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Outbreak in Northern Italy Poses National Challenge Outbreak in Northern Italy Poses National Challenge
(17 days later)
The latest in our coverage of the coronavirus can be found here.The latest in our coverage of the coronavirus can be found here.
Asian markets signaled a calmer outlook after Monday’s sharp drop in stocks.Asian markets signaled a calmer outlook after Monday’s sharp drop in stocks.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index was down 3 percent on Tuesday morning after missing Monday’s stock rout, as markets there were closed for a holiday. But shares in China and Hong Kong were down only modestly in early trading, and shares in South Korea rose. Hong Kong was down less than 0.2 percent, and stocks in Shanghai were down less than 1 percent.Japan’s Nikkei 225 index was down 3 percent on Tuesday morning after missing Monday’s stock rout, as markets there were closed for a holiday. But shares in China and Hong Kong were down only modestly in early trading, and shares in South Korea rose. Hong Kong was down less than 0.2 percent, and stocks in Shanghai were down less than 1 percent.
As fears rose on Monday that the outbreak could spread further into Asia and Europe, investors sold stocks at a furious pace.As fears rose on Monday that the outbreak could spread further into Asia and Europe, investors sold stocks at a furious pace.
[Update: Nigeria records Sub-Saharan Africa’s first case of coronavirus.][Update: Nigeria records Sub-Saharan Africa’s first case of coronavirus.]
The S&P 500 index, which had reached a record high just last week, fell 3.4 percent on Monday, its worst single-day performance in more than two years. Stocks fell enough to wipe out all of the index’s gains for 2020. Earlier in the day, European markets recorded their worst day since 2016, and major benchmarks in Asia also closed down.The S&P 500 index, which had reached a record high just last week, fell 3.4 percent on Monday, its worst single-day performance in more than two years. Stocks fell enough to wipe out all of the index’s gains for 2020. Earlier in the day, European markets recorded their worst day since 2016, and major benchmarks in Asia also closed down.
Airline and technology stocks were particularly hard hit by Monday’s decline. Delta Air Lines fell 6.3 percent and American Airlines was down 8.5 percent, while shares of Apple fell 4.8 percent. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index dropped 3.7 percent.Airline and technology stocks were particularly hard hit by Monday’s decline. Delta Air Lines fell 6.3 percent and American Airlines was down 8.5 percent, while shares of Apple fell 4.8 percent. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index dropped 3.7 percent.
Analysts have issued new warnings in recent days that the outbreak could drag down economies around the globe.Analysts have issued new warnings in recent days that the outbreak could drag down economies around the globe.
Economists at JPMorgan Chase wrote that they expected global growth to slow to a 1 percent annual pace in the first quarter, which would be the weakest quarter of the economic expansion that began after the deep recession that started in 2008. In the United States, the general estimate for first-quarter domestic growth has slipped.Economists at JPMorgan Chase wrote that they expected global growth to slow to a 1 percent annual pace in the first quarter, which would be the weakest quarter of the economic expansion that began after the deep recession that started in 2008. In the United States, the general estimate for first-quarter domestic growth has slipped.
“The risks are clearly skewed to the downside until the outbreak is contained,” economists at Goldman Sachs wrote.“The risks are clearly skewed to the downside until the outbreak is contained,” economists at Goldman Sachs wrote.
American travelers were advised Monday to avoid nonessential travel to South Korea because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus there, as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the travel warning to level three, its highest level.American travelers were advised Monday to avoid nonessential travel to South Korea because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus there, as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the travel warning to level three, its highest level.
“There is a widespread, ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that can be spread from person to person,” the CDC said in an advisory. “Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions may be at risk of severe disease.”“There is a widespread, ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that can be spread from person to person,” the CDC said in an advisory. “Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions may be at risk of severe disease.”
The CDC also warned that “there is limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas.”The CDC also warned that “there is limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas.”
The warning came as South Korea reported Tuesday that the number of cases in the country had risen by 60 to 893 overall. The majority of the cases have been centered in the area in and around Daegu, South Korea’s fourth-largest city, 180 miles southeast of Seoul. And roughly half the patients in the country are members of the Shincheonji religious group, which has a large following in the city.The warning came as South Korea reported Tuesday that the number of cases in the country had risen by 60 to 893 overall. The majority of the cases have been centered in the area in and around Daegu, South Korea’s fourth-largest city, 180 miles southeast of Seoul. And roughly half the patients in the country are members of the Shincheonji religious group, which has a large following in the city.
