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Coronavirus live updates: China's Xi Jinping warns of 'crisis' and impact on economy Coronavirus live updates: China's Xi Jinping warns of 'crisis' and impact on economy
(31 minutes later)
Chinese leaders says virus is ‘big test’ for country as South Korean cases jump over 760. Follow latest newsChinese leaders says virus is ‘big test’ for country as South Korean cases jump over 760. Follow latest news
Let’s put those Chinese figures into context. The figure of 150 deaths is the highest recorded number of deaths in China in 11 days.
Monday 24 February: 150 deaths, 409 new cases
Sunday 23 February: 97 deaths, 648 new cases
Saturday 22 February: 109 deaths, 397 new cases
Friday 21 February: 118 deaths, 889 new cases
Thursday 20 February: 114 deaths, 394 cases (China stopped counting clinically diagnosed cases this day as confirmed cases and instead counted only cases that had tested positive)
Wednesday 19 February: 136 deaths, 1,749 new cases
Tuesday 18 February: 98 deaths, 1097 new cases
Monday 17 February: 105 deaths, 2,048 new cases
Sunday 16 February: 142 deaths, 2,009 new cases
Saturday 15 February: 143 deaths, 2,641 new cases
Friday 14 February: 121 deaths, 5,090 new cases
Thursday 13 February: 254 deaths, 15,152 new cases (On this day China began including cases diagnosed by doctors and scans in addition to patients who had tested positive to virus).
China’s, secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Cong Liang, has told a press conference that China is confident in overcoming the coronavirus and maintaining stable economic growth.China’s, secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Cong Liang, has told a press conference that China is confident in overcoming the coronavirus and maintaining stable economic growth.
He said China had launched tax and fee cuts for small businesses and that the impact on China’s economy would be limited and short term.He said China had launched tax and fee cuts for small businesses and that the impact on China’s economy would be limited and short term.
It follows President Xi’s speech on Sunday in which he warned of the economic impact of the virus, while at the same time saying he though it was temporary and containable.It follows President Xi’s speech on Sunday in which he warned of the economic impact of the virus, while at the same time saying he though it was temporary and containable.
We’re now getting today’s figures from China’s National Health Commission.We’re now getting today’s figures from China’s National Health Commission.
There have been 150 deaths in the past 24 hours, and 409 new cases of infections.There have been 150 deaths in the past 24 hours, and 409 new cases of infections.
Of the deaths, 149 were in Hubei province, as were 398 confirmed new cases, of those (348 were in Wuhan).Of the deaths, 149 were in Hubei province, as were 398 confirmed new cases, of those (348 were in Wuhan).
It brings the total number of confirmed cases in China to 77,150. It brings the total number of confirmed cases in China to 77,150, with 2,592 deaths.
As I mentioned earlier in the blog, we are still waiting for Monday’s announcement of cases of the virus from both the Hubei health commission and the National Health Commission. Both have almost always reported by this time (in fact by a few hours ago). There is no explanation for the delay that I can find.As I mentioned earlier in the blog, we are still waiting for Monday’s announcement of cases of the virus from both the Hubei health commission and the National Health Commission. Both have almost always reported by this time (in fact by a few hours ago). There is no explanation for the delay that I can find.
South Korea’s stock market has plunged more than 3% as investors take fright at the worsening outbreak in the country.South Korea’s stock market has plunged more than 3% as investors take fright at the worsening outbreak in the country.
Not only is one of its largest cities, Daegu, in semi-lockdown, and large gatherings of people cancelled around the country, but airlines are beginning to cancel flights into South Korea, threatening its export-oriented economy.Not only is one of its largest cities, Daegu, in semi-lockdown, and large gatherings of people cancelled around the country, but airlines are beginning to cancel flights into South Korea, threatening its export-oriented economy.
In Shanghai the Composite index is off 0.93% and its worth noting that the yuan has weakened again to 7.0246 per US dollar. In Hong Kong, shares were off 1.63%.In Shanghai the Composite index is off 0.93% and its worth noting that the yuan has weakened again to 7.0246 per US dollar. In Hong Kong, shares were off 1.63%.
Brent crude has slumped 3%, or $1.77, to $56.72 a barrel while U.S. crude dropped 2.7%, or $1.48, to $51.9 a barrel.Brent crude has slumped 3%, or $1.77, to $56.72 a barrel while U.S. crude dropped 2.7%, or $1.48, to $51.9 a barrel.
