Thursday, rising by nearly two-thirds to 82. | ● The number of coronavirus cases in South Korea increased substantially Thursday, rising by nearly two-thirds to 82. |
A Japanese man and woman who were passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship died Thursday, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, marking the first time a cruise ship passenger has died. | A Japanese man and woman who were passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship died Thursday, according to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, marking the first time a cruise ship passenger has died. |
The 87-year-old man and 84-year-old woman died Thursday after being hospitalized on Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, respectively, according to NHK, citing government officials. Both passengers reportedly had underlying conditions and were confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus. | The 87-year-old man and 84-year-old woman died Thursday after being hospitalized on Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, respectively, according to NHK, citing government officials. Both passengers reportedly had underlying conditions and were confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus. |
At least 621 people have contracted the virus aboard the ship, with 79 new cases being confirmed Wednesday. Despite the new cases, hundreds of passengers who have tested negative for the new coronavirus began disembarking from the ship Wednesday as a 14-day quarantine ended. | At least 621 people have contracted the virus aboard the ship, with 79 new cases being confirmed Wednesday. Despite the new cases, hundreds of passengers who have tested negative for the new coronavirus began disembarking from the ship Wednesday as a 14-day quarantine ended. |
Also on Wednesday, the first Diamond Princess crew member to test positive for coronavirus earlier this month was discharged from a Japanese hospital. | Also on Wednesday, the first Diamond Princess crew member to test positive for coronavirus earlier this month was discharged from a Japanese hospital. |
The disembarkation of passengers is expected to continue through Friday. | The disembarkation of passengers is expected to continue through Friday. |
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday issued a “Level 1” travel warning for Japan, urging people to practice typical safety precautions when traveling to the country to prevent illness. | Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday issued a “Level 1” travel warning for Japan, urging people to practice typical safety precautions when traveling to the country to prevent illness. |
The CDC said it does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to Japan. | The CDC said it does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to Japan. |
China’s National Health Commission early Thursday confirmed 394 new coronavirus infections, 1,117 suspected cases and 114 deaths nationwide in the past 24 hours, raising the country’s cumulative totals to 74,546 infections, 4,922 suspected cases and 2,118 reported deaths. | China’s National Health Commission early Thursday confirmed 394 new coronavirus infections, 1,117 suspected cases and 114 deaths nationwide in the past 24 hours, raising the country’s cumulative totals to 74,546 infections, 4,922 suspected cases and 2,118 reported deaths. |
In its update, the health commission also said 1,779 people were discharged from the hospital Wednesday, bringing the total number of discharged patients to 16,155. | In its update, the health commission also said 1,779 people were discharged from the hospital Wednesday, bringing the total number of discharged patients to 16,155. |
South Korea reported 31 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, increasing its total by nearly two-thirds to 82. | South Korea reported 31 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, increasing its total by nearly two-thirds to 82. |
All of the latest cases except one in Seoul were in the southern city of Daegu and surrounding North Gyeongsang province, Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. | All of the latest cases except one in Seoul were in the southern city of Daegu and surrounding North Gyeongsang province, Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. |
Of those, 23 cases were linked to church services that a 61-year-old known patient had attended, according to the KCDC. | Of those, 23 cases were linked to church services that a 61-year-old known patient had attended, according to the KCDC. |
Shincheonji Church of Jesus released a statement on Wednesday that 10 churchgoers contracted the virus from the 61-year-old woman. The church in Daegu she attended has been shut since Tuesday and is currently undergoing investigations, the statement said. | Shincheonji Church of Jesus released a statement on Wednesday that 10 churchgoers contracted the virus from the 61-year-old woman. The church in Daegu she attended has been shut since Tuesday and is currently undergoing investigations, the statement said. |
