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Live updates: More infections worldwide as new coronavirus cases indicate virus is spreading in U.S. Live updates: More infections worldwide as new coronavirus cases indicate virus is spreading in U.S.
(31 minutes later)
More coronavirus infections were reported from South Korea to France to Qatar on Saturday after health officials in Washington, Oregon and California on Friday reported a worrying development: new cases among people who have not traveled recently to countries hit hard by the outbreak or come into contact with anyone known to have the disease, which public health officials refer to as community transmission. More coronavirus infections were reported from South Korea to France to Qatar on Saturday after health officials in Washington state, Oregon and California on Friday reported a worrying development: new cases among people who have not traveled recently to countries hit hard by the outbreak or come into contact with anyone known to have the disease, which public health officials refer to as community transmission.
The four new cases Friday bring the total number of covid-19 cases detected through the U.S. public health system to 19, according to the CDC. The four new cases Friday bring the total number of covid-19 cases detected through the U.S. public health system to 19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Washington State announced late Friday that a high school student in Snohomish County, just north of Seattle, tested positive for the deadly virus and was in home isolation in a suspected community transmission case. Washington health officials also said a woman in her 50s in King County tested positive after traveling to Daegu, South Korea, the site of a major coronavirus outbreak. She, too, is in home isolation. Washington state announced late Friday that a high school student in Snohomish County, just north of Seattle, tested positive for the deadly virus and was in home isolation in a suspected community transmission case. State health officials also said a woman in her 50s in King County tested positive after traveling to Daegu, South Korea, the site of a major coronavirus outbreak. She, too, is in home isolation.
Earlier Friday, Oregon health officials reported a presumptive positive test in a resident in Washington County with no known travel history or contact with infected individuals. California also reported a second case of community transmission, in Santa Clara County, after reporting the nation’s first such case, in Solano County, earlier in the week.Earlier Friday, Oregon health officials reported a presumptive positive test in a resident in Washington County with no known travel history or contact with infected individuals. California also reported a second case of community transmission, in Santa Clara County, after reporting the nation’s first such case, in Solano County, earlier in the week.
Here are the latest developments:Here are the latest developments:
Mapping the spread of the coronavirus | What you need to know about the virus | How to prepare for coronavirus in the U.S. (Spoiler: Not sick? No need to wear a mask.)Mapping the spread of the coronavirus | What you need to know about the virus | How to prepare for coronavirus in the U.S. (Spoiler: Not sick? No need to wear a mask.)
France on Saturday banned public gatherings with crowds of 5,000 or more as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus after the government announced an additional 16 cases of infection.France on Saturday banned public gatherings with crowds of 5,000 or more as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus after the government announced an additional 16 cases of infection.
“All public gatherings of more than 5,000 people in a confined space are temporarily banned across France,” Health Minister Olivier Veran told journalists, Reuters reported.“All public gatherings of more than 5,000 people in a confined space are temporarily banned across France,” Health Minister Olivier Veran told journalists, Reuters reported.
No one in France has died of coronavirus, but there are 73 confirmed infections. France’s health ministry said Saturday that the country is now preparing for an epidemic.No one in France has died of coronavirus, but there are 73 confirmed infections. France’s health ministry said Saturday that the country is now preparing for an epidemic.
While there is no vaccine for covid-19, preventive steps and awareness are the best tools to prepare and protect yourself in the event of an outbreak. Learn more here:While there is no vaccine for covid-19, preventive steps and awareness are the best tools to prepare and protect yourself in the event of an outbreak. Learn more here:
Routine care and elective surgeries — such as knee replacements and gallbladder removal — could be scaled back if the coronavirus spawns a pandemic, hospital executives are warning, delivering economic shocks to the hospital system beyond the immediate challenges of protecting health-care workers and dealing with those stricken with the virus.Routine care and elective surgeries — such as knee replacements and gallbladder removal — could be scaled back if the coronavirus spawns a pandemic, hospital executives are warning, delivering economic shocks to the hospital system beyond the immediate challenges of protecting health-care workers and dealing with those stricken with the virus.