Stocks have also fallen 2.26% in Sydney. The Australian dollar has fallen 0.3% to US66.09 and is now close to its lowest point for 11 years.Stocks have also fallen 2.26% in Sydney. The Australian dollar has fallen 0.3% to US66.09 and is now close to its lowest point for 11 years.
New Zealand has extended a ban on arrivals from mainland China into a fourth week to contain the risk of exposure to the coronavirus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.New Zealand has extended a ban on arrivals from mainland China into a fourth week to contain the risk of exposure to the coronavirus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday.
The ban has been extended by a further eight days and would be reviewed after that, Ardern told a news conference.The ban has been extended by a further eight days and would be reviewed after that, Ardern told a news conference.
New Zealand so far has no confirmed cases of the virus in the country.New Zealand so far has no confirmed cases of the virus in the country.
We’re hearing from Australia’s health minister, Greg Hunt. He confirms that seven passengers from the stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship have contracted Covid-19 and are being treated (they have been returned to their home states).We’re hearing from Australia’s health minister, Greg Hunt. He confirms that seven passengers from the stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship have contracted Covid-19 and are being treated (they have been returned to their home states).
No Australians who were evacuated from Wuhan earlier this month were diagnosed with the illness. They have returned to their homes.No Australians who were evacuated from Wuhan earlier this month were diagnosed with the illness. They have returned to their homes.
He confirms Australia has lifted its travel advice to Level 2 to Japan and South Korea (as we reported earlier).He confirms Australia has lifted its travel advice to Level 2 to Japan and South Korea (as we reported earlier).
We’re now hearing from Australia’s chief medical officer Brendan Murphy, who says the rising cases in South Korea, Japan and Italy are a “cause for concern”.We’re now hearing from Australia’s chief medical officer Brendan Murphy, who says the rising cases in South Korea, Japan and Italy are a “cause for concern”.
He says he has “cautious optimism” for Chinese provinces outside of Hubei, in terms of the virus spread.He says he has “cautious optimism” for Chinese provinces outside of Hubei, in terms of the virus spread.
There is no community transmission of the virus in Australia at the moment, he says. But Australia is preparing “for every eventuality” with regards to a potential spread of the virus.There is no community transmission of the virus in Australia at the moment, he says. But Australia is preparing “for every eventuality” with regards to a potential spread of the virus.
The Reuters news agency is reporting that the four Chinese provinces Yunnan, Guangdong, Shanxi and Guizhou on Monday lowered their coronavirus emergency response measures.The Reuters news agency is reporting that the four Chinese provinces Yunnan, Guangdong, Shanxi and Guizhou on Monday lowered their coronavirus emergency response measures.
Yunnan and Guizhou cut their emergency response measures from level I to level III, according to local authorities, while Guangdong and Shanxi lowered their measures to level II.Yunnan and Guizhou cut their emergency response measures from level I to level III, according to local authorities, while Guangdong and Shanxi lowered their measures to level II.
China has a four-tier response system for public health emergencies that determines what measures it will implement, with level I the most serious.China has a four-tier response system for public health emergencies that determines what measures it will implement, with level I the most serious.
Gansu province was the first to lower its measures on Friday, followed by Liaoning on Saturday.Gansu province was the first to lower its measures on Friday, followed by Liaoning on Saturday.
Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, has President Xi’s speech on the front page, with the headline: “Virus the nation’s most serious health crisis, Xi warns”.Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post, has President Xi’s speech on the front page, with the headline: “Virus the nation’s most serious health crisis, Xi warns”.
We are still waiting for the update on today’s virus figures out of China, but the Hubei province’s report on test kits for the virus gives a sense of the scale of what the epicentre of Wuhan is dealing with.We are still waiting for the update on today’s virus figures out of China, but the Hubei province’s report on test kits for the virus gives a sense of the scale of what the epicentre of Wuhan is dealing with.
The Xinhua news agency says Wuhan has conducted nucleic acid tests for all backlog of patients, including those confirmed or suspected to be infected with the virus, close contacts of confirmed cases, and patients with fever.The Xinhua news agency says Wuhan has conducted nucleic acid tests for all backlog of patients, including those confirmed or suspected to be infected with the virus, close contacts of confirmed cases, and patients with fever.