The higher threat level a day after President Moon Jae-in on Sunday put the country on the highest possible alert in its fight against the coronavirus.The higher threat level a day after President Moon Jae-in on Sunday put the country on the highest possible alert in its fight against the coronavirus.
Milan’s normally bustling streets, stores and restaurants are eerily empty. In Italy’s commercial hub, major companies, from banks to the fashion house Giorgio Armani, are telling employees to work at home.Milan’s normally bustling streets, stores and restaurants are eerily empty. In Italy’s commercial hub, major companies, from banks to the fashion house Giorgio Armani, are telling employees to work at home.
The doors are closed to visitors at the famed opera house La Scala, the Duomo Cathedral — even the bars.The doors are closed to visitors at the famed opera house La Scala, the Duomo Cathedral — even the bars.
“Everything seems to have completely stopped,” said Leonardo Miri, 48, an IBM employee. He had been turned away from the company’s offices. No one was there.“Everything seems to have completely stopped,” said Leonardo Miri, 48, an IBM employee. He had been turned away from the company’s offices. No one was there.
Europe’s largest outbreak of the new coronavirus outbreak has erupted in Lombardy, the northern region that includes Milan. About half of the country’s 229 cases are in Lombardy. The government said at least 26 patients were in intensive care, and has reported six deaths.Europe’s largest outbreak of the new coronavirus outbreak has erupted in Lombardy, the northern region that includes Milan. About half of the country’s 229 cases are in Lombardy. The government said at least 26 patients were in intensive care, and has reported six deaths.
The virus represents perhaps the greatest challenge to Europe since the 2015 migration crisis. It could test the principle of open borders and the vaunted but strained European public health systems.The virus represents perhaps the greatest challenge to Europe since the 2015 migration crisis. It could test the principle of open borders and the vaunted but strained European public health systems.
For Italy, Europe’s slowest-growing economy, the vulnerabilities are clear.For Italy, Europe’s slowest-growing economy, the vulnerabilities are clear.
Milan represents 10 percent of the Italian economy; Lombardy, more than 20 percent. Milan’s stock market plunged by more than 5 percent on Monday over fears of what may be in store.Milan represents 10 percent of the Italian economy; Lombardy, more than 20 percent. Milan’s stock market plunged by more than 5 percent on Monday over fears of what may be in store.
Flights from China are blocked and the closure of Chinese factories has disrupted Italian supply chains. Marco Barbieri, the leader of Confcommercio Milan, a business alliance, estimated profits to be off by 20 percent for companies dependent on China.Flights from China are blocked and the closure of Chinese factories has disrupted Italian supply chains. Marco Barbieri, the leader of Confcommercio Milan, a business alliance, estimated profits to be off by 20 percent for companies dependent on China.
Eleven towns in Lombardy are on lockdown, and Italy’s government has promised them help similar to that given after earthquakes, like the suspension of tax payments.Eleven towns in Lombardy are on lockdown, and Italy’s government has promised them help similar to that given after earthquakes, like the suspension of tax payments.
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Italy’s neighbors have not closed their borders, but the country fears being ostracized and carved into islands of quarantine. The southern region of Basilicata has announced a quarantine on northerners.Italy’s neighbors have not closed their borders, but the country fears being ostracized and carved into islands of quarantine. The southern region of Basilicata has announced a quarantine on northerners.
The island nation of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, gave passengers on an Alitalia flight from Rome a choice of quarantine or immediate return. They flew back to Italy.The island nation of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, gave passengers on an Alitalia flight from Rome a choice of quarantine or immediate return. They flew back to Italy.
A planned three-week shoot in Italy for Tom Cruise’s new “Mission: Impossible” film has been postponed because of the outbreak, Paramount Pictures announced on Monday. Filming had been scheduled to start on Monday in Venice.A planned three-week shoot in Italy for Tom Cruise’s new “Mission: Impossible” film has been postponed because of the outbreak, Paramount Pictures announced on Monday. Filming had been scheduled to start on Monday in Venice.