Rural hospitals could bear the early brunt. They sit furthest from international airports and urban hubs where outbreaks are more likely, but they are at the tail end of supply chains for vital medical goods such as protective masks and gowns.Rural hospitals could bear the early brunt. They sit furthest from international airports and urban hubs where outbreaks are more likely, but they are at the tail end of supply chains for vital medical goods such as protective masks and gowns.
In addition to preparing for victims and the demands of protecting health-care workers from infection, fragile hospital networks also are readying for disruptions to the bottom line. If the spreading coronavirus puts heavy demand on health systems, billable work that keeps revenue flowing on a weekly basis to hospitals small and large will be curtailed, executives said.In addition to preparing for victims and the demands of protecting health-care workers from infection, fragile hospital networks also are readying for disruptions to the bottom line. If the spreading coronavirus puts heavy demand on health systems, billable work that keeps revenue flowing on a weekly basis to hospitals small and large will be curtailed, executives said.
The hospital industry warned policymakers this week that Congress needs to quickly pass emergency funding for the crisis and direct some of the funding to plug anticipated gaps in hospital operating budgets. In the event of widespread sickness, costs would soar for isolation rooms for infected patients, equipment and training.The hospital industry warned policymakers this week that Congress needs to quickly pass emergency funding for the crisis and direct some of the funding to plug anticipated gaps in hospital operating budgets. In the event of widespread sickness, costs would soar for isolation rooms for infected patients, equipment and training.
Read more here:Read more here:
The global coronavirus outbreak dominated headlines this week as it entered the political debate and sent markets tumbling. In response, Americans did what we always do when confronted with something new, big and scary: We dumped our anxieties into the nearest Google search bar.The global coronavirus outbreak dominated headlines this week as it entered the political debate and sent markets tumbling. In response, Americans did what we always do when confronted with something new, big and scary: We dumped our anxieties into the nearest Google search bar.
Here are a number of charts illustrating search terms that saw big jumps this week, which give a sense of our collective coronavirus-related worries, as well as a few hopes.Here are a number of charts illustrating search terms that saw big jumps this week, which give a sense of our collective coronavirus-related worries, as well as a few hopes.
One important caveat about Google trends data: It doesn’t reveal exactly how many people are searching for a given term; it just gives a sense of whether that term has risen or fallen in popularity. So to approximate absolute search volume, presumably popular search terms like “Donald Trump” and “Kim Kardashian” will serve as guide posts.One important caveat about Google trends data: It doesn’t reveal exactly how many people are searching for a given term; it just gives a sense of whether that term has risen or fallen in popularity. So to approximate absolute search volume, presumably popular search terms like “Donald Trump” and “Kim Kardashian” will serve as guide posts.
Read more here:Read more here:
As numbers of coronavirus infections continued to rise around the world, governments ramped up travel advisories for citizens and even travel bans on incoming travelers from affected countries.As numbers of coronavirus infections continued to rise around the world, governments ramped up travel advisories for citizens and even travel bans on incoming travelers from affected countries.
The U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Italy to level three, urging citizens to reconsider all nonessential travel. Italy is the center of Europe’s coronavirus outbreak, with 888 confirmed cases.The U.S. State Department raised its travel advisory for Italy to level three, urging citizens to reconsider all nonessential travel. Italy is the center of Europe’s coronavirus outbreak, with 888 confirmed cases.
Russian officials on Saturday urged citizens not to leave the country. Kuwaiti health officials have also discouraged traveling, as the small Gulf country grapples with 45 confirmed cases of the virus. Saudi Arabia likewise urged its citizens to cancel all nonessential travel to Lebanon, where four coronavirus cases have been confirmed.Russian officials on Saturday urged citizens not to leave the country. Kuwaiti health officials have also discouraged traveling, as the small Gulf country grapples with 45 confirmed cases of the virus. Saudi Arabia likewise urged its citizens to cancel all nonessential travel to Lebanon, where four coronavirus cases have been confirmed.