It says they carry out an average of 14,000 tests per day, taking 10 hours to deliver results, which patients can now check online.It says they carry out an average of 14,000 tests per day, taking 10 hours to deliver results, which patients can now check online.
New Zealand media is reporting that the country’s national carrier, Air New Zealand, has suspended flights to Seoul until April.New Zealand media is reporting that the country’s national carrier, Air New Zealand, has suspended flights to Seoul until April.
No sooner had I typed in those South Korean infection figures, and they are out of date. We have just heard from the health authorities there that infections have jumped to 763, up from 602. Yonhap news agency says there has also been a 7th death.No sooner had I typed in those South Korean infection figures, and they are out of date. We have just heard from the health authorities there that infections have jumped to 763, up from 602. Yonhap news agency says there has also been a 7th death.
With six deaths and 602 infections, Seoul has raised the virus alert to “red” its highest level in the four-tier system. It’s the first time it has been at red in more than a decade, the Yonhap news agency reports. The country’s health minister said the next seven to 10 days would be crucial in fighting the virus.With six deaths and 602 infections, Seoul has raised the virus alert to “red” its highest level in the four-tier system. It’s the first time it has been at red in more than a decade, the Yonhap news agency reports. The country’s health minister said the next seven to 10 days would be crucial in fighting the virus.
The country’s new school year, set to begin in March, has been postponed by a week (March 9). This applies from kindergartens up to high schools. It’s the first time the school term has been postponed nationally.The country’s new school year, set to begin in March, has been postponed by a week (March 9). This applies from kindergartens up to high schools. It’s the first time the school term has been postponed nationally.
More than half of the country’s cases are linked to the religious group Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. More than 9,000 members of the group are in self-quarantine. Yonhap says 1,248 have shown Covid-19-related symptoms.More than half of the country’s cases are linked to the religious group Shincheonji Church of Jesus, Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. More than 9,000 members of the group are in self-quarantine. Yonhap says 1,248 have shown Covid-19-related symptoms.
Still in Australia, and the government has updated its official travel advice for Japan and South Korea due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.Still in Australia, and the government has updated its official travel advice for Japan and South Korea due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus.
Travellers are being told to “exercise a high degree of caution due to a heightened risk of sustained local transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19)”.Travellers are being told to “exercise a high degree of caution due to a heightened risk of sustained local transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19)”.
“Monitor your health closely and follow the advice of local authorities,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said for both countries.“Monitor your health closely and follow the advice of local authorities,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said for both countries.
In South Korea, it advises Australians to “reconsider your need to travel in Daegu and Cheongdo”, the centre of Covid-19 infections.In South Korea, it advises Australians to “reconsider your need to travel in Daegu and Cheongdo”, the centre of Covid-19 infections.
“We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Daegu and Cheongdo due to significant outbreaks of Covid-19 in those cities,” the advice said.“We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Daegu and Cheongdo due to significant outbreaks of Covid-19 in those cities,” the advice said.
South Korea has reported 602 infections and six deaths.South Korea has reported 602 infections and six deaths.
The Australian stock exchange has plummeted after offshore markets fell on fears the virus is spreading across Asia and may affect global economic stability.The Australian stock exchange has plummeted after offshore markets fell on fears the virus is spreading across Asia and may affect global economic stability.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell was a 116.7 points in the first half hour of trade, or 1.63%, to 7,022.3.The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell was a 116.7 points in the first half hour of trade, or 1.63%, to 7,022.3.
The broader All Ordinaries index was down 117.1 points, or 1.62%, at 7,113.3 as all indices fell.The broader All Ordinaries index was down 117.1 points, or 1.62%, at 7,113.3 as all indices fell.
Australian Associated Press reports that after half an hour of trading, the biggest drags were the energy, materials and consumer discretionary indices.Australian Associated Press reports that after half an hour of trading, the biggest drags were the energy, materials and consumer discretionary indices.
Energy was 2.82% lower, industrials were down 2.42% and the consumer discretionary index had tumbled 3.39%.Energy was 2.82% lower, industrials were down 2.42% and the consumer discretionary index had tumbled 3.39%.
US and European markets fell on Friday on the back of increasing concerns over COVID-19 as more companies face disruptions and issue profit warnings.US and European markets fell on Friday on the back of increasing concerns over COVID-19 as more companies face disruptions and issue profit warnings.