Public health experts warn that Iran, whose borders are crossed each year by millions of religious pilgrims, migrant workers and others, is one of the biggest causes for worry in what threatens to become a global epidemic.Public health experts warn that Iran, whose borders are crossed each year by millions of religious pilgrims, migrant workers and others, is one of the biggest causes for worry in what threatens to become a global epidemic.
Iran said on Monday that it had 12 coronavirus deaths — more than any country but China — but has acknowledged only 61 cases. By contrast, South Korea has reported fewer deaths, just seven, but more than 800 infections.Iran said on Monday that it had 12 coronavirus deaths — more than any country but China — but has acknowledged only 61 cases. By contrast, South Korea has reported fewer deaths, just seven, but more than 800 infections.
Many Iranians suspect the government is hiding the true extent of the outbreak. If the virus kills about 2 percent of known victims, as Chinese doctors have reported, then the number of deaths can be multiplied by 50 to get a rough case estimate, which would mean Iran has 600 cases, or 10 times the official figure.Many Iranians suspect the government is hiding the true extent of the outbreak. If the virus kills about 2 percent of known victims, as Chinese doctors have reported, then the number of deaths can be multiplied by 50 to get a rough case estimate, which would mean Iran has 600 cases, or 10 times the official figure.
Cases in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and Canada have been traced to Iran.Cases in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and Canada have been traced to Iran.
Ahmad Amiri Farahani, a lawmaker representing Qom, a popular pilgrimage destination where hundreds of Chinese students are currently studying, claimed on Monday that the virus had killed at least 50 there.Ahmad Amiri Farahani, a lawmaker representing Qom, a popular pilgrimage destination where hundreds of Chinese students are currently studying, claimed on Monday that the virus had killed at least 50 there.
“Every day 10 people are dying in Qom,” he said in Parliament, demanding a quarantine on his city.“Every day 10 people are dying in Qom,” he said in Parliament, demanding a quarantine on his city.
Health ministry officials vehemently disputed his claims. “I will resign if the numbers are even half or a quarter of this,” said Iraj Harirchi, an adviser to the health minister.Health ministry officials vehemently disputed his claims. “I will resign if the numbers are even half or a quarter of this,” said Iraj Harirchi, an adviser to the health minister.
The head of a medical school in Qom said the ministry had ordered the city not to release its own figures.The head of a medical school in Qom said the ministry had ordered the city not to release its own figures.
Qom is visited annually by hundreds of thousands of Shiite Muslims, who can take infections home with them. Many come from countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen that have been devastated by war, with little capacity to fight an epidemic.Qom is visited annually by hundreds of thousands of Shiite Muslims, who can take infections home with them. Many come from countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen that have been devastated by war, with little capacity to fight an epidemic.
Pakistan’s 596-mile frontier with Iran, with few border controls, poses particular challenges in controlling the spread of the virus.Pakistan’s 596-mile frontier with Iran, with few border controls, poses particular challenges in controlling the spread of the virus.
The outbreak in Iran feeds the skepticism of Iranians who are already inclined to disbelieve government pronouncements. Many have ignored official urging not to visit hospitals unless they are seriously ill, crowding emergency rooms for testing.The outbreak in Iran feeds the skepticism of Iranians who are already inclined to disbelieve government pronouncements. Many have ignored official urging not to visit hospitals unless they are seriously ill, crowding emergency rooms for testing.
Tehran has announced a weeklong closure of schools, universities and cultural centers across 14 provinces in an effort to curb the outbreak. Long lines have formed outside pharmacies, and there is a shortage of masks and disinfectants.Tehran has announced a weeklong closure of schools, universities and cultural centers across 14 provinces in an effort to curb the outbreak. Long lines have formed outside pharmacies, and there is a shortage of masks and disinfectants.
China appears to be getting the new coronavirus under control, but with infections spreading rapidly in South Korea, Iran and Italy, the world is not prepared for a major outbreak, World Health Organization officials said on Monday.China appears to be getting the new coronavirus under control, but with infections spreading rapidly in South Korea, Iran and Italy, the world is not prepared for a major outbreak, World Health Organization officials said on Monday.