“In order to consider yourself protected today, first of all, possible future trips outside the native country need to be reduced as much as possible,” Anna Popova, a Russian public health official, told local news affiliates, according to Reuters.“In order to consider yourself protected today, first of all, possible future trips outside the native country need to be reduced as much as possible,” Anna Popova, a Russian public health official, told local news affiliates, according to Reuters.
Kuwait has evacuated hundreds of citizens from Iran, the regional focal point of the virus outbreak in the Middle East. The two latest cases involved people who had entered Kuwait from Iran, according to the Kuwaiti health ministry.Kuwait has evacuated hundreds of citizens from Iran, the regional focal point of the virus outbreak in the Middle East. The two latest cases involved people who had entered Kuwait from Iran, according to the Kuwaiti health ministry.
Following the case of a woman who tested positive for the virus who had recently returned to Australia from Iran, the Australian government is imposing a travel ban on Iran to begin March 1.Following the case of a woman who tested positive for the virus who had recently returned to Australia from Iran, the Australian government is imposing a travel ban on Iran to begin March 1.
After that date, Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters Saturday, Australian travelers returning from Iran will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days after their arrival.After that date, Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters Saturday, Australian travelers returning from Iran will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days after their arrival.
All non-citizens, non-permanent residents and those who are not family of Australian citizens and permanent residents will be denied entry into the country unless their departure from Iran occurred more than 14 days before their arrival date in Australia.All non-citizens, non-permanent residents and those who are not family of Australian citizens and permanent residents will be denied entry into the country unless their departure from Iran occurred more than 14 days before their arrival date in Australia.
Travelers who fit this category will be required to spend 14 days in another country before being granted permission to enter Australia.Travelers who fit this category will be required to spend 14 days in another country before being granted permission to enter Australia.
“There is likely at this stage a high level of undetected cases, and therefore those cases won’t be intercepted or identified on departure from Iran,” Hunt said.“There is likely at this stage a high level of undetected cases, and therefore those cases won’t be intercepted or identified on departure from Iran,” Hunt said.
BAGHDAD — Qatar announced its first case of coronavirus Saturday, days after the country’s ruler ordered the evacuation of its citizens from Iran.BAGHDAD — Qatar announced its first case of coronavirus Saturday, days after the country’s ruler ordered the evacuation of its citizens from Iran.
The country’s state-run news agency did not provide further details about the individual’s background or travel history.The country’s state-run news agency did not provide further details about the individual’s background or travel history.
The Qatari government announced Thursday that it had completed the evacuation of its citizens from Iran, the focal point of the region’s outbreak. “A hotel has been set up as a quarantine facility to be used by the Qatari citizens for a 14 day period and will be cared for and monitored by medical,” the Government Communications Office said. “They have arrived in Doha.”The Qatari government announced Thursday that it had completed the evacuation of its citizens from Iran, the focal point of the region’s outbreak. “A hotel has been set up as a quarantine facility to be used by the Qatari citizens for a 14 day period and will be cared for and monitored by medical,” the Government Communications Office said. “They have arrived in Doha.”
Qatar is one of a growing number of Middle Eastern states to publicly announce the detection of coronavirus, and Iraq said Friday a sixth citizen had tested positive.Qatar is one of a growing number of Middle Eastern states to publicly announce the detection of coronavirus, and Iraq said Friday a sixth citizen had tested positive.
Although the Baghdad government has ordered a temporary shuttering of public spaces including cafes and cinemas, the capital’s streets were still busy Friday night as residents wore protective masks but did not stay home.Although the Baghdad government has ordered a temporary shuttering of public spaces including cafes and cinemas, the capital’s streets were still busy Friday night as residents wore protective masks but did not stay home.
The arrival of coronavirus in Baghdad has even delayed the formation of a new government: Parliament announced last week that a planned vote on the new cabinet would not be possible Saturday, since the chamber was being disinfected.The arrival of coronavirus in Baghdad has even delayed the formation of a new government: Parliament announced last week that a planned vote on the new cabinet would not be possible Saturday, since the chamber was being disinfected.
