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Coronavirus Updates: Doubts Cast on U.S. Testing Capacity Coronavirus Updates: Washington State Coronavirus Toll Rises as Earlier Death Is Tied to the Virus
(32 minutes later)
Read updates in Chinese: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息Read updates in Chinese: 新冠病毒疫情最新消息
A person who died last week in a Seattle hospital had the coronavirus, tests have shown, marking the earliest known fatality from the infection in the United States, and raising the death toll in the country to seven.
The person was brought to Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center on Feb. 24 and died two days later, on Wednesday, before a crisis in the state began unfolding over the weekend.
Susan Gregg, a spokeswoman for the hospital, said on Tuesday that test samples from the person, who was a resident of the same nursing home that has had a number of coronavirus cases and deaths, have tested positive for the virus.
“In coordination with Public Health, we have determined that some staff may have been exposed while working in an intensive care unit where the patient had been treated,” Ms. Gregg said.
The confirmation of another death adds to an escalating emergency in a region that has rapidly emerged as a focal point for the virus in the United States. All of the U.S. deaths so far have been in the Seattle area.
The other deaths, all announced over the last few days, included residents of a nursing care facility in Kirkland, a Seattle suburb. Four other people who have tested positive for the virus in the area were in critical condition, officials said.
Officials in Washington State were rushing to take steps to contain the spread. Health officials were asking the State Legislature for an additional $100 million in funding to help respond to the virus. Some leaders were weighing more widespread closings of events, and around Seattle, immediate steps were being taken.
In King County, officials were in the process of purchasing a motel in the region that could house people needing isolation. They were also working to repurpose modular homes that had been originally meant to be used by homeless people.
The number of people in Iran infected by the coronavirus surged past 2,300, the death toll rose to 77, and the country’s head of Parliament said that nearly two dozen lawmakers had tested positive and should avoid meeting with members of the public, the authorities announced on Tuesday.The number of people in Iran infected by the coronavirus surged past 2,300, the death toll rose to 77, and the country’s head of Parliament said that nearly two dozen lawmakers had tested positive and should avoid meeting with members of the public, the authorities announced on Tuesday.
The new tallies were reported as the judiciary, apparently hoping to minimize the risk of contagion in Iran’s penal system, said it had temporarily freed more than 54,000 prisoners considered to be symptom-free. But it was unclear from announcement how many of the prisoners had actually been tested, given the shortage of testing equipment in Iran.The new tallies were reported as the judiciary, apparently hoping to minimize the risk of contagion in Iran’s penal system, said it had temporarily freed more than 54,000 prisoners considered to be symptom-free. But it was unclear from announcement how many of the prisoners had actually been tested, given the shortage of testing equipment in Iran.
Gholamhossein Esmaili, a judiciary spokesman, who announced the prisoner releases, did not specify whether any of the reported cases or deaths so far have included prisoners.Gholamhossein Esmaili, a judiciary spokesman, who announced the prisoner releases, did not specify whether any of the reported cases or deaths so far have included prisoners.
Iran now has 2,336 reported cases, more than any country other than China and South Korea, and 11 more people have died, according to figures cited by the deputy health minister, Alireza Raisi, on state TV.Iran now has 2,336 reported cases, more than any country other than China and South Korea, and 11 more people have died, according to figures cited by the deputy health minister, Alireza Raisi, on state TV.
State news media reported on Tuesday that Ahmad Toysarkani, an adviser to the judiciary, was among those who had died. The virus has been felt at the highest levels of Iranian society, with Masoumeh Ebtekar, the president’s deputy for women’s affairs and the highest-ranking woman in the government, among those who have become infected.State news media reported on Tuesday that Ahmad Toysarkani, an adviser to the judiciary, was among those who had died. The virus has been felt at the highest levels of Iranian society, with Masoumeh Ebtekar, the president’s deputy for women’s affairs and the highest-ranking woman in the government, among those who have become infected.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, was pictured in state news media wearing plastic gloves, and he told the Iranian people to follow medical advice to help combat the outbreak, saying anything that “facilitates its spread is a sin.”Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, was pictured in state news media wearing plastic gloves, and he told the Iranian people to follow medical advice to help combat the outbreak, saying anything that “facilitates its spread is a sin.”