Oil prices also fell but gold jumped to its highest level in seven years as investors rushed to the save-haven metal.Oil prices also fell but gold jumped to its highest level in seven years as investors rushed to the save-haven metal.
Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea’s Kospi index plunged more than 2% on Monday morning (the country has more than 600 coronavirus infections).Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea’s Kospi index plunged more than 2% on Monday morning (the country has more than 600 coronavirus infections).
The Hong Kong and mainland China markets open shortly with the focus on what is expected to be very weak factory output data from China later.The Hong Kong and mainland China markets open shortly with the focus on what is expected to be very weak factory output data from China later.
You can read our full story on the deepening economic impact of the virus below:You can read our full story on the deepening economic impact of the virus below:
In an important speech on the virus on China, President Xi Jinping has warned that “at present, the epidemic situation is still severe and complex, and prevention and control work is in the most difficult and critical stage”.In an important speech on the virus on China, President Xi Jinping has warned that “at present, the epidemic situation is still severe and complex, and prevention and control work is in the most difficult and critical stage”.
“The outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia will inevitably have a relatively big impact on the economy and society,” Xi said, adding that the impact would be short-term and controllable.“The outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia will inevitably have a relatively big impact on the economy and society,” Xi said, adding that the impact would be short-term and controllable.
The outbreak, which has infected nearly 77,000 people and killed more than 2,400 in China, is one of the most serious public health crises to confront Chinese leaders in decades.The outbreak, which has infected nearly 77,000 people and killed more than 2,400 in China, is one of the most serious public health crises to confront Chinese leaders in decades.
“For us, this is a crisis and is also a big test,” Xi said.“For us, this is a crisis and is also a big test,” Xi said.
Xi said the virus had caused the most extensive infection and is the most difficult to contain in the country since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.Xi said the virus had caused the most extensive infection and is the most difficult to contain in the country since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.Good morning and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the coronavirus outbreak.
We are waiting for the daily update of figures from the Chinese health commission. As of Sunday there were nearly 77,000 infections and more than 2,400 deathsWe are waiting for the daily update of figures from the Chinese health commission. As of Sunday there were nearly 77,000 infections and more than 2,400 deaths
But here are the main points you need to know before we get underway:But here are the main points you need to know before we get underway:
The world is approaching a tipping point in containing the spread of the coronavirus, experts say, warning that the disease is outpacing efforts to contain it.The world is approaching a tipping point in containing the spread of the coronavirus, experts say, warning that the disease is outpacing efforts to contain it.
China’s president Xi has acknowledged the “relatively big” impact the virus will have on the country’s economy and society, but also said the results of prevention and control work have “once again demonstrated the notable advantages of the leadership of the CPC (Chinese communist party) and the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics”.China’s president Xi has acknowledged the “relatively big” impact the virus will have on the country’s economy and society, but also said the results of prevention and control work have “once again demonstrated the notable advantages of the leadership of the CPC (Chinese communist party) and the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics”.
South Korea’s president has placed the country on red alert, responding to a rapidly growing number of cases (six deaths, 602 infections).South Korea’s president has placed the country on red alert, responding to a rapidly growing number of cases (six deaths, 602 infections).
Italy has imposed strong measures in a number of towns in the northern Lombardy region to stop the spread of the virus (including imposing fines on anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas), after a third person died on Sunday.Italy has imposed strong measures in a number of towns in the northern Lombardy region to stop the spread of the virus (including imposing fines on anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas), after a third person died on Sunday.
Iran (eight deaths, 43 infections) has closed schools and in 14 provinces as “a preventative measure”.Iran (eight deaths, 43 infections) has closed schools and in 14 provinces as “a preventative measure”.
Japan still has the most cases outside China (838), the vast majority of which were onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship.Japan still has the most cases outside China (838), the vast majority of which were onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
You can get up to date on our latest stories below:You can get up to date on our latest stories below:
World is approaching coronavirus tipping point, experts sayWorld is approaching coronavirus tipping point, experts say
Italy imposes draconian rules to stop spread of coronavirusItaly imposes draconian rules to stop spread of coronavirus
Four more Britons evacuated from cruise ship test positive for coronavirusFour more Britons evacuated from cruise ship test positive for coronavirus
Economic impact of coronavirus outbreak deepensEconomic impact of coronavirus outbreak deepens