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Coronavirus live updates: Trump puts Mike Pence in charge of US response, says risk to Americans 'very low' Coronavirus live updates: Trump puts Mike Pence in charge of US response, says risk to Americans 'very low'
(about 1 hour later)
Saudi Arabia bans religious tourists from entering country as WHO says virus now spreading faster outside China than in it. Follow live updatesSaudi Arabia bans religious tourists from entering country as WHO says virus now spreading faster outside China than in it. Follow live updates
We will shortly be moving this blog over to a new page. I’ll post the link to it when that happens. Before that, however, here’s a summary of recent developments.
China’s health authority has reported another drop in the number of new cases. There were 433 new confirmed cases and 29 deaths in mainland China on Wednesday.
There are 334 new cases in South Korea, mostly in Daegu.
Pakistan, Georgia, Norway, Macedonia, Greece and Romania are among countries to report their first case of coronavirus in the last day.
US vice-president Mike Pence will lead and coordinate the US’s response to the coronavirus.
President Donald Trump said the risk to Americans is “very low” but that plans are in place for a spread of the virus, which he doesn’t think is inevitable, in contradiction to US health authorities who expect to see more cases.
Anne Schuchat, deputy director of the US CDC, said “the trajectory of what we are looking at over the weeks and months ahead is very uncertain”, and authorities should “dust off” their pandemic preparedness plans.
US secretary of health and human services, Alex Azar, says “we can expect to see more cases in the US”, and while containment is working, “the degree of risk can change quickly”.
The National Institute of Health said a vaccine is at least 12-18 months away, so will not help this current outbreak, but may assist a seasonal return. The answer right now is containment.
Trump said “it’s not the right time” to extend travel restrictions to other affected countries like Italy and South Korea.
Stock markets in Asia saw mounting losses on Thursday’s open.
Prestigious sporting events are at risk, with organisers of the Six Nations, the Cheltenham Festival, the Giro d’Italia, Euro 202 and the Tokyo Olympics all monitoring the situation.
A number of countries have extended travel bans due to virus fears, including Fiji, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
From Reuters:
Fiji has extended its travel ban due to coronavirus fears. Travellers who have been in Italy, Iran and the South Korean cities of Daegu and Cheongdo will not be permitted to enter Fiji. Visitors who had been in mainland China in the last 14 days have also been forbidden entry into the Pacific nation.Fiji has extended its travel ban due to coronavirus fears. Travellers who have been in Italy, Iran and the South Korean cities of Daegu and Cheongdo will not be permitted to enter Fiji. Visitors who had been in mainland China in the last 14 days have also been forbidden entry into the Pacific nation.
There are no suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus in Fiji, but Pacific nations are fearful of how their health systems will cope were the virus to reach their shores.There are no suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus in Fiji, but Pacific nations are fearful of how their health systems will cope were the virus to reach their shores.
Ian Thorpe, the Australian Olympic swimming legend, says athletes must consider their own health before attending the Tokyo Games this year.Ian Thorpe, the Australian Olympic swimming legend, says athletes must consider their own health before attending the Tokyo Games this year.
Thorpe, whose five Olympic golds make him the most successful Australian Olympian all time, spoke out as concerns mounted about whether the Games in July and August will go ahead because of the coronavirus outbreak.Thorpe, whose five Olympic golds make him the most successful Australian Olympian all time, spoke out as concerns mounted about whether the Games in July and August will go ahead because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Here’s the full story:Here’s the full story:
New Zealand’s economy is facing a “serious impact” from the virus, according to the finance minister.New Zealand’s economy is facing a “serious impact” from the virus, according to the finance minister.
The country’s lucrative tourism industry is reliant on Chinese visitors – they spend around NZ$180m a month during the peak holiday period – but they have dried up as flights have been suspended.The country’s lucrative tourism industry is reliant on Chinese visitors – they spend around NZ$180m a month during the peak holiday period – but they have dried up as flights have been suspended.
Exports such as timber and food have also suffered.Exports such as timber and food have also suffered.
Our correspondent Eleanor Aigne Roy has the full story here:Our correspondent Eleanor Aigne Roy has the full story here:
NHK is reporting that a Japanese woman who was treated for Covid-19, confirmed as virus-free, and left hospital earlier this month has since retested positive for the disease.NHK is reporting that a Japanese woman who was treated for Covid-19, confirmed as virus-free, and left hospital earlier this month has since retested positive for the disease.
According to the report, the woman is a tour-guide in her 40s, in the city of Osaka.According to the report, the woman is a tour-guide in her 40s, in the city of Osaka.