Health care supply companies and public health officials have cast doubt on the federal government’s assurances of greatly ramped-up testing for the virus, as complaints continue that the need for testing remains far greater than the capacity.Health care supply companies and public health officials have cast doubt on the federal government’s assurances of greatly ramped-up testing for the virus, as complaints continue that the need for testing remains far greater than the capacity.
“The estimates we’re getting from industry right now, by the end of this week, close to a million tests will be able to be performed,” the head of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Stephen Hahn, said at a White House briefing on Monday.“The estimates we’re getting from industry right now, by the end of this week, close to a million tests will be able to be performed,” the head of the Food and Drug Administration, Dr. Stephen Hahn, said at a White House briefing on Monday.
But some companies developing tests say their products are still weeks away from approval.But some companies developing tests say their products are still weeks away from approval.
And even if a million test kits were available, public health laboratories say they would not be able to process nearly that many within a week. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday that public health labs currently can test 15,000 people daily, though that figure is expected to grow.And even if a million test kits were available, public health laboratories say they would not be able to process nearly that many within a week. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services said on Monday that public health labs currently can test 15,000 people daily, though that figure is expected to grow.
Across the United States, the number of cases has climbed to more than 100, with six deaths linked to the virus and infected patients in more than a dozen states, as local health authorities from coast to coast raced to assess the risk to schools, medical centers and businesses. Across the United States, the number of cases has climbed to more than 100, with seven deaths linked to the virus and infected patients in more than a dozen states, as local health authorities from coast to coast raced to assess the risk to schools, medical centers and businesses.
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The F.D.A. said that Dr. Hahn was taking into account the anticipated, increased production of test kits by an outside manufacturer, Integrated DNA Technologies, which is now selling kits to the federal government and other buyers.The F.D.A. said that Dr. Hahn was taking into account the anticipated, increased production of test kits by an outside manufacturer, Integrated DNA Technologies, which is now selling kits to the federal government and other buyers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention botched the first attempt to mass produce a diagnostic kit, a discovery made only after hundreds of kits had been shipped to state laboratories. A promised replacement took several weeks, and still did not permit state and local laboratories to make final diagnoses.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention botched the first attempt to mass produce a diagnostic kit, a discovery made only after hundreds of kits had been shipped to state laboratories. A promised replacement took several weeks, and still did not permit state and local laboratories to make final diagnoses.
Dr. Hahn said actions taken by his agency to allow private labs and companies to begin making their own tests would greatly expand the capacity to test.Dr. Hahn said actions taken by his agency to allow private labs and companies to begin making their own tests would greatly expand the capacity to test.
The Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by half a point on Tuesday as fears about the economic fallout of the coronavirus mounted.The Federal Reserve slashed interest rates by half a point on Tuesday as fears about the economic fallout of the coronavirus mounted.
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The move underlines the fraught moment economic policymakers in the United States and around the world currently face.The move underlines the fraught moment economic policymakers in the United States and around the world currently face.
Stocks in the United States rallied immediately after the Fed’s move, but those gains then faded.Stocks in the United States rallied immediately after the Fed’s move, but those gains then faded.
The S&P 500 was erratic after having spiked more than 1 percent immediately after the announcement. Britain’s FTSE 100 and Germany’s DAX were about 2 percent higher.The S&P 500 was erratic after having spiked more than 1 percent immediately after the announcement. Britain’s FTSE 100 and Germany’s DAX were about 2 percent higher.
Investors have been watching for any sign of action from the world’s central banks in battling the economic impact of the coronavirus.Investors have been watching for any sign of action from the world’s central banks in battling the economic impact of the coronavirus.
Before the Fed’s announcement, central bankers and political leaders of the world’s economic powers on Tuesday expressed their resolve to combat economic damage from the coronavirus, but stopped short of promising interest rate cuts or other immediate rescue measures.Before the Fed’s announcement, central bankers and political leaders of the world’s economic powers on Tuesday expressed their resolve to combat economic damage from the coronavirus, but stopped short of promising interest rate cuts or