A patient being treated for novel cornoavirus at a San Diego hospital was released Wednesday after fully recovering from the virus, UC San Diego Health said in a statement. | A patient being treated for novel cornoavirus at a San Diego hospital was released Wednesday after fully recovering from the virus, UC San Diego Health said in a statement. |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified UC San Diego Health that a patient at the facility had fully recovered. The facility has worked closely with the CDC to receive individuals with symptoms to rule out the coronavirus infection. | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified UC San Diego Health that a patient at the facility had fully recovered. The facility has worked closely with the CDC to receive individuals with symptoms to rule out the coronavirus infection. |
“Patients who are cleared for hospital discharge have been confirmed through rigorous testing that includes consecutive negative test results provided by the CDC,” UC San Diego Health wrote in a statement. The facility said the patient discharged Wednesday is no longer under federal quarantine or isolation commands. | “Patients who are cleared for hospital discharge have been confirmed through rigorous testing that includes consecutive negative test results provided by the CDC,” UC San Diego Health wrote in a statement. The facility said the patient discharged Wednesday is no longer under federal quarantine or isolation commands. |
UC San Diego Health was scrutnized last week when a confirmed coronavirus patient was mistakenly discharged due to a laboratory error. The patient was among three evacuees from China placed in isolation at the facility in early February and underwent testing after showing signs of the novel coronavirus. | UC San Diego Health was scrutnized last week when a confirmed coronavirus patient was mistakenly discharged due to a laboratory error. The patient was among three evacuees from China placed in isolation at the facility in early February and underwent testing after showing signs of the novel coronavirus. |
A coronavirus, recently named COVID-19, has infected more than 70,000 people since it was first reported in late 2019. To predict how big the epidemic could get, researchers are working to determine how contagious the virus is. | A coronavirus, recently named COVID-19, has infected more than 70,000 people since it was first reported in late 2019. To predict how big the epidemic could get, researchers are working to determine how contagious the virus is. |
As governments and public health agencies work to treat infected people and control the spread of COVID-19, researchers are using mathematical models to estimate how contagious it is and how far it could spread. One such model has indicated that the number of cases may peak this month. | As governments and public health agencies work to treat infected people and control the spread of COVID-19, researchers are using mathematical models to estimate how contagious it is and how far it could spread. One such model has indicated that the number of cases may peak this month. |
Read more here. | Read more here. |
As the number of coronavirus cases in China skyrocketed in the past week, a small Texas manufacturer was inundated with orders from 8,000 miles away. Then, Stephen K. Bannon reached out. | As the number of coronavirus cases in China skyrocketed in the past week, a small Texas manufacturer was inundated with orders from 8,000 miles away. Then, Stephen K. Bannon reached out. |
Prestige Ameritech, the largest full-line domestic surgical mask manufacturer, was producing 600,000 masks each day but struggling to meet demand. Mike Bowen, the company’s executive vice president, received cold calls on his cellphone from people saying they represented foreign governments and wanted to make bulk purchases. The Hong Kong government and Hong Kong International Airport wanted more. Everyone was hunting for masks. | Prestige Ameritech, the largest full-line domestic surgical mask manufacturer, was producing 600,000 masks each day but struggling to meet demand. Mike Bowen, the company’s executive vice president, received cold calls on his cellphone from people saying they represented foreign governments and wanted to make bulk purchases. The Hong Kong government and Hong Kong International Airport wanted more. Everyone was hunting for masks. |
Instead of celebrating the business boom, Bowen was indignant. This is the precise scenario he began warning about almost 15 years ago, when he pleaded with federal agencies and lawmakers to boost U.S. production of medical masks. He had predicted an eventual health scare and not enough manufacturers. He was right. | Instead of celebrating the business boom, Bowen was indignant. This is the precise scenario he began warning about almost 15 years ago, when he pleaded with federal agencies and lawmakers to boost U.S. production of medical masks. He had predicted an eventual health scare and not enough manufacturers. He was right. |
So there Bowen was last week as a guest on Bannon’s “War Room: Pandemic” podcast, tormented that no one in power had listened. Bannon, a former top adviser to President Trump, has long cautioned about the decline of U.S. manufacturing. | So there Bowen was last week as a guest on Bannon’s “War Room: Pandemic” podcast, tormented that no one in power had listened. Bannon, a former top adviser to President Trump, has long cautioned about the decline of U.S. manufacturing. |
