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Coronavirus: Wuhan revokes announcement relaxing lockdown measures - live updates Coronavirus: Wuhan revokes announcement relaxing lockdown measures - live updates
(32 minutes later)
Investors flee to safe havens like gold as China’s President Xi warns of virus impact on economy. Follow latest newsInvestors flee to safe havens like gold as China’s President Xi warns of virus impact on economy. Follow latest news
Kuwait, Bahrain, and Afghanistan recorded their first new coronavirus cases on Monday.
The cases in Kuwait and Bahrain involve people who had visited Iran, which has reported 43 cases of the disease, Reuters reports.
Kuwait detected the virus in three people among 700 who had been evacuated on Saturday from the north-eastern Iranian city of Mashhad, the state news agency KUNA said.
The health ministry identified them as a 53-year-old Kuwaiti man, a 61-year-old Saudi man and a 21-year-old whose nationality was unclear. It said the Kuwaiti and Saudi had been asymptomatic while the third person showed initial symptoms.
In Bahrain, the health ministry said a Bahraini national who arrived from Iran had been diagnosed with the disease and that “all necessary measures have been taken with individuals in contact with the patient”.
Afghanistan’s minister of public health said on Monday the country had identified its first case of coronavirus, following dozens of cases of the disease and eight deaths in neighbouring Iran.
Reuters reports that Ferozuddin Feroz, the minister of public health, told a press conference in Kabul one of three suspected cases had been confirmed in the western province of Herat. He announced a state of emergency in the province, which borders Iran, where dozens of cases of the disease have been confirmed and eight people have died.
Qatar Airways announced it will quarantine passengers arriving from Iran and South Korea who show symptoms for the virus. Passengers who show symptoms will be transferred to the communicable disease centre at the Hamad Medical Corporation. All incoming passengers from Iran and South Korea whose final destination is Doha and are showing no symptoms will be asked to stay in home isolation or a quarantine facility for 14 days.
China’s foreign ministry said on Monday Beijing was not considering issuing travel advisories for countries such as South Korea and Japan that are reporting an increase in coronavirus cases, Reuters reports.
But the Vietnamese carrier Bamboo Airways announced it would be suspending all flights to and from South Korea over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.
Authorities have so far confirmed 763 cases of novel coronavirus in South Korea.
South Korea’s K-league on Monday postponed the start of the new football season, which had been due to kick off this weekend.
“The K-league has decided to temporarily postpone the start of the 2020 K-league season until the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak eases,” it said in a statement. “This is a measure to protect the health and safety of the citizens and our players with the highest priority against the outbreak of the Covid-19 which has entered a serious phase.”
Matches featuring Daegu FC, based in the city that is the epicentre of the South Korean outbreak, and nearby Pohang Steelers, had already been delayed.
Italy is rushing to contain Europe’s first major coronavirus outbreak after the fourth person died, Reuters reports.Italy is rushing to contain Europe’s first major coronavirus outbreak after the fourth person died, Reuters reports.
The Italian government introduced draconian measures such as imposing fines on anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas as the number of cases and deaths spiked over the weekend.The Italian government introduced draconian measures such as imposing fines on anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas as the number of cases and deaths spiked over the weekend.
The number of cases of the virus in the country has risen to 152 on Saturday, prompting the government to close off the worst-hit areas in the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto. Police are patrolling 11 towns that have been in lockdown since Friday night. The latest victim died in the Lombardy city of Cremona.The number of cases of the virus in the country has risen to 152 on Saturday, prompting the government to close off the worst-hit areas in the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto. Police are patrolling 11 towns that have been in lockdown since Friday night. The latest victim died in the Lombardy city of Cremona.
French junior transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said on Monday morning that there was no need to close down transport borders between France and Italy, despite the spread of coronavirus. “Closing down the borders would make no sense, as the circulation of the virus is not just limited to administrative borders,” Djebbari told BFM Business.French junior transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said on Monday morning that there was no need to close down transport borders between France and Italy, despite the spread of coronavirus. “Closing down the borders would make no sense, as the circulation of the virus is not just limited to administrative borders,” Djebbari told BFM Business.
Austria suspended train services over the Alps to Italy for about four hours late on Sunday before restarting them after two travellers tested negative for coronavirus. A train carrying about 300 passengers from Venice, Italy, to Munich in Germany was halted on the Italian side of the Brenner Pass before being allowed to continue its journey after the two tested negative, authorities said.Austria suspended train services over the Alps to Italy for about four hours late on Sunday before restarting them after two travellers tested negative for coronavirus. A train carrying about 300 passengers from Venice, Italy, to Munich in Germany was halted on the Italian side of the Brenner Pass before being allowed to continue its journey after the two tested negative, authorities said.
An announcement that the Chinese city of Wuhan would relax some of its travel restrictions and allow some people to leave was made without authorisation and has been revoked, the local government said on Monday, according to a report by Reuters.An announcement that the Chinese city of Wuhan would relax some of its travel restrictions and allow some people to leave was made without authorisation and has been revoked, the local government said on Monday, according to a report by Reuters.
The city at the epicentre of a coronavirus outbreak that has already killed more than 2,500 people said it would continue to impose strict controls over its borders in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.The city at the epicentre of a coronavirus outbreak that has already killed more than 2,500 people said it would continue to impose strict controls over its borders in order to prevent the virus from spreading further.
The people responsible for the earlier announcement, which stated healthy people would be allowed to leave if they had vital business, have been reprimanded.The people responsible for the earlier announcement, which stated healthy people would be allowed to leave if they had vital business, have been reprimanded.
Here’s the latest round up of the number of cases the coronavirus and deaths from AP.Here’s the latest round up of the number of cases the coronavirus and deaths from AP.
Mainland China: 2,592 deaths among 77,150 cases, mostly in the central province of Hubei.Mainland China: 2,592 deaths among 77,150 cases, mostly in the central province of Hubei.
Hong Kong: 74 cases, two deaths.Hong Kong: 74 cases, two deaths.
Macao: 10 cases.Macao: 10 cases.
Japan: 838 cases, including 691 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, four deaths.Japan: 838 cases, including 691 from a cruise ship docked in Yokohama, four deaths.
South Korea: 763 cases, seven deaths.South Korea: 763 cases, seven deaths.
Italy: 152 cases, three deaths.Italy: 152 cases, three deaths.
Singapore: 89 cases.Singapore: 89 cases.
Iran: 43 cases, eight deaths.Iran: 43 cases, eight deaths.
US: 35 cases; separately, 1 US citizen died in China.US: 35 cases; separately, 1 US citizen died in China.
Thailand: 35 cases.Thailand: 35 cases.
Taiwan: 28 cases, one death.Taiwan: 28 cases, one death.
Australia: 23 cases.Australia: 23 cases.
Malaysia: 22 cases.Malaysia: 22 cases.
Vietnam: 16 cases.Vietnam: 16 cases.
Germany: 16 cases.Germany: 16 cases.
France: 12 cases, one death.France: 12 cases, one death.
United Arab Emirates: 13 cases.United Arab Emirates: 13 cases.
United Kingdom: 13 cases.United Kingdom: 13 cases.
Canada: 10 cases.Canada: 10 cases.
Philippines: three cases, one death.Philippines: three cases, one death.
Kuwait: three cases.Kuwait: three cases.
India: three cases.India: three cases.
Russia: two cases.Russia: two cases.
Spain: two cases.Spain: two cases.
Lebanon: one case.Lebanon: one case.
Israel: one case.Israel: one case.
Belgium: one case.Belgium: one case.
Nepal: one case.Nepal: one case.
Sri Lanka: one case.Sri Lanka: one case.
Sweden: one case.Sweden: one case.
Cambodia: one case.Cambodia: one case.
Finland: one case.Finland: one case.
Egypt: one case.Egypt: one case.
Morning, I’m Aamna Mohdin taking over the liveblog from my colleague Alison Rourke.Morning, I’m Aamna Mohdin taking over the liveblog from my colleague Alison Rourke.
Four British nationals rescued from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship are being treated at specialist centres in the north of England after testing positive for the illness, PA Media reports.Four British nationals rescued from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship are being treated at specialist centres in the north of England after testing positive for the illness, PA Media reports.
The four had been on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which had been moored off the coast of Japan for more than two weeks amid the outbreak.The four had been on the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which had been moored off the coast of Japan for more than two weeks amid the outbreak.
They were among a group of 30 Britons and two Irish citizens who arrived at a quarantine block at Arrowe Park hospital in Merseyside on Saturday, but on Sunday NHS England confirmed the positive diagnoses.They were among a group of 30 Britons and two Irish citizens who arrived at a quarantine block at Arrowe Park hospital in Merseyside on Saturday, but on Sunday NHS England confirmed the positive diagnoses.
Two of the patients are in the Royal Hallamshire hospital in Sheffield, one is in the Royal Liverpool University hospital and a fourth was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.Two of the patients are in the Royal Hallamshire hospital in Sheffield, one is in the Royal Liverpool University hospital and a fourth was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
The new confirmed cases brings the total number of people to be diagnosed with the Covid-19 strain in the UK to 13.The new confirmed cases brings the total number of people to be diagnosed with the Covid-19 strain in the UK to 13.
Here’s a summary of what we know about the coronavirus outbreak so far on Monday:Here’s a summary of what we know about the coronavirus outbreak so far on Monday:
Wuhan – the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak – has eased some lockdown restrictions, including allowing uninfected residents to leave the city for “urgent medical operations”.Wuhan – the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak – has eased some lockdown restrictions, including allowing uninfected residents to leave the city for “urgent medical operations”.
China reported 150 new deaths from the virus, with one outside Hubei province. Infections rose by 409 (398 in Hubei) to 77,150.China reported 150 new deaths from the virus, with one outside Hubei province. Infections rose by 409 (398 in Hubei) to 77,150.
The Chinese health commission said 24 out of China’s 31 provinces had reported no new cases of the virus.The Chinese health commission said 24 out of China’s 31 provinces had reported no new cases of the virus.
Four Chinese provinces lowered their alert levels on the virus, including Yunnanm Guangdong, Shznxi and Guizhou.Four Chinese provinces lowered their alert levels on the virus, including Yunnanm Guangdong, Shznxi and Guizhou.
South Korean cases spiked to over 760, as several countries imposed travel bans, and some airlines cancelled routes to Seoul.South Korean cases spiked to over 760, as several countries imposed travel bans, and some airlines cancelled routes to Seoul.
Australia raised its travel advice to South Korea and Japan to “reconsider your need to travel”.Australia raised its travel advice to South Korea and Japan to “reconsider your need to travel”.
North Korea is reported to have quarantined 380 foreigners over virus fears.North Korea is reported to have quarantined 380 foreigners over virus fears.
Asian financial markets have fallen amid fears about the global economy.Asian financial markets have fallen amid fears about the global economy.
More information is being reported out about Wuhan’s easing of lockdown conditions.More information is being reported out about Wuhan’s easing of lockdown conditions.
Earlier Chinese state media said the changes would allow “stranded personnel” to leave the city if they are not under quarantine or medical observation.Earlier Chinese state media said the changes would allow “stranded personnel” to leave the city if they are not under quarantine or medical observation.
The Global Times has just tweeted that the decision would allow residents not infected with Covid-19 to leave for “urgent medical operations in other cities”. I’m not clear if that’s in addition toThe Global Times has just tweeted that the decision would allow residents not infected with Covid-19 to leave for “urgent medical operations in other cities”. I’m not clear if that’s in addition to
Earlier we reported that 24 out of 31 provincial-level regions across China had no new cases of Covid-19 on Monday. This includes Beijing and Shanghai.Earlier we reported that 24 out of 31 provincial-level regions across China had no new cases of Covid-19 on Monday. This includes Beijing and Shanghai.
We’re getting some more details on the changed conditions in Wuhan – here’s a report from China Global Television Network:We’re getting some more details on the changed conditions in Wuhan – here’s a report from China Global Television Network:
We have reported a lot today on the virus crisis facing South Korea, but in North Korea state media says Pyongyang has quarantined about 380 foreigners as part of efforts to prevent the new coronavirus from breaking out in the country.We have reported a lot today on the virus crisis facing South Korea, but in North Korea state media says Pyongyang has quarantined about 380 foreigners as part of efforts to prevent the new coronavirus from breaking out in the country.
The Korean Central Broadcasting Station said: “(We) have quarantined some 380 foreigners so far across the country, while intensifying isolation, medical monitoring and testing measures on those who have returned from overseas travel, those who have contacted them and those showing abnormal symptoms.”The Korean Central Broadcasting Station said: “(We) have quarantined some 380 foreigners so far across the country, while intensifying isolation, medical monitoring and testing measures on those who have returned from overseas travel, those who have contacted them and those showing abnormal symptoms.”
The identity of those quarantined was not clear but South Korean media reports say they appear to be diplomats stationed in Pyongyang and people involved in overseas trading.The identity of those quarantined was not clear but South Korean media reports say they appear to be diplomats stationed in Pyongyang and people involved in overseas trading.
North Korea has not reported any cases of Covid-19 infection, but has doubling the quarantine period to 30 days against those coming from foreign countries.North Korea has not reported any cases of Covid-19 infection, but has doubling the quarantine period to 30 days against those coming from foreign countries.
The vice governor of the People’s Bank of China, has said the virus’s impact on the economy “will be short-lived and will not change the country’s sound economic fundamentals”.The vice governor of the People’s Bank of China, has said the virus’s impact on the economy “will be short-lived and will not change the country’s sound economic fundamentals”.
Here’s an excerpt of CGTN’s take on it:Here’s an excerpt of CGTN’s take on it:
South Korean airlines have suspended or plan to halt flights to South Korea’s southeastern city of Daegu, where hundreds of new coronavirus infections were reported over the weekend.South Korean airlines have suspended or plan to halt flights to South Korea’s southeastern city of Daegu, where hundreds of new coronavirus infections were reported over the weekend.
Yonhap news agency says Korean Air Lines Co, the country’s biggest airline, canceled its flights to Daegu from the southern resort island of Jeju and Incheon on Sunday.Yonhap news agency says Korean Air Lines Co, the country’s biggest airline, canceled its flights to Daegu from the southern resort island of Jeju and Incheon on Sunday.
Meanwhile, 30 South Koreans who recently visited Israel have tested positive for Covid-19, according to Yonhap:Meanwhile, 30 South Koreans who recently visited Israel have tested positive for Covid-19, according to Yonhap:
One Beijing resident has tweeted that things are still quiet in the Chinese capital today, with regards to people going back to work.One Beijing resident has tweeted that things are still quiet in the Chinese capital today, with regards to people going back to work.
The scale of the crisis in Wuhan is plain to see with the mass effort in the city to provide hospital beds, as pointed out in the tweet below by CGTN.The scale of the crisis in Wuhan is plain to see with the mass effort in the city to provide hospital beds, as pointed out in the tweet below by CGTN.
Chinese state media is reporting that the lockdown in Wuhan is being eased to allow “stranded personnel” to leave the city if they are not under quarantine or medical observation.Chinese state media is reporting that the lockdown in Wuhan is being eased to allow “stranded personnel” to leave the city if they are not under quarantine or medical observation.
The Global Times has also reported that six cities in Hubei province, including Huanggang and Jingzhou, reported no new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday.The Global Times has also reported that six cities in Hubei province, including Huanggang and Jingzhou, reported no new cases of Covid-19 on Sunday.
Huanggang has had 2,904 confirmed cases and 103 deaths (the third highest number of deaths in China). Jingzhou has had 1,574 and 42 deaths (fourth highest number of deaths in China).Huanggang has had 2,904 confirmed cases and 103 deaths (the third highest number of deaths in China). Jingzhou has had 1,574 and 42 deaths (fourth highest number of deaths in China).
By comparison, Wuhan has had 46,607 cases and 1,987 deaths.By comparison, Wuhan has had 46,607 cases and 1,987 deaths.
The Global Times also says 24 out of 31 provincial-level regions across China report zero new cases of Covid-19 on Monday.The Global Times also says 24 out of 31 provincial-level regions across China report zero new cases of Covid-19 on Monday.
Of all the new cases announced today, only 11 were outside Hubei province.Of all the new cases announced today, only 11 were outside Hubei province.