PARIS — France confirmed 19 additional cases of coronavirus late Friday, bringing the national total to 57. Health officials warned that an epidemic was now imminent.PARIS — France confirmed 19 additional cases of coronavirus late Friday, bringing the national total to 57. Health officials warned that an epidemic was now imminent.
“We are preparing for an epidemic,” French Health Minister Olivier Véran said. He added that “we are now moving to stage two. The virus is circulating in our country and we must stop its spread.”“We are preparing for an epidemic,” French Health Minister Olivier Véran said. He added that “we are now moving to stage two. The virus is circulating in our country and we must stop its spread.”
Twenty additional cases had been confirmed in France late Thursday; the new 19 cases were diagnosed in the 24 hours since then.Twenty additional cases had been confirmed in France late Thursday; the new 19 cases were diagnosed in the 24 hours since then.
Authorities on Saturday were still struggling to identify the initial source of an outbreak in the Oise region north of Paris, with particular attention being paid to links between the Creil military base in that region and the nearby Charles de Gaulle international airport, one of the busiest passenger airports in Europe.Authorities on Saturday were still struggling to identify the initial source of an outbreak in the Oise region north of Paris, with particular attention being paid to links between the Creil military base in that region and the nearby Charles de Gaulle international airport, one of the busiest passenger airports in Europe.
On Friday, France’s Le Monde newspaper, citing airport security officials, reported that one airport worker who lives in the Val d’Oise region had tested positive for the virus.On Friday, France’s Le Monde newspaper, citing airport security officials, reported that one airport worker who lives in the Val d’Oise region had tested positive for the virus.
The rapidly growing numbers of coronavirus cases come at a time of general malaise among public health workers in France. Earlier this year, hundreds of hospital department heads resigned over complaints about insufficient resources and staffing.The rapidly growing numbers of coronavirus cases come at a time of general malaise among public health workers in France. Earlier this year, hundreds of hospital department heads resigned over complaints about insufficient resources and staffing.
“We are facing an epidemic that will affect the whole system and will very quickly impose a reorganization of care,” Xavier Lescure, an infectious disease specialist at Bichat hospital, one of the three designated coronavirus treatment hospitals in the Paris region, told Le Monde.“We are facing an epidemic that will affect the whole system and will very quickly impose a reorganization of care,” Xavier Lescure, an infectious disease specialist at Bichat hospital, one of the three designated coronavirus treatment hospitals in the Paris region, told Le Monde.
ISTANBUL — Iran on Saturday confirmed more than 200 new cases of the coronavirus — as well as nine deaths — amid a widening outbreak that has put other Mideast nations at risk.ISTANBUL — Iran on Saturday confirmed more than 200 new cases of the coronavirus — as well as nine deaths — amid a widening outbreak that has put other Mideast nations at risk.
At least 205 new infections appeared in Iran in the last 24 hours, including in provinces with no previous known cases, bringing the total number of patients to 593, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said.At least 205 new infections appeared in Iran in the last 24 hours, including in provinces with no previous known cases, bringing the total number of patients to 593, Health Ministry spokesman Kianush Jahanpur said.
The death toll from the virus, which causes the disease known as covid-19, rose to 43, Jahanpur said. Iran has suffered the highest number of deaths from virus outside of China, where it originated in December. It was first detected in the Iranian holy city of Qom earlier this month.The death toll from the virus, which causes the disease known as covid-19, rose to 43, Jahanpur said. Iran has suffered the highest number of deaths from virus outside of China, where it originated in December. It was first detected in the Iranian holy city of Qom earlier this month.
Jahanpur and other officials have warned citizens that the number of cases will rise in the coming days and weeks. In Iran, several senior officials have also been infected, including a vice president, the deputy health minister and as many as four parliamentarians. A former ambassador to the Vatican also died this week after contracting the virus.Jahanpur and other officials have warned citizens that the number of cases will rise in the coming days and weeks. In Iran, several senior officials have also been infected, including a vice president, the deputy health minister and as many as four parliamentarians. A former ambassador to the Vatican also died this week after contracting the virus.