A W.H.O. mission to China has said that the daily tally of new cases there peaked and then plateaued between Jan. 23 and Feb. 2, and has steadily declined since.A W.H.O. mission to China has said that the daily tally of new cases there peaked and then plateaued between Jan. 23 and Feb. 2, and has steadily declined since.
“We’re encouraged by the continued decline in cases in China,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s director general.“We’re encouraged by the continued decline in cases in China,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s director general.
On Monday, China recorded 508 more confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and another 71 deaths from the virus. The total number of confirmed infections across China is now 77,658 and officially 2,663 people in China have died from the coronavirus.On Monday, China recorded 508 more confirmed cases of coronavirus infection and another 71 deaths from the virus. The total number of confirmed infections across China is now 77,658 and officially 2,663 people in China have died from the coronavirus.
The rise in the number of deaths reported on Tuesday — an increase of under 3 percent — was a marked decrease from the new cases reported daily over the last few weeks, when new fatalities regularly reached into the hundreds.The rise in the number of deaths reported on Tuesday — an increase of under 3 percent — was a marked decrease from the new cases reported daily over the last few weeks, when new fatalities regularly reached into the hundreds.
The W.H.O. team credited lockdown measures China imposed in late January for averting a faster spread from Wuhan, the city at the center of the epidemic. China sealed off cities, shut down businesses and schools, and ordered people to avoid mass gatherings.The W.H.O. team credited lockdown measures China imposed in late January for averting a faster spread from Wuhan, the city at the center of the epidemic. China sealed off cities, shut down businesses and schools, and ordered people to avoid mass gatherings.
“China has taken one of the most ancient strategies for infectious disease control and rolled out probably the most ambitious and I would say agile and aggressive disease-contagion efforts in history,” said Bruce Aylward, a Canadian doctor and epidemiologist who led the W.H.O. mission to China.“China has taken one of the most ancient strategies for infectious disease control and rolled out probably the most ambitious and I would say agile and aggressive disease-contagion efforts in history,” said Bruce Aylward, a Canadian doctor and epidemiologist who led the W.H.O. mission to China.
But some experts question whether the epidemic is truly waning in China, which changed the way it counted cases earlier this month, then changed it back again. Some infected people have been unable or reluctant to receive medical care, and there is a shortage of viral testing kits, which may mean that cases go undetected.But some experts question whether the epidemic is truly waning in China, which changed the way it counted cases earlier this month, then changed it back again. Some infected people have been unable or reluctant to receive medical care, and there is a shortage of viral testing kits, which may mean that cases go undetected.
The infection has been fatal in 2 to 4 percent of cases within Wuhan, but in less than 1 percent elsewhere, the W.H.O. said.The infection has been fatal in 2 to 4 percent of cases within Wuhan, but in less than 1 percent elsewhere, the W.H.O. said.
The organization has declared the epidemic a public health emergency, but Dr. Tedros said it has not reached the level of a pandemic — yet.The organization has declared the epidemic a public health emergency, but Dr. Tedros said it has not reached the level of a pandemic — yet.
“For the moment, we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large-scale severe disease or deaths,” he said. “Does this virus have pandemic potential? Absolutely it has.”“For the moment, we are not witnessing the uncontained global spread of this virus and we are not witnessing large-scale severe disease or deaths,” he said. “Does this virus have pandemic potential? Absolutely it has.”
The number of infected people in the United States has reached 53, up from 34 on Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The number of infected people in the United States has reached 53, up from 34 on Friday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
All the new U.S. cases reported Monday occurred among people who were flown back from Asia by the State Department, the C.D.C. reported. Nearly all involve former passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan. They are in quarantine on military bases in California and Texas.All the new U.S. cases reported Monday occurred among people who were flown back from Asia by the State Department, the C.D.C. reported. Nearly all involve former passengers on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan. They are in quarantine on military bases in California and Texas.
Twelve of the total American cases occurred in people who had traveled to China, returned on their own and became ill after arriving back in the United States. Two additional cases involve people who came into immediate contact with some of those dozen people.Twelve of the total American cases occurred in people who had traveled to China, returned on their own and became ill after arriving back in the United States. Two additional cases involve people who came into immediate contact with some of those dozen people.
Ten of those 14 people are either isolating at home (under supervision from health officials) or being treated at hospitals. The remaining four have recovered, been through quarantine periods and are back out in the world.Ten of those 14 people are either isolating at home (under supervision from health officials) or being treated at hospitals. The remaining four have recovered, been through quarantine periods and are back out in the world.