“What I’ve been saying since 2007 is, ‘Guys, I’m warning you, here’s what is going to happen, let’s prepare,’ ” Bowen said on the program. “Because if you call me after it starts, I can’t help everybody.” | “What I’ve been saying since 2007 is, ‘Guys, I’m warning you, here’s what is going to happen, let’s prepare,’ ” Bowen said on the program. “Because if you call me after it starts, I can’t help everybody.” |
The coronavirus outbreak has led to a health crisis, a diplomatic fiasco and, increasingly, an economic mess. It has also exposed major vulnerabilities in the medical supply chain. Many U.S. companies, especially hospitals and pharmaceutical firms, rely on Chinese manufacturers for products ranging from the active ingredients of prescription drugs to protective gear like masks and gloves. Now, much appears upended. | The coronavirus outbreak has led to a health crisis, a diplomatic fiasco and, increasingly, an economic mess. It has also exposed major vulnerabilities in the medical supply chain. Many U.S. companies, especially hospitals and pharmaceutical firms, rely on Chinese manufacturers for products ranging from the active ingredients of prescription drugs to protective gear like masks and gloves. Now, much appears upended. |
Read more here. | Read more here. |
Halfway around the world, the covid-19 outbreak is negatively affecting Chinese businesses in New York and San Francisco, and some Chinese community members are feeling targeted. Watch more here: | Halfway around the world, the covid-19 outbreak is negatively affecting Chinese businesses in New York and San Francisco, and some Chinese community members are feeling targeted. Watch more here: |
Researchers have produced the first 3-D map of the coronavirus, a development that may help the development of a vaccine or antiviral medicine. | Researchers have produced the first 3-D map of the coronavirus, a development that may help the development of a vaccine or antiviral medicine. |
The research, which maps the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2, was published in the journal Science on Wednesday. A team at the University of Texas at Austin collaborated with researchers at the National Institutes of Health. | The research, which maps the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2, was published in the journal Science on Wednesday. A team at the University of Texas at Austin collaborated with researchers at the National Institutes of Health. |
They were able to produce their 3-D atomic-level scale map of the part of the virus that attaches to and infects human cells. That part — called the spike protein — could prove essential as researchers race to produce a vaccine. | They were able to produce their 3-D atomic-level scale map of the part of the virus that attaches to and infects human cells. That part — called the spike protein — could prove essential as researchers race to produce a vaccine. |
The team at Austin had already been studying other viruses in the coronavirus family and developing ways of locking their spike proteins into a shape that made them easier to analyze. | The team at Austin had already been studying other viruses in the coronavirus family and developing ways of locking their spike proteins into a shape that made them easier to analyze. |
“As soon as we knew this was a coronavirus, we felt we had to jump at it,” said Jason McLellan, associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, who led the research, in a statement. “We knew exactly what mutations to put into this, because we’ve already shown these mutations work for a bunch of other coronaviruses.” | “As soon as we knew this was a coronavirus, we felt we had to jump at it,” said Jason McLellan, associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, who led the research, in a statement. “We knew exactly what mutations to put into this, because we’ve already shown these mutations work for a bunch of other coronaviruses.” |
The researchers worked quickly, designing and producing samples of their spike protein within two weeks of receiving the genome sequence of the virus from Chinese researchers. It took roughly another two weeks to reconstruct the 3-D atomic-scale map. | The researchers worked quickly, designing and producing samples of their spike protein within two weeks of receiving the genome sequence of the virus from Chinese researchers. It took roughly another two weeks to reconstruct the 3-D atomic-scale map. |
McLellan’s team said they plan to work next on using the molecule they mapped to see if they can isolate antibodies produced by previously infected patients who have recovered from the virus — in hopes of producing a treatment for people soon after they are exposed to the virus. | McLellan’s team said they plan to work next on using the molecule they mapped to see if they can isolate antibodies produced by previously infected patients who have recovered from the virus — in hopes of producing a treatment for people soon after they are exposed to the virus. |
Sony Interactive Entertainment has decided to cancel its plans to attend a major video game showcase in Boston beginning Feb. 27 due to concerns about the coronavirus. The publishing company announced the decision Wednesday afternoon with a short update to an existing post on the event. | Sony Interactive Entertainment has decided to cancel its plans to attend a major video game showcase in Boston beginning Feb. 27 due to concerns about the coronavirus. The publishing company announced the decision Wednesday afternoon with a short update to an existing post on the event. |