Authorities suspended the activities of parliament, banned Friday prayers in multiple cities and shuttered schools and theaters in an effort to contain the outbreak.Authorities suspended the activities of parliament, banned Friday prayers in multiple cities and shuttered schools and theaters in an effort to contain the outbreak.
TOKYO — Acknowledging widespread public criticism of the government’s handling of the coronavirus epidemic, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said it had been a “tough” but necessary decision to request schools across the country to close in March and also promised to expand and enhance virus testing capacity.TOKYO — Acknowledging widespread public criticism of the government’s handling of the coronavirus epidemic, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said it had been a “tough” but necessary decision to request schools across the country to close in March and also promised to expand and enhance virus testing capacity.
“We understand that people have various views and criticism to any decisions made by the government that would directly affect your lives,” Abe said at a televised news conference on Saturday. “Of course, we need to sincerely listen to your voices. However, as the prime minister of Japan, I need to protect the lives and health of the people.”“We understand that people have various views and criticism to any decisions made by the government that would directly affect your lives,” Abe said at a televised news conference on Saturday. “Of course, we need to sincerely listen to your voices. However, as the prime minister of Japan, I need to protect the lives and health of the people.”
Abe reiterated the government’s view that the next one to two weeks are a critical time to curb the speed at which the new coronavirus will spread around Japan and said the government “must never allow a mass infection” of children at school.Abe reiterated the government’s view that the next one to two weeks are a critical time to curb the speed at which the new coronavirus will spread around Japan and said the government “must never allow a mass infection” of children at school.
“The closure of schools will put a burden on parents, especially families with small children,” he said. “I understand the difficulties these people will have to go through, yet we need to put children’s health and safety first.”“The closure of schools will put a burden on parents, especially families with small children,” he said. “I understand the difficulties these people will have to go through, yet we need to put children’s health and safety first.”
Abe pledged additional spending to tackle the impact of the virus, as well as an expansion of child care services.Abe pledged additional spending to tackle the impact of the virus, as well as an expansion of child care services.
Abe’s government has also been widely criticized for a shortage of virus tests, which has left doctors around the country unable to get tests for patients they believe could be infected.Abe’s government has also been widely criticized for a shortage of virus tests, which has left doctors around the country unable to get tests for patients they believe could be infected.
Abe vowed to increase testing capacity so anyone who doctors felt needed a test could obtain one and also pledged to roll out a new test in March that could give results in 15 minutes. He said three drugs are being used to treat patients with the virus.Abe vowed to increase testing capacity so anyone who doctors felt needed a test could obtain one and also pledged to roll out a new test in March that could give results in 15 minutes. He said three drugs are being used to treat patients with the virus.
“All those drugs have been confirmed to have efficacy to a certain degree in the basic study using new coronavirus,” he said. “Therefore, we will use them with the consent of patients so as to develop therapeutic drugs as soon as possible.”“All those drugs have been confirmed to have efficacy to a certain degree in the basic study using new coronavirus,” he said. “Therefore, we will use them with the consent of patients so as to develop therapeutic drugs as soon as possible.”
Japan has more than 200 confirmed coronavirus cases, not including more than 700 people from the Diamond Princess, but medical experts believe the real number of infections is significantly higher.Japan has more than 200 confirmed coronavirus cases, not including more than 700 people from the Diamond Princess, but medical experts believe the real number of infections is significantly higher.
Read more here.Read more here.
BAGHDAD — Saudi Arabia urged citizens Saturday not to travel to Lebanon, after the number of confirmed coronavirus edged steadily upward.BAGHDAD — Saudi Arabia urged citizens Saturday not to travel to Lebanon, after the number of confirmed coronavirus edged steadily upward.