Shares of the American pharmaceutical giant Gilead gained about 5 percent on Monday, after a senior World Health Official identified one of its antiviral drugs, remdesivir, as a potential treatment for the coronavirus Covid-19.Shares of the American pharmaceutical giant Gilead gained about 5 percent on Monday, after a senior World Health Official identified one of its antiviral drugs, remdesivir, as a potential treatment for the coronavirus Covid-19.
“There is only one drug right now that we think may have real efficacy and that’s remdesivir,” said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a Canadian doctor and an epidemiologist who is leading the W.H.O. mission to China. He spoke at a news conference in Beijing.“There is only one drug right now that we think may have real efficacy and that’s remdesivir,” said Dr. Bruce Aylward, a Canadian doctor and an epidemiologist who is leading the W.H.O. mission to China. He spoke at a news conference in Beijing.
Doctors and drug manufacturers are scrambling to find treatments for the virus, but so far, none have been approved, including remdesivir.Doctors and drug manufacturers are scrambling to find treatments for the virus, but so far, none have been approved, including remdesivir.
Gilead’s drug is an antiviral medicine that is administered intravenously. It has been tested on only a small number of patients with coronavirus, according to the company’s website. But there has been excitement about it since doctors in Washington State administered the drug to the first U.S. coronavirus patient, and his symptoms improved the next day.Gilead’s drug is an antiviral medicine that is administered intravenously. It has been tested on only a small number of patients with coronavirus, according to the company’s website. But there has been excitement about it since doctors in Washington State administered the drug to the first U.S. coronavirus patient, and his symptoms improved the next day.
Two clinical trials of the drug are enrolling participants in China. One focuses on patients with severe cases, the other on those with moderate cases, according to Ryan McKeel, a Gilead spokesman.Two clinical trials of the drug are enrolling participants in China. One focuses on patients with severe cases, the other on those with moderate cases, according to Ryan McKeel, a Gilead spokesman.
Mr. McKeel said that the company was donating doses of the drug for the trials, and that results were expected in April.Mr. McKeel said that the company was donating doses of the drug for the trials, and that results were expected in April.
China’s government and businesses are sending out chartered trains, buses and airplanes to bring migrant workers back to their jobs, according to state media, as the government tries to get the world’s second-largest economy humming again.China’s government and businesses are sending out chartered trains, buses and airplanes to bring migrant workers back to their jobs, according to state media, as the government tries to get the world’s second-largest economy humming again.
China Eastern Airlines last week began offering chartered flights to transport people back to workplaces in parts of the country they had been unable to reach after travel restrictions were imposed. In one day, it received requests from nearly 60 companies.China Eastern Airlines last week began offering chartered flights to transport people back to workplaces in parts of the country they had been unable to reach after travel restrictions were imposed. In one day, it received requests from nearly 60 companies.
It sent its first chartered plane on Monday to bring 160 workers from Henan Province in central China to the industrial and commercial center of Shanghai.It sent its first chartered plane on Monday to bring 160 workers from Henan Province in central China to the industrial and commercial center of Shanghai.
Also last week, the state rail service began offering special trains that so far have taken more than 30,000 workers back to work in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces, as well as cities like Shanghai. Some companies have dispatched buses to take employees back to factories.Also last week, the state rail service began offering special trains that so far have taken more than 30,000 workers back to work in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces, as well as cities like Shanghai. Some companies have dispatched buses to take employees back to factories.
Workers will have to take a health check before they can make the trip. They will use special tunnels to check in. The trains and buses are nonstop directly to the destinations.Workers will have to take a health check before they can make the trip. They will use special tunnels to check in. The trains and buses are nonstop directly to the destinations.
Much of China’s work force of more than 700 million people had gone home to celebrate the Lunar New Year when the coronavirus outbreak began, and then were unable to return to the cities where they worked.Much of China’s work force of more than 700 million people had gone home to celebrate the Lunar New Year when the coronavirus outbreak began, and then were unable to return to the cities where they worked.