She began feeling throat and chest pain about two weeks after leaving hospital, and after several visits to doctors, retested positive for the illness, NHK said.She began feeling throat and chest pain about two weeks after leaving hospital, and after several visits to doctors, retested positive for the illness, NHK said.
She is now in hospital and has not been to work or in contact with anyone, it said.She is now in hospital and has not been to work or in contact with anyone, it said.
The article said prefecture authorities believed she had either been reinfected or that the virus had remained in the woman and multiplied.The article said prefecture authorities believed she had either been reinfected or that the virus had remained in the woman and multiplied.
Romania has reported its first case of the virus.Romania has reported its first case of the virus.
The patient is a man who was in contact with an Italian visitor to the country last week, AFP reports.The patient is a man who was in contact with an Italian visitor to the country last week, AFP reports.
Seven other people who lived at the same address as the patient have all tested negative but emergency department official Raed Arafat said that as a precaution will still be quarantined for two weeks.Seven other people who lived at the same address as the patient have all tested negative but emergency department official Raed Arafat said that as a precaution will still be quarantined for two weeks.
A large number of the year’s prestigious sporting events are at risk as the coronavirus continues to spread around the globe, with the organisers of the Six Nations, the Cheltenham Festival, the Giro d’Italia, Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics all closely monitoring the situation after a significant increase in the number of cases worldwide.A large number of the year’s prestigious sporting events are at risk as the coronavirus continues to spread around the globe, with the organisers of the Six Nations, the Cheltenham Festival, the Giro d’Italia, Euro 2020 and the Tokyo Olympics all closely monitoring the situation after a significant increase in the number of cases worldwide.
Full report:Full report:
Losses are mounting on Asian stock markets on Thursday morning.Losses are mounting on Asian stock markets on Thursday morning.
The Nikkei is now down 1.65% in Tokyo while Seoul has dropped 0.6% in the wake of those grim new Covid-19 case numbers from South Korea. In Sydney the ASX200 is off 0.77%.The Nikkei is now down 1.65% in Tokyo while Seoul has dropped 0.6% in the wake of those grim new Covid-19 case numbers from South Korea. In Sydney the ASX200 is off 0.77%.
Hong Kong has just opened is down 0.63%. The Shanghai Composite is down 0.8% in the first few minutes of trade.Hong Kong has just opened is down 0.63%. The Shanghai Composite is down 0.8% in the first few minutes of trade.
More weak signals from the commodities markets in China where oil and iron ore futures are falling again. The latter is especially bad news for Australia because iron ore is the country’s biggest export.More weak signals from the commodities markets in China where oil and iron ore futures are falling again. The latter is especially bad news for Australia because iron ore is the country’s biggest export.
Chinese health authorities have released their figures for the virus’s spread and impact on Wednesday, recording another consecutive drop in both the number of new cases and the number of deaths.Chinese health authorities have released their figures for the virus’s spread and impact on Wednesday, recording another consecutive drop in both the number of new cases and the number of deaths.
By the end of Wednesday, mainland China reported 433 new confirmed cases, and 29 deaths, according to figures from the National Health Commission.By the end of Wednesday, mainland China reported 433 new confirmed cases, and 29 deaths, according to figures from the National Health Commission.
409 of the new cases and 26 of the deaths were in Hubei, the province at the centre of the outbreak. The Hubei city of Wuhan was the site of 383 of the cases and 19 of the deaths).409 of the new cases and 26 of the deaths were in Hubei, the province at the centre of the outbreak. The Hubei city of Wuhan was the site of 383 of the cases and 19 of the deaths).
The commission reported 508 new suspected cases across mainland China, bringing that total number to 2,358.The commission reported 508 new suspected cases across mainland China, bringing that total number to 2,358.
The country has reported a total of 78,497 confirmed cases since the known start of the outbreak.The country has reported a total of 78,497 confirmed cases since the known start of the outbreak.
There were no new reported cases in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.There were no new reported cases in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
There’s a blizzard of economic news and comment on coronavirus including Moody’s revising downwards its forecast for car sales around the world from a drop of 0.9% to -2.5%.There’s a blizzard of economic news and comment on coronavirus including Moody’s revising downwards its forecast for car sales around the world from a drop of 0.9% to -2.5%.
The rating agency says the outbreak “reduces demand and disrupts automotive supply chains”.The rating agency says the outbreak “reduces demand and disrupts automotive supply chains”.
On the general market situation, Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist, CMC Markets and Stockbroking in Sydney, says the virus issue remains “at the heart of market concerns”.On the general market situation, Michael McCarthy, chief market strategist, CMC Markets and Stockbroking in Sydney, says the virus issue remains “at the heart of market concerns”.