In a statement, the Saudi Embassy in Beirut asked Saudi nationals to postpone non-urgent travel and, if in Lebanon, stay away from crowded places, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.In a statement, the Saudi Embassy in Beirut asked Saudi nationals to postpone non-urgent travel and, if in Lebanon, stay away from crowded places, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.
Lebanon confirmed its fourth coronavirus on Friday, with Beirut’s Rafik Hariri Hospital describing the individual as a Syrian national, now in quarantine. It was unclear whether she had recently traveled to China or Iran, where many other cases appear to have been contracted.Lebanon confirmed its fourth coronavirus on Friday, with Beirut’s Rafik Hariri Hospital describing the individual as a Syrian national, now in quarantine. It was unclear whether she had recently traveled to China or Iran, where many other cases appear to have been contracted.
Lebanon is in the throes of its worst economic crisis since its civil war and the downturn has hit the health care system hard. As foreign reserves evaporate, doctors have staged sit-ins at hospitals to warn that lifesaving medicines are in short supply. Health care professionals have also pointed to an increasing shortage of medical equipment.Lebanon is in the throes of its worst economic crisis since its civil war and the downturn has hit the health care system hard. As foreign reserves evaporate, doctors have staged sit-ins at hospitals to warn that lifesaving medicines are in short supply. Health care professionals have also pointed to an increasing shortage of medical equipment.
The Lebanese government has been slow to react to the spread of coronavirus, only stopping flights from affected countries on Friday, a week after the first case was confirmed there. Shortly afterward, Lebanon’s education ministry announced Friday that it would close all universities and schools until March 8, as a precautionary measure.The Lebanese government has been slow to react to the spread of coronavirus, only stopping flights from affected countries on Friday, a week after the first case was confirmed there. Shortly afterward, Lebanon’s education ministry announced Friday that it would close all universities and schools until March 8, as a precautionary measure.
“In the interest of the health of students and their families ... the minister of education Dr. Tarek Majzoub requests all educational institutions including kindergartens, schools, high schools, vocational institutions and universities to close,” the education ministry said in a statement.“In the interest of the health of students and their families ... the minister of education Dr. Tarek Majzoub requests all educational institutions including kindergartens, schools, high schools, vocational institutions and universities to close,” the education ministry said in a statement.
South Korean health officials on Saturday reported the country’s biggest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases since infections there began to surge earlier this month.South Korean health officials on Saturday reported the country’s biggest single-day increase in new coronavirus cases since infections there began to surge earlier this month.
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had confirmed 594 new cases, bringing the country’s total number of infections to nearly 3,000. Before Saturday, South Korea had not tallied more than 334 new cases in a single day, according to the KCDC.The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had confirmed 594 new cases, bringing the country’s total number of infections to nearly 3,000. Before Saturday, South Korea had not tallied more than 334 new cases in a single day, according to the KCDC.
Seventeen people have died from the novel virus in South Korea, and 27 have recovered, according to the country’s health officials.Seventeen people have died from the novel virus in South Korea, and 27 have recovered, according to the country’s health officials.
Nearly all of the new cases came from the sprawling southeastern city of Daegu, where earlier in February officials linked a sudden burst of infections to an obscure church.Nearly all of the new cases came from the sprawling southeastern city of Daegu, where earlier in February officials linked a sudden burst of infections to an obscure church.
South Korean vice health minister Kim Kang-lip said the country has reached a “critical moment” in stopping the spread of the virus, and advised citizens to refrain from going outside or taking part in public events this weekend, as Reuters reported.South Korean vice health minister Kim Kang-lip said the country has reached a “critical moment” in stopping the spread of the virus, and advised citizens to refrain from going outside or taking part in public events this weekend, as Reuters reported.
BEIJING — Taiwan on Saturday reported five new confirmed coronavirus cases, including nurses and a cleaner working at a hospital and a woman who began showing symptoms while traveling through the Middle East.BEIJING — Taiwan on Saturday reported five new confirmed coronavirus cases, including nurses and a cleaner working at a hospital and a woman who began showing symptoms while traveling through the Middle East.