Cong Liang, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, said on Monday at a news conference that a large percentage of major manufacturing businesses are resuming production. In Zhejiang Province, 90 percent of industrial enterprises with annual revenue of $2.8 million or more have resumed operation. Many of those businesses are likely at less than full production, however.Cong Liang, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, said on Monday at a news conference that a large percentage of major manufacturing businesses are resuming production. In Zhejiang Province, 90 percent of industrial enterprises with annual revenue of $2.8 million or more have resumed operation. Many of those businesses are likely at less than full production, however.
South Korea on Monday reported 231 more cases of the virus that causes the disease Covid-19, bringing the nation’s total to 833 cases and seven deaths. On Tuesday, South Korea reported 60 more cases, bringing its total to 893.South Korea on Monday reported 231 more cases of the virus that causes the disease Covid-19, bringing the nation’s total to 833 cases and seven deaths. On Tuesday, South Korea reported 60 more cases, bringing its total to 893.
President Moon Jae-in put South Korea on the highest possible alert on Sunday, a move that empowers the government to lock down cities and take other sweeping measures to contain the outbreak.President Moon Jae-in put South Korea on the highest possible alert on Sunday, a move that empowers the government to lock down cities and take other sweeping measures to contain the outbreak.
“The coming few days will be a critical time for us,” Mr. Moon said at an emergency meeting of government officials to discuss the outbreak. “The central government, local governments, health officials and medical personnel and the entire people must wage an all-out, concerted response to the problem.”“The coming few days will be a critical time for us,” Mr. Moon said at an emergency meeting of government officials to discuss the outbreak. “The central government, local governments, health officials and medical personnel and the entire people must wage an all-out, concerted response to the problem.”
Many of South Korea’s coronavirus cases are in the southeastern city of Daegu, which has essentially been placed under a state of emergency, though people are still free to enter and leave the city.Many of South Korea’s coronavirus cases are in the southeastern city of Daegu, which has essentially been placed under a state of emergency, though people are still free to enter and leave the city.
More than half of the people confirmed to have been infected are either members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a secretive religious sect with a strong presence in Daegu, or their relatives or other contacts.More than half of the people confirmed to have been infected are either members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a secretive religious sect with a strong presence in Daegu, or their relatives or other contacts.
On Monday, the United States Forces Korea confirmed that a dependent of a member of the armed forces living in Daegu was among those who had tested positive for the virus.On Monday, the United States Forces Korea confirmed that a dependent of a member of the armed forces living in Daegu was among those who had tested positive for the virus.
The U.S. and South Korean military are considering scaling back command post training because of heightened concerns about the coronavirus, the defense ministers of both countries said on Monday.The U.S. and South Korean military are considering scaling back command post training because of heightened concerns about the coronavirus, the defense ministers of both countries said on Monday.
China’s top legislative body postponed the annual full meeting of the National People’s Congress and ordered a temporary ban on the consumption of all wildlife until officials draft new laws regulating the trade, which has been identified as a probable source of the new coronavirus.China’s top legislative body postponed the annual full meeting of the National People’s Congress and ordered a temporary ban on the consumption of all wildlife until officials draft new laws regulating the trade, which has been identified as a probable source of the new coronavirus.
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliamentary body, had earlier signaled the delay in the annual National People’s conference meeting, reflecting how the epidemic has upended the Communist Party’s carefully choreographed and regimented political events.The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s parliamentary body, had earlier signaled the delay in the annual National People’s conference meeting, reflecting how the epidemic has upended the Communist Party’s carefully choreographed and regimented political events.
The committee did not announce a new date for the session, which is held with pomp and pageantry in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.The committee did not announce a new date for the session, which is held with pomp and pageantry in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The decision on the consumption of wildlife reflected a groundswell of public sentiment against the custom, practiced in some parts of the country, of eating various types of wildlife, including bats, civets and hedgehogs.The decision on the consumption of wildlife reflected a groundswell of public sentiment against the custom, practiced in some parts of the country, of eating various types of wildlife, including bats, civets and hedgehogs.
Although the exact course of the coronavirus’ path is still under investigation, health officials and scientists say it spread outward from a wholesale market in Wuhan where vendors sold live wild animals in crowded stalls in close quarters with meat, vegetables and other products.Although the exact course of the coronavirus’ path is still under investigation, health officials and scientists say it spread outward from a wholesale market in Wuhan where vendors sold live wild animals in crowded stalls in close quarters with meat, vegetables and other products.