Stocks are still struggling but he rings the alarm on an apparent freeze in lending:Stocks are still struggling but he rings the alarm on an apparent freeze in lending:
In Australia, BIS Oxford Economics have said that weak capex figures for the fourth quarter released on Thursday morning makes it more likely that the Reserve Bank will have to reduce rates or introduce some kind of monetary easing.In Australia, BIS Oxford Economics have said that weak capex figures for the fourth quarter released on Thursday morning makes it more likely that the Reserve Bank will have to reduce rates or introduce some kind of monetary easing.
South Korea’s centre for disease control has reported a further 334 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total to 1,595 in the worst outbreaks outside of mainland China.South Korea’s centre for disease control has reported a further 334 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total to 1,595 in the worst outbreaks outside of mainland China.
307 of the new cases are in Daegu, where the church at the centre of the country’s outbreak is located.307 of the new cases are in Daegu, where the church at the centre of the country’s outbreak is located.
As flagged earlier this week, South Korea and the US have also decided to indefinitely postpone joint military drills.As flagged earlier this week, South Korea and the US have also decided to indefinitely postpone joint military drills.
From Reuters:From Reuters:
Growing concerns inside the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank about the spread of the new coronavirus have prompted the institutions to consider scaling back their Spring Meetings in April or hold them by teleconference, people familiar with the discussions said on Wednesday.Growing concerns inside the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank about the spread of the new coronavirus have prompted the institutions to consider scaling back their Spring Meetings in April or hold them by teleconference, people familiar with the discussions said on Wednesday.
The institutions’ 17-19 April Spring Meetings are scheduled to bring some 10,000 government officials, journalists, business people and civil society representatives from across the globe to a tightly packed, two-block area of downtown Washington, DC, that houses their headquarters.The institutions’ 17-19 April Spring Meetings are scheduled to bring some 10,000 government officials, journalists, business people and civil society representatives from across the globe to a tightly packed, two-block area of downtown Washington, DC, that houses their headquarters.
The virus’ spread has raised concerns inside the Fund and the World Bank that the close interactions among people from their 189 member countries at the Spring Meetings could inadvertently contribute to the problem.The virus’ spread has raised concerns inside the Fund and the World Bank that the close interactions among people from their 189 member countries at the Spring Meetings could inadvertently contribute to the problem.
Officials from both institutions and member governments said that talk of canceling the meetings outright is premature, but they are considering several options to modify them. No decisions have been made, they said, adding that much depends on efforts to contain the virus in the coming days and weeks.Officials from both institutions and member governments said that talk of canceling the meetings outright is premature, but they are considering several options to modify them. No decisions have been made, they said, adding that much depends on efforts to contain the virus in the coming days and weeks.
Options include scaling back the number of meetings, canceling external events and limiting the size of the country delegations that would travel to Washington. Another alternative is to hold “virtual” meetings by teleconference, and the institutions could still proceed with full-fledged meetings.Options include scaling back the number of meetings, canceling external events and limiting the size of the country delegations that would travel to Washington. Another alternative is to hold “virtual” meetings by teleconference, and the institutions could still proceed with full-fledged meetings.
OK, that marathon press conference from president Trump is finished. There were some mixed messages. Here’s a quick summary of what we were told, and you can read our full report from Amanda Holpuch here.OK, that marathon press conference from president Trump is finished. There were some mixed messages. Here’s a quick summary of what we were told, and you can read our full report from Amanda Holpuch here.
Vice-president Mike Pence will lead and coordinate the US’s response to the coronavirus.Vice-president Mike Pence will lead and coordinate the US’s response to the coronavirus.
Trump said the risk to Americans is “very low” but that plans are in place for a spread of the virus, which he doesn’t think is inevitable.Trump said the risk to Americans is “very low” but that plans are in place for a spread of the virus, which he doesn’t think is inevitable.
Anne Schuchat, deputy director of the US CDC said authorities should “dust off” their pandemic preparedness plans. “The trajectory of what we are looking at over the weeks and months ahead is very uncertain.”Anne Schuchat, deputy director of the US CDC said authorities should “dust off” their pandemic preparedness plans. “The trajectory of what we are looking at over the weeks and months ahead is very uncertain.”
Secretary of health and human services, Alex Azar, says “we can expect to see more cases in the US”, and while containment is working, “the degree of risk can change quickly”.Secretary of health and human services, Alex Azar, says “we can expect to see more cases in the US”, and while containment is working, “the degree of risk can change quickly”.