The showcase, Pax East, will run through March 1 and demo some of the major recent and upcoming game releases before a mass audience at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. With both prominent game publishers and members of the general public, the expected crowd for the event figures to number in the tens of thousands. | The showcase, Pax East, will run through March 1 and demo some of the major recent and upcoming game releases before a mass audience at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. With both prominent game publishers and members of the general public, the expected crowd for the event figures to number in the tens of thousands. |
“Today, Sony Interactive Entertainment made the decision to cancel its participation at PAX East in Boston this year due to increasing concerns related to COVID-19 (also known as ‘novel coronavirus’),” the post reads. “We felt this was the safest option as the situation is changing daily. We are disappointed to cancel our participation in this event, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.” | “Today, Sony Interactive Entertainment made the decision to cancel its participation at PAX East in Boston this year due to increasing concerns related to COVID-19 (also known as ‘novel coronavirus’),” the post reads. “We felt this was the safest option as the situation is changing daily. We are disappointed to cancel our participation in this event, but the health and safety of our global workforce is our highest concern.” |
The news comes after Boston released a statement confirming its first case of coronavirus in the state of Massachusetts. | The news comes after Boston released a statement confirming its first case of coronavirus in the state of Massachusetts. |
Sony was preparing to demo some of its most anticipated upcoming releases at the show and is preparing to release a new console, the PlayStation 5, this year. | Sony was preparing to demo some of its most anticipated upcoming releases at the show and is preparing to release a new console, the PlayStation 5, this year. |
In a statement to The Washington Post on Wednesday, Pax event director Kyle Marsden-Kish said Pax East will go on as planned, with “enhanced cleaning and sanitization across the show” based on the Environment Protection Agency’s recommendations in its emerging pathogen policy. “We are working closely with the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and following local, state and federal public health guidelines, including those issued by the CDC,” Marsden-Kish said in a statement. | In a statement to The Washington Post on Wednesday, Pax event director Kyle Marsden-Kish said Pax East will go on as planned, with “enhanced cleaning and sanitization across the show” based on the Environment Protection Agency’s recommendations in its emerging pathogen policy. “We are working closely with the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and following local, state and federal public health guidelines, including those issued by the CDC,” Marsden-Kish said in a statement. |
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new travel notice Wednesday for people headed to Hong Kong. | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new travel notice Wednesday for people headed to Hong Kong. |
The Level 1 warning asks travelers to exercise basic hygiene that includes hand washing and to avoid contact with sick people. The relatively mild warning comes shortly after Hong Kong reported a second death caused by coronavirus. | The Level 1 warning asks travelers to exercise basic hygiene that includes hand washing and to avoid contact with sick people. The relatively mild warning comes shortly after Hong Kong reported a second death caused by coronavirus. |
Canceling or postponing travel plans wasn’t discouraged by the agency. However, the CDC recommended that a person seek medical attention if a visit to Hong Kong happened in the past 14 days and if symptoms of the virus are occurring. | Canceling or postponing travel plans wasn’t discouraged by the agency. However, the CDC recommended that a person seek medical attention if a visit to Hong Kong happened in the past 14 days and if symptoms of the virus are occurring. |
Earlier this month, the agency issued a Level 3 travel notice to China that advised against nonessential travel to the country. Hong Kong, Macao and the self-governing island of Taiwan weren’t part of that warning. | Earlier this month, the agency issued a Level 3 travel notice to China that advised against nonessential travel to the country. Hong Kong, Macao and the self-governing island of Taiwan weren’t part of that warning. |
A Filipino crew member from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the first among the crew to test positive for the coronavirus earlier this month, was discharged from a Japanese hospital Wednesday, according to a statement from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs. | A Filipino crew member from the Diamond Princess cruise ship, the first among the crew to test positive for the coronavirus earlier this month, was discharged from a Japanese hospital Wednesday, according to a statement from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs. |