Chinese law currently allows people to raise or hunt 54 different animals, birds, reptiles and insects. In a statement, the committee indicated that it would look to strengthen the existing laws, as well as the punishments for violations, but that it would take some time to do so. The trafficking of endangered or threatened wildlife, such as pangolins, is already prohibited.Chinese law currently allows people to raise or hunt 54 different animals, birds, reptiles and insects. In a statement, the committee indicated that it would look to strengthen the existing laws, as well as the punishments for violations, but that it would take some time to do so. The trafficking of endangered or threatened wildlife, such as pangolins, is already prohibited.
“Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the outstanding problems of excessive consumption of wild animals and its huge hidden dangers to public health safety have attracted wide attention from all walks of life,” the committee’s statement said, “but a comprehensive revision of the wildlife protection law requires a process.”“Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the outstanding problems of excessive consumption of wild animals and its huge hidden dangers to public health safety have attracted wide attention from all walks of life,” the committee’s statement said, “but a comprehensive revision of the wildlife protection law requires a process.”
Afghanistan declared a state of emergency in the western province of Herat on Monday after health officials confirmed the country’s first case of coronavirus in the region, which shares a porous border with Iran.Afghanistan declared a state of emergency in the western province of Herat on Monday after health officials confirmed the country’s first case of coronavirus in the region, which shares a porous border with Iran.
“The case was identified right away and measures taken — the patient’s health is under control and there isn’t concern about the individual’s health at this point,” Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz said.“The case was identified right away and measures taken — the patient’s health is under control and there isn’t concern about the individual’s health at this point,” Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz said.
Mr. Feroz said it was estimated that more than 1,000 Afghans from Herat had traveled over the past few weeks to Qom, Iran, a place of pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims because of its many shrines. He said officials were identifying those people for more screening and tests. Five were staying in an 80-bed quarantine center that had been established in Herat, he added.Mr. Feroz said it was estimated that more than 1,000 Afghans from Herat had traveled over the past few weeks to Qom, Iran, a place of pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims because of its many shrines. He said officials were identifying those people for more screening and tests. Five were staying in an 80-bed quarantine center that had been established in Herat, he added.
The patient confirmed to have the virus was among five Afghan citizens who had been in Qom, the city where the first cases and fatalities were reported in Iran. They transited through Dubai before returning to Herat, Mr. Feroz said.The patient confirmed to have the virus was among five Afghan citizens who had been in Qom, the city where the first cases and fatalities were reported in Iran. They transited through Dubai before returning to Herat, Mr. Feroz said.
Afghanistan’s National Security Council said on Sunday that the country had suspended air and ground transport to Iran and asked for consular services to be limited to “essential humanitarian needs.” Usually, huge numbers of Afghan migrant workers travel back and forth across the border.Afghanistan’s National Security Council said on Sunday that the country had suspended air and ground transport to Iran and asked for consular services to be limited to “essential humanitarian needs.” Usually, huge numbers of Afghan migrant workers travel back and forth across the border.
Beyond that, the border between the two countries is punctured by extensive smuggling routes, leaving concern even after official measures to limit formal movement.Beyond that, the border between the two countries is punctured by extensive smuggling routes, leaving concern even after official measures to limit formal movement.
Reporting and research were contributed by Gerry Mullaeney, Aimee Ortiz, Knvul Sheikh, Matt Phillips, Emily Reub, Choe Sang-Hun, Raymond Zhong, Russell Goldman, Monica Davey, Elisabetta Povoledo, Salman Masood, Emma Bubola, Mujib Mashal, Megan Specia, Steven Lee Myers, Sui-Lee Wee, Claire Fu and Amber Wang, Javier C. Hernández, and Albee Zhang.Reporting and research were contributed by Gerry Mullaeney, Aimee Ortiz, Knvul Sheikh, Matt Phillips, Emily Reub, Choe Sang-Hun, Raymond Zhong, Russell Goldman, Monica Davey, Elisabetta Povoledo, Salman Masood, Emma Bubola, Mujib Mashal, Megan Specia, Steven Lee Myers, Sui-Lee Wee, Claire Fu and Amber Wang, Javier C. Hernández, and Albee Zhang.