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Coronavirus Live Updates: Japan Reports First Deaths of Ship Passengers Coronavirus Live Updates: Japan Reports First Deaths of Ship Passengers
(30 minutes later)
READ UPDATES IN CHINESE: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息汇总READ UPDATES IN CHINESE: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息汇总
Public health officials are studying clusters of coronavirus cases that have emerged in Japan, in a search for clues about whether the epidemic will eventually expand rapidly beyond its center in China.Public health officials are studying clusters of coronavirus cases that have emerged in Japan, in a search for clues about whether the epidemic will eventually expand rapidly beyond its center in China.
The issue has taken on greater urgency as hundreds of passengers disembark from the Diamond Princess, a contaminated cruise ship in Yokohama where 621 people have tested positive for the virus. Japan declared the ship’s two-week quarantine over, even as cases of the virus on the vessel continued to rise.The issue has taken on greater urgency as hundreds of passengers disembark from the Diamond Princess, a contaminated cruise ship in Yokohama where 621 people have tested positive for the virus. Japan declared the ship’s two-week quarantine over, even as cases of the virus on the vessel continued to rise.
Two passengers who were quarantined on the ship have died after contracting the virus, a Japanese health ministry official said on Thursday. The two, both Japanese, were an 87-year-old man and an 84-year-old woman, the Japanese broadcaster NHK reported. They were taken to hospitals on Feb. 11 and 12, and both had underlying health issues, the broadcaster said.Two passengers who were quarantined on the ship have died after contracting the virus, a Japanese health ministry official said on Thursday. The two, both Japanese, were an 87-year-old man and an 84-year-old woman, the Japanese broadcaster NHK reported. They were taken to hospitals on Feb. 11 and 12, and both had underlying health issues, the broadcaster said.
The authorities have said they are releasing only people who have tested negative for the virus and are showing no symptoms. But experts on infectious diseases have pointed to deficiencies in the quarantine protocols on the ship and questioned the decision to let them go free.The authorities have said they are releasing only people who have tested negative for the virus and are showing no symptoms. But experts on infectious diseases have pointed to deficiencies in the quarantine protocols on the ship and questioned the decision to let them go free.
Alarmed officials are rushing to learn more about how the virus is transmitted, including how many of those infected experience mild symptoms or none at all, and to what extent it can be spread by people who experience no symptoms.Alarmed officials are rushing to learn more about how the virus is transmitted, including how many of those infected experience mild symptoms or none at all, and to what extent it can be spread by people who experience no symptoms.
More than 100 of the ship’s passengers who are Hong Kong residents arrived back in the semiautonomous Chinese territory aboard a chartered flight on Thursday. The passengers had all tested negative for the virus, but were immediately ferried onto buses and taken to a quarantine facility, where they will be required to spend 14 days.More than 100 of the ship’s passengers who are Hong Kong residents arrived back in the semiautonomous Chinese territory aboard a chartered flight on Thursday. The passengers had all tested negative for the virus, but were immediately ferried onto buses and taken to a quarantine facility, where they will be required to spend 14 days.
China reported a dramatic decrease in new coronavirus infections on Thursday, as health officials changed the way they counted confirmed cases for the second time in over a week.China reported a dramatic decrease in new coronavirus infections on Thursday, as health officials changed the way they counted confirmed cases for the second time in over a week.
The country’s health commission said that there were 394 new cases across the country in the previous 24 hours. This was a significantly slower increase compared to the number of new infections reported in the several days preceding it, which has hovered between nearly 1,700 reported Wednesday and more than 2,000 on Feb. 14.The country’s health commission said that there were 394 new cases across the country in the previous 24 hours. This was a significantly slower increase compared to the number of new infections reported in the several days preceding it, which has hovered between nearly 1,700 reported Wednesday and more than 2,000 on Feb. 14.
The total number of infections rose to 74,576. There were 114 more deaths on Wednesday, bringing the toll to 2,118.The total number of infections rose to 74,576. There were 114 more deaths on Wednesday, bringing the toll to 2,118.
It was not immediately clear if the decline in new infections was the result of changes in how the government categorizes new cases. But the modification of the criteria quickly threw into confusion the methodology that the country at the center of the outbreak is using to track transmissions.It was not immediately clear if the decline in new infections was the result of changes in how the government categorizes new cases. But the modification of the criteria quickly threw into confusion the methodology that the country at the center of the outbreak is using to track transmissions.
When Apple told shareholders this week that it would take a financial hit because of the coronavirus outbreak, it was the kind of warning that might have inspired a sharp sell-off on Wall Street.When Apple told shareholders this week that it would take a financial hit because of the coronavirus outbreak, it was the kind of warning that might have inspired a sharp sell-off on Wall Street.
But the stock market has barely reacted despite the idling of countless factories and fears that the virus could spread more widely. The S&P 500 is up 5.6 percent from its levels at the end of January, when the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency.But the stock market has barely reacted despite the idling of countless factories and fears that the virus could spread more widely. The S&P 500 is up 5.6 percent from its levels at the end of January, when the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a global health emergency.
Updated Feb. 10, 2020
Even the Dow Jones travel and tourism index, which includes airlines and hotel chains that would suffer from a drop in Asian tourism, is down just 1.2 percent since mid-January, when the coronavirus fears started becoming widespread.Even the Dow Jones travel and tourism index, which includes airlines and hotel chains that would suffer from a drop in Asian tourism, is down just 1.2 percent since mid-January, when the coronavirus fears started becoming widespread.
U.S. stock investors seem to be betting that the Fed will bail them out of any damage to corporate profits and the world economy. But this means they are also betting that the Fed’s diminished capacity to deal with future shocks won’t be a problem. Updated Feb. 10, 2020
U.S. stock investors seem to be betting that the Fed will bail them out of any damage to corporate profits and the world economy. But this means they are also betting that the Fed’s diminished capacity to deal with future shocks won’t be a problem.
All 747 crew members remaining aboard the cruise ship Westerdam in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, have been tested for the coronavirus, and none of them were found to be infected, the cruise company, Holland America Line, announced Thursday.All 747 crew members remaining aboard the cruise ship Westerdam in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, have been tested for the coronavirus, and none of them were found to be infected, the cruise company, Holland America Line, announced Thursday.
With these tests results, all 1,528 passengers and crew members who remained in Cambodia have tested negative for the virus and are cleared to leave the country, the cruise company said.With these tests results, all 1,528 passengers and crew members who remained in Cambodia have tested negative for the virus and are cleared to leave the country, the cruise company said.
The ship, which left Hong Kong on Feb. 1 with more than 2,200 people aboard, was turned away by ports in five countries before Cambodia agreed to let it dock a week ago.The ship, which left Hong Kong on Feb. 1 with more than 2,200 people aboard, was turned away by ports in five countries before Cambodia agreed to let it dock a week ago.
The company said there was never any sign of coronavirus aboard the ship, but one passenger, an 83-year-old American woman, was found to have the virus after she departed and was stopped by airport health inspectors in Malaysia.The company said there was never any sign of coronavirus aboard the ship, but one passenger, an 83-year-old American woman, was found to have the virus after she departed and was stopped by airport health inspectors in Malaysia.
Holland America said Wednesday that all 781 passengers who remained in Cambodia had tested negative for the disease and were free to leave the country.Holland America said Wednesday that all 781 passengers who remained in Cambodia had tested negative for the disease and were free to leave the country.
Earlier this week, a comedian from Oregon who had performed on the Westerdam posted a video on YouTube boasting about how he slipped out of his hotel and headed to the airport before his test results had come back.Earlier this week, a comedian from Oregon who had performed on the Westerdam posted a video on YouTube boasting about how he slipped out of his hotel and headed to the airport before his test results had come back.
The man, Frank King, said in the video that he had eluded hotel security. KOMO-TV in Seattle reported that he arrived home on Monday. He said that he had been “cleared by the C.D.C.” and did not have any symptoms, but regretted his decision because of a backlash on social media.The man, Frank King, said in the video that he had eluded hotel security. KOMO-TV in Seattle reported that he arrived home on Monday. He said that he had been “cleared by the C.D.C.” and did not have any symptoms, but regretted his decision because of a backlash on social media.
In an email to The Times on Thursday, he said that in hindsight, he would have chosen to stay “simply to avoid recrimination.”In an email to The Times on Thursday, he said that in hindsight, he would have chosen to stay “simply to avoid recrimination.”
Amazon — the Everything Store that typically stocks more than 100 million items and relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing — is becoming a case study of how a giant retailer grapples with the fallout from the coronavirus.
As the outbreak shuts or slows factories in China, Amazon has responded by making larger and more frequent orders of Chinese-made products that had already been shipped to the U.S. Some suppliers have also reduced their advertising and promotions on the site so they don’t run out of products.
The company — which is likely to feel potential shortages of goods earlier than its peers because it usually keeps fewer items on hand — also sent an urgent email to brands about Prime Day, its large midsummer sale, indicating that it has begun worrying about inventory for the event.
Some of the potential supply problem may be hidden, since even products made in America can rely on Chinese suppliers.
Air France-KLM Group said the coronavirus outbreak could cut its earnings by as much as 200 million euros, about $216 million, between February and April this year.Air France-KLM Group said the coronavirus outbreak could cut its earnings by as much as 200 million euros, about $216 million, between February and April this year.
Weaker demand for long-haul flights and connections to Asia, as well as the suspension of operations in China, led to estimates of a severe hit to the group’s income, the airline said in an earnings presentation on Thursday.Weaker demand for long-haul flights and connections to Asia, as well as the suspension of operations in China, led to estimates of a severe hit to the group’s income, the airline said in an earnings presentation on Thursday.
Air cargo traffic has also been affected, pulling down revenue even further.Air cargo traffic has also been affected, pulling down revenue even further.
Air France-KLM said that it had planned to increase its capacity by 2 to 3 percent this year, but that the coronavirus meant it was likely to be nearer 2 percent and would have to depend on growth in European areas.Air France-KLM said that it had planned to increase its capacity by 2 to 3 percent this year, but that the coronavirus meant it was likely to be nearer 2 percent and would have to depend on growth in European areas.
More than 20 international airlines have suspended or restricted routes that end in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, and other major Chinese cities.More than 20 international airlines have suspended or restricted routes that end in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, and other major Chinese cities.
South Korea reported what officials said could be its first death from the coronavirus on Thursday, as the number of people infected in the country soared to 104.South Korea reported what officials said could be its first death from the coronavirus on Thursday, as the number of people infected in the country soared to 104.
A 63-year-old patient with symptoms of pneumonia died on Wednesday at the Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo, a town in the southeast of South Korea, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Thursday, officials learned that the patient had been infected with the coronavirus.A 63-year-old patient with symptoms of pneumonia died on Wednesday at the Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo, a town in the southeast of South Korea, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Thursday, officials learned that the patient had been infected with the coronavirus.
The patient had been hospitalized in the psychiatric ward of the hospital for the past 20 years, officials said. Health officials have been testing the 109 patients in the psychiatric ward, as well as staff members, since two patients tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.The patient had been hospitalized in the psychiatric ward of the hospital for the past 20 years, officials said. Health officials have been testing the 109 patients in the psychiatric ward, as well as staff members, since two patients tested positive for the virus on Wednesday.
South Korea reported 53 additional cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, as the number of people testing positive for the virus in the country has increased sharply. Forty-three members of a church in Daegu, 180 miles southeast of Seoul, the capital, are confirmed to have been infected.South Korea reported 53 additional cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, as the number of people testing positive for the virus in the country has increased sharply. Forty-three members of a church in Daegu, 180 miles southeast of Seoul, the capital, are confirmed to have been infected.
All but two of the 53 new patients were residents of Daegu or the surrounding province of North Gyeongsang. Twenty-eight were members of the church.All but two of the 53 new patients were residents of Daegu or the surrounding province of North Gyeongsang. Twenty-eight were members of the church.
When the Chinese health authorities announced on Thursday that they were using new criteria to count cases of the coronavirus, they appeared to be undoing a change they had announced just a week ago.When the Chinese health authorities announced on Thursday that they were using new criteria to count cases of the coronavirus, they appeared to be undoing a change they had announced just a week ago.
That earlier change, announced in Hubei Province, the hardest-hit area of the outbreak, allowed local health officials to take into account cases diagnosed in clinical settings, including with the use of CT scans showing lung infections, not just those confirmed with specialized testing kits.That earlier change, announced in Hubei Province, the hardest-hit area of the outbreak, allowed local health officials to take into account cases diagnosed in clinical settings, including with the use of CT scans showing lung infections, not just those confirmed with specialized testing kits.
The government in Hubei has been confronted with a severe shortage of testing kits and hospital beds, and officials described the use of CT scans and clinical symptoms as a way to help identify and get more patients into needed care.The government in Hubei has been confronted with a severe shortage of testing kits and hospital beds, and officials described the use of CT scans and clinical symptoms as a way to help identify and get more patients into needed care.
But in the sixth and latest iteration of a diagnosis plan, the government said it would now apply the same criteria across the country. There would only be “suspected” and “confirmed” cases from now on, and cases would only be considered confirmed after genetic testing.But in the sixth and latest iteration of a diagnosis plan, the government said it would now apply the same criteria across the country. There would only be “suspected” and “confirmed” cases from now on, and cases would only be considered confirmed after genetic testing.
The change has caused confusion among public health experts, who said it is now even more difficult to track the outbreak.The change has caused confusion among public health experts, who said it is now even more difficult to track the outbreak.
“For an epidemiologist, it’s really frustrating when case definitions keep on changing,” said Benjamin Cowling, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong. “Why can’t they work out what’s a probable, suspected and confirmed case? It’s totally confusing.”“For an epidemiologist, it’s really frustrating when case definitions keep on changing,” said Benjamin Cowling, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong. “Why can’t they work out what’s a probable, suspected and confirmed case? It’s totally confusing.”
Health officials have run into problems with the specialized testing kits, which can be difficult to conduct and often turn up false negatives. It also takes at least two days to process the results of the test.Health officials have run into problems with the specialized testing kits, which can be difficult to conduct and often turn up false negatives. It also takes at least two days to process the results of the test.
But lung scans are also an imperfect means to diagnose patients, leading to the possibility of an overcount. Even patients with ordinary seasonal flu may develop pneumonia visible on a lung scan.But lung scans are also an imperfect means to diagnose patients, leading to the possibility of an overcount. Even patients with ordinary seasonal flu may develop pneumonia visible on a lung scan.
China’s foreign ministry on Thursday defended its decision to expel three Wall Street Journal reporters in retaliation for a coronavirus-related headline in the newspaper’s opinion section.China’s foreign ministry on Thursday defended its decision to expel three Wall Street Journal reporters in retaliation for a coronavirus-related headline in the newspaper’s opinion section.
Geng Shuang, a ministry spokesman, pushed back against the notion that the reporters should not be faulted for a piece in the editorial pages, which operate separately.Geng Shuang, a ministry spokesman, pushed back against the notion that the reporters should not be faulted for a piece in the editorial pages, which operate separately.
“We are not interested in the division of work within the WSJ,” Mr. Geng Shuang said at a news conference. “There is only one media agency called the WSJ, and it must be responsible for what it has said and done,” he added.“We are not interested in the division of work within the WSJ,” Mr. Geng Shuang said at a news conference. “There is only one media agency called the WSJ, and it must be responsible for what it has said and done,” he added.
The headline, “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia,” appeared on an essay by the scholar Walter Russell Mead that was published on Feb. 3. The piece criticized China’s initial response to the coronavirus outbreak and the state of the country’s financial markets.The headline, “China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia,” appeared on an essay by the scholar Walter Russell Mead that was published on Feb. 3. The piece criticized China’s initial response to the coronavirus outbreak and the state of the country’s financial markets.
The expression “sick man of Asia” is a derogatory characterization of China’s weaknesses in the late 1800s and early 1900s.The expression “sick man of Asia” is a derogatory characterization of China’s weaknesses in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
“Those media who blatantly insult China, pitch racial discrimination and maliciously smear China must pay their price,” Mr. Geng said.“Those media who blatantly insult China, pitch racial discrimination and maliciously smear China must pay their price,” Mr. Geng said.
A 35-year-old man from Washington State who last month became the first confirmed coronavirus patient in the United States has made a full recovery, health officials in Snohomish County, Wash., said on Wednesday.A 35-year-old man from Washington State who last month became the first confirmed coronavirus patient in the United States has made a full recovery, health officials in Snohomish County, Wash., said on Wednesday.
Since his discharge from the hospital about three weeks ago, the man has remained at home and in isolation at the request of local health officials. He was supplied with groceries, and on Valentine’s Day was given a cupcake.Since his discharge from the hospital about three weeks ago, the man has remained at home and in isolation at the request of local health officials. He was supplied with groceries, and on Valentine’s Day was given a cupcake.
But after consulting with state and federal officials, the Snohomish Health District concluded that it was safe to release him from all restrictions.But after consulting with state and federal officials, the Snohomish Health District concluded that it was safe to release him from all restrictions.
“He is now considered fully recovered and free to go about his regular activities,” Snohomish officials said in a statement.“He is now considered fully recovered and free to go about his regular activities,” Snohomish officials said in a statement.
China’s banks are lowering borrowing costs for companies and households in a move to try to soften the economic blow of the coronavirus.China’s banks are lowering borrowing costs for companies and households in a move to try to soften the economic blow of the coronavirus.
The move follows a series of policies enacted by China’s central bank to shore up an economy hobbled by weeks of a near-nationwide shutdown of businesses. On Thursday, the People’s Bank of China said it had lowered the one-year loan prime rate from 4.15 percent to 4.05 percent, and slashed the five-year loan rate to 4.75 percent from 4.8 percent.The move follows a series of policies enacted by China’s central bank to shore up an economy hobbled by weeks of a near-nationwide shutdown of businesses. On Thursday, the People’s Bank of China said it had lowered the one-year loan prime rate from 4.15 percent to 4.05 percent, and slashed the five-year loan rate to 4.75 percent from 4.8 percent.
Dozens of business owners have complained about China’s efforts to contain the virus by locking down dozens of cities. The move grounded to a halt the daily activity of local businesses — including small shops and large factories.Dozens of business owners have complained about China’s efforts to contain the virus by locking down dozens of cities. The move grounded to a halt the daily activity of local businesses — including small shops and large factories.
Economists are lowering their growth expectations for China this year as businesses are only just haltingly beginning to get back to work.Economists are lowering their growth expectations for China this year as businesses are only just haltingly beginning to get back to work.
One-third of small firms in China are on the brink of running out of cash over the next four weeks, according to a survey by Peking University and Tsinghua University of 1,000 business owners. Another third will run out of cash in the next two months. Many of these firms have already laid off employees.One-third of small firms in China are on the brink of running out of cash over the next four weeks, according to a survey by Peking University and Tsinghua University of 1,000 business owners. Another third will run out of cash in the next two months. Many of these firms have already laid off employees.
The coronavirus epidemic has become the latest and potentially most divisive issue driving apart the United States and China. For the fiercest critics of China within the Trump administration, panic over the coronavirus has provided a new opening to denounce the rule of the Communist Party, which they say cannot be trusted.The coronavirus epidemic has become the latest and potentially most divisive issue driving apart the United States and China. For the fiercest critics of China within the Trump administration, panic over the coronavirus has provided a new opening to denounce the rule of the Communist Party, which they say cannot be trusted.
But the hard-liners’ message has been undermined at times by President Trump, who has publicly commended President Xi Jinping’s handling of the crisis and even called for greater commercial ties, including the sale of jet engines to China.But the hard-liners’ message has been undermined at times by President Trump, who has publicly commended President Xi Jinping’s handling of the crisis and even called for greater commercial ties, including the sale of jet engines to China.
“Look,’’ Mr. Trump said on Tuesday, “I know this: President Xi loves the people of China, he loves his country, and he’s doing a very good job with a very, very tough situation.”“Look,’’ Mr. Trump said on Tuesday, “I know this: President Xi loves the people of China, he loves his country, and he’s doing a very good job with a very, very tough situation.”
It has become a staple of the Trump administration: sending mixed messages that reflect a good-cop-bad-cop tactic, a real internal disagreement over policy or simply the caprice of the president. But over all, the most hawkish voices on China have dominated the conversation, lashing out at Beijing as it reels from one challenge after another a trade war with Washington, protests in Hong Kong and now the struggle to contain the coronavirus. It has become a staple of the Trump administration: sending mixed messages that reflect a good-cop-bad-cop tactic, a real internal disagreement over policy or simply the caprice of the president.
Whether it is because of the assertiveness of the hard-liners, the ambiguities fueled by the competing messages or Beijing’s policies, the relationship between the United States and China has become so strained and unpredictable that even the need for a united effort to address a global health crisis has not overcome the suspicions that have increasingly taken root on both sides. But over all, the most hawkish voices on China have dominated the conversation, lashing out at Beijing as it reels from one challenge after another a trade war with Washington, protests in Hong Kong and now the struggle to contain the coronavirus.
Reporting and research were contributed by Sui-Lee Wee, Makiko Inoue, Choe Sang-Hun, Alexandra Stevenson, Richard C. Paddock, Karen Zraick, Russell Goldman, Steven Lee Myers, Elaine Yu, Amie Tsang, Neil Irwin, Tiffany May, Edward Wong, Makiko Inoue and Eimi Yamamitsu. Reporting and research were contributed by Sui-Lee Wee, Choe Sang-Hun, Alexandra Stevenson, Richard C. Paddock, Steven Lee Myers, Elaine Yu, Amie Tsang, Neil Irwin, Karen Weise, Michael Corkery, Tess Felder, Karen Zraick, Russell Goldman, Tiffany May, Edward Wong, Makiko Inoue and Eimi Yamamitsu.