15 cases of coronavirus in the US, as well as three cases from Americans repatriated from Wuhan and 42 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.15 cases of coronavirus in the US, as well as three cases from Americans repatriated from Wuhan and 42 from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Trump says of the 15, eight have returned home, five have fully recovered, one is in hospital, and one is about to go home.Trump says of the 15, eight have returned home, five have fully recovered, one is in hospital, and one is about to go home.
Trump defended the low testing rate in the US (fewer than 500 so far).Trump defended the low testing rate in the US (fewer than 500 so far).
Trump said the illness was “like the flu”, except with far fewer deaths, and people just need to exercise usual hygiene measures like washing their hands. “We’ll essentially have a flu shot for this in a very quick manner.”Trump said the illness was “like the flu”, except with far fewer deaths, and people just need to exercise usual hygiene measures like washing their hands. “We’ll essentially have a flu shot for this in a very quick manner.”
The National Institute of Health said a vaccine is at least 12-18 months away, so will not help this current outbreak, but may assist a seasonal return. The answer right now is containment.The National Institute of Health said a vaccine is at least 12-18 months away, so will not help this current outbreak, but may assist a seasonal return. The answer right now is containment.
Trump said “it’s not the right time” to extend travel restrictions to other affected countries like Italy and South Korea.Trump said “it’s not the right time” to extend travel restrictions to other affected countries like Italy and South Korea.
Stocks markets in Asia Pacific have slumped again – not helped by Donald Trump’s mixed messages on the virus just now.Stocks markets in Asia Pacific have slumped again – not helped by Donald Trump’s mixed messages on the virus just now.
The ASX200 in Sydney dropped 0.5% when Trump was speaking. It had started the day flat after three straight days of losses.The ASX200 in Sydney dropped 0.5% when Trump was speaking. It had started the day flat after three straight days of losses.
The S&P500 E-mini futures also dropped 0.3% when the president spoke.The S&P500 E-mini futures also dropped 0.3% when the president spoke.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei is down 1.1% and in Seoul the Kospi is up 0.17%.In Tokyo, the Nikkei is down 1.1% and in Seoul the Kospi is up 0.17%.
Trump defends past comments, an example of which is below, criticising Obama for appointing non-medical health czars.Trump defends past comments, an example of which is below, criticising Obama for appointing non-medical health czars.
He says it’s different because Ebola was much worse and more fatal, and this is like the flu.He says it’s different because Ebola was much worse and more fatal, and this is like the flu.
He defends not appointing Azar to run point on the US’s response, saying he wants Azar to focus on his complicated work, and that Pence will work closely with Azar.He defends not appointing Azar to run point on the US’s response, saying he wants Azar to focus on his complicated work, and that Pence will work closely with Azar.
“I don’t want to spare the horses, I have very talented people and I want to use them.”“I don’t want to spare the horses, I have very talented people and I want to use them.”
Trump has been rambling a bit, blaming the federal reserve, Boeing, General Motors, and Obama, for drops in the US market.Trump has been rambling a bit, blaming the federal reserve, Boeing, General Motors, and Obama, for drops in the US market.
Q: Are you telling Americans, apart from the ones who are sick, not to change any of their behaviours?Q: Are you telling Americans, apart from the ones who are sick, not to change any of their behaviours?
A: No, you should wash your hands, you don’t have to grab every handrail, he says. Treat it like the flu. Then he tells an anecdote about a man who came up to him to say hello, and hugged Trump, and then said he was very ill, so Trump extricated himself.A: No, you should wash your hands, you don’t have to grab every handrail, he says. Treat it like the flu. Then he tells an anecdote about a man who came up to him to say hello, and hugged Trump, and then said he was very ill, so Trump extricated himself.
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Q: In the course of the last few minutes you have disputed what some of the health officials standing behind you have said. Don’t you trust them?Q: In the course of the last few minutes you have disputed what some of the health officials standing behind you have said. Don’t you trust them?
A: I haven’t disputed them. “I don’t think it’s inevitable” that there will be further outbreaks.A: I haven’t disputed them. “I don’t think it’s inevitable” that there will be further outbreaks.
“There’s a chance it could get worse, a chance it could get fairly substantially worse, but I don’t think it’s inevitable.”“There’s a chance it could get worse, a chance it could get fairly substantially worse, but I don’t think it’s inevitable.”
Italy now has 447 cases of coronavirus, according to a new report by Associated Press.Italy now has 447 cases of coronavirus, according to a new report by Associated Press.
Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte’s government appealed to European neighbours for cooperation, not isolation and discrimination. Twelve people have died amid the country’s struggle to contain the rapidly spreading outbreak.Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte’s government appealed to European neighbours for cooperation, not isolation and discrimination. Twelve people have died amid the country’s struggle to contain the rapidly spreading outbreak.