He was admitted to a hospital on Feb. 5 and has been “successfully treated,” officials said. | He was admitted to a hospital on Feb. 5 and has been “successfully treated,” officials said. |
About 40 other Filipinos are still receiving medical care for covid-19 at facilities throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area, according to officials. That number includes six new cases that emerged Wednesday, among 79 new cases total on the Diamond Princess. | About 40 other Filipinos are still receiving medical care for covid-19 at facilities throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area, according to officials. That number includes six new cases that emerged Wednesday, among 79 new cases total on the Diamond Princess. |
The Philippines Embassy in Tokyo is working with the Japanese government and Princess Cruises management to coordinate how and when Filipino crew and passengers aboard the cruise ship will be transported back to the Philippines, according to the statement. | The Philippines Embassy in Tokyo is working with the Japanese government and Princess Cruises management to coordinate how and when Filipino crew and passengers aboard the cruise ship will be transported back to the Philippines, according to the statement. |
Wednesday was the last day of Japan’s government-enforced quarantine of the cruise ship. All other Filipino crew members and travelers will be allowed to enter the Philippines once they receive medical clearance, officials said. | Wednesday was the last day of Japan’s government-enforced quarantine of the cruise ship. All other Filipino crew members and travelers will be allowed to enter the Philippines once they receive medical clearance, officials said. |
At least 621 people have contracted the virus aboard the ship. Crew members say they have not been afforded the same protections as passengers. | At least 621 people have contracted the virus aboard the ship. Crew members say they have not been afforded the same protections as passengers. |
Democratic senators sent a letter Wednesday to the Trump administration asking it to request emergency funding to supplement the government’s coronavirus response. | Democratic senators sent a letter Wednesday to the Trump administration asking it to request emergency funding to supplement the government’s coronavirus response. |
In the letter, 25 senators expressed concern that the administration had not asked for supplemental funding to deal with the epidemic. Trump administration officials, the letter said, “continue to assert that there are already sufficient resources available, while providing few details on current or projected spending.” | In the letter, 25 senators expressed concern that the administration had not asked for supplemental funding to deal with the epidemic. Trump administration officials, the letter said, “continue to assert that there are already sufficient resources available, while providing few details on current or projected spending.” |
In a briefing to senators on Feb. 12, administration officials “stated that we must be prepared for a very large and lengthy public health response to this virus given how easily it appears to be transmitted,” according to the letter. “They also stated that [the Department of Health and Human Services] would exhaust existing funding for the response soon.” | In a briefing to senators on Feb. 12, administration officials “stated that we must be prepared for a very large and lengthy public health response to this virus given how easily it appears to be transmitted,” according to the letter. “They also stated that [the Department of Health and Human Services] would exhaust existing funding for the response soon.” |
In recent weeks, officials at the state level have expressed concerns over reimbursement for the mounting costs of coronavirus screenings and quarantines, along with staffing and equipment, under federally directed efforts to limit the outbreak’s reach in United States. | In recent weeks, officials at the state level have expressed concerns over reimbursement for the mounting costs of coronavirus screenings and quarantines, along with staffing and equipment, under federally directed efforts to limit the outbreak’s reach in United States. |
The letter cites those worries. “We strongly urge the Administration to transmit an emergency supplemental request that ensures it can and will fully reimburse states for the costs,” the senators wrote. | The letter cites those worries. “We strongly urge the Administration to transmit an emergency supplemental request that ensures it can and will fully reimburse states for the costs,” the senators wrote. |
The letter also noted that President Trump’s recent budget proposal calls for a 9 percent cut in funding for the HHS, which includes the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — although officials said funding aimed at combating the coronavirus would be protected. | The letter also noted that President Trump’s recent budget proposal calls for a 9 percent cut in funding for the HHS, which includes the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — although officials said funding aimed at combating the coronavirus would be protected. |
Facebook criticized Singapore for invoking a controversial fake-news law to block a Facebook page, which the government said had been spreading misleading news about the coronavirus outbreak, among other concerns. | Facebook criticized Singapore for invoking a controversial fake-news law to block a Facebook page, which the government said had been spreading misleading news about the coronavirus outbreak, among other concerns. |
Facebook told Reuters on Tuesday that it was legally obligated to comply with Singapore’s order this week to block the States Times Review’s page in Singapore, but that it was “deeply concerned” by the move. | Facebook told Reuters on Tuesday that it was legally obligated to comply with Singapore’s order this week to block the States Times Review’s page in Singapore, but that it was “deeply concerned” by the move. |
Singapore last year passed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), one of the world’s most far-reaching anti-misinformation laws. | Singapore last year passed the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), one of the world’s most far-reaching anti-misinformation laws. |
The government had already used it to censor the page in question, which is run by an Australia-based Singaporean political activist. The most recent case concerned articles criticizing Singapore’s handling of the coronavirus, which the government said were inaccurate. | The government had already used it to censor the page in question, which is run by an Australia-based Singaporean political activist. The most recent case concerned articles criticizing Singapore’s handling of the coronavirus, which the government said were inaccurate. |
“The reason why we need to act swiftly is because if we don’t, then these falsehoods can cause anxiety, fear and even panic,” Singapore’s minister for communications and information, S. Iswaran, told reporters Monday, the Straits Times reported. | “The reason why we need to act swiftly is because if we don’t, then these falsehoods can cause anxiety, fear and even panic,” Singapore’s minister for communications and information, S. Iswaran, told reporters Monday, the Straits Times reported. |
Social media companies and governments around the world are grappling with their responses to an onslaught of disinformation around the coronavirus outbreak. Well before the epidemic, however, human rights groups and free speech activists warned that Singapore’s fake-news law would restrict freedom of expression. | Social media companies and governments around the world are grappling with their responses to an onslaught of disinformation around the coronavirus outbreak. Well before the epidemic, however, human rights groups and free speech activists warned that Singapore’s fake-news law would restrict freedom of expression. |
“We believe orders like this are disproportionate and contradict the government’s claim that POFMA would not be used as a censorship tool,” Facebook said in a statement, according to Reuters. “We’ve repeatedly highlighted this law’s potential for overreach and we’re deeply concerned about the precedent this sets for the stifling of freedom of expression in Singapore.” | “We believe orders like this are disproportionate and contradict the government’s claim that POFMA would not be used as a censorship tool,” Facebook said in a statement, according to Reuters. “We’ve repeatedly highlighted this law’s potential for overreach and we’re deeply concerned about the precedent this sets for the stifling of freedom of expression in Singapore.” |
Iran’s first two coronavirus patients died Wednesday, hours after their infections were initially reported, a spokesman for the country’s health ministry wrote on Twitter. | Iran’s first two coronavirus patients died Wednesday, hours after their infections were initially reported, a spokesman for the country’s health ministry wrote on Twitter. |
The Iranians died in the holy Shiite city of Qom where they had been hospitalized after testing positive for the virus, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported. | The Iranians died in the holy Shiite city of Qom where they had been hospitalized after testing positive for the virus, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported. |
Kianush Jahanpur, the health ministry spokesman, wrote that both patients died while in intensive care. The patients were under isolation, Reuters reported. | Kianush Jahanpur, the health ministry spokesman, wrote that both patients died while in intensive care. The patients were under isolation, Reuters reported. |
Iran’s deputy minister of health traveled to Qom on Wednesday, according to Mehr, and a team from the ministry’s contagious diseases department arrived there Tuesday to assist staff at the Qom University of Medical Sciences, where the patients were hospitalized. Jahanpur told Iranian media earlier Wednesday that a number of people in Qom had been isolated and tested after reporting flu-like symptoms. | Iran’s deputy minister of health traveled to Qom on Wednesday, according to Mehr, and a team from the ministry’s contagious diseases department arrived there Tuesday to assist staff at the Qom University of Medical Sciences, where the patients were hospitalized. Jahanpur told Iranian media earlier Wednesday that a number of people in Qom had been isolated and tested after reporting flu-like symptoms. |
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