Including the five, Taiwan’s case count now stands at 39.Including the five, Taiwan’s case count now stands at 39.
Three nurses became infected while treating a coronavirus patient at an emergency ward, and one of the nurses came in contact with the cleaner, who subsequently contracted the disease, Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center said.Three nurses became infected while treating a coronavirus patient at an emergency ward, and one of the nurses came in contact with the cleaner, who subsequently contracted the disease, Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center said.
In a statement, the command center did not positively pinpoint where the fifth case, a woman in her 60s, contracted the illness but noted that she was in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt between Jan. 29 and Feb. 21, when she began coughing. Authorities are now following up with other people she traveled with.In a statement, the command center did not positively pinpoint where the fifth case, a woman in her 60s, contracted the illness but noted that she was in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt between Jan. 29 and Feb. 21, when she began coughing. Authorities are now following up with other people she traveled with.
The Emirates, a regional transportation hub with a significant population of Chinese businesspeople, has seen a slight uptick in cases, with the total reaching 21 on Friday. Several of its other cases include travelers from Iran, where officials have reported at least 245 cases.The Emirates, a regional transportation hub with a significant population of Chinese businesspeople, has seen a slight uptick in cases, with the total reaching 21 on Friday. Several of its other cases include travelers from Iran, where officials have reported at least 245 cases.
BEIJING — China reported its lowest manufacturing numbers on record for the month of February, as the epidemic-stricken economy ground to an unprecedented standstill.BEIJING — China reported its lowest manufacturing numbers on record for the month of February, as the epidemic-stricken economy ground to an unprecedented standstill.
China’s National Statistics Bureau said Saturday that the Purchasing Managers’ Index plummeted to 35.7, a reading below the previous record low of 38.8 in November 2008, during the global financial crisis. Any reading below 50 signals that manufacturing activity contracted.China’s National Statistics Bureau said Saturday that the Purchasing Managers’ Index plummeted to 35.7, a reading below the previous record low of 38.8 in November 2008, during the global financial crisis. Any reading below 50 signals that manufacturing activity contracted.
Aside from languishing factories, the services industry also reported record-low activity, the statistics bureau reported.Aside from languishing factories, the services industry also reported record-low activity, the statistics bureau reported.
“There was a plunge in demand for consumer industries,” the bureau said, noting a deep freeze in restaurants, transportation and tourism.“There was a plunge in demand for consumer industries,” the bureau said, noting a deep freeze in restaurants, transportation and tourism.
The extent of the historic drop will likely fuel fears that China will struggle to mount a swift economic recovery, with knock-on effects for the rest of the world. China’s factories remain at the heart of the global supply chain.The extent of the historic drop will likely fuel fears that China will struggle to mount a swift economic recovery, with knock-on effects for the rest of the world. China’s factories remain at the heart of the global supply chain.
Chinese monetary authorities have promised to take drastic action to jump-start the economy, including breaking ground on massive new infrastructure projects. The government is also pressuring banks to pump out loans and landlords to forgive late payments to help businesses back on their feet.Chinese monetary authorities have promised to take drastic action to jump-start the economy, including breaking ground on massive new infrastructure projects. The government is also pressuring banks to pump out loans and landlords to forgive late payments to help businesses back on their feet.
Chinese manufacturers say they have had difficulty staffing factories with their rural employees reluctant to return to work and in some cases even running into logistical difficulties, such as quarantine controls and roadblocks erected by fearful communities.Chinese manufacturers say they have had difficulty staffing factories with their rural employees reluctant to return to work and in some cases even running into logistical difficulties, such as quarantine controls and roadblocks erected by fearful communities.
In recent weeks, the state railway and other transportation authorities have been chartering trains and buses to shuttle workers from the countryside back to factories. An economic planning official said this week that three-fourths of industrial firms have restarted production.In recent weeks, the state railway and other transportation authorities have been chartering trains and buses to shuttle workers from the countryside back to factories. An economic planning official said this week that three-fourths of industrial firms have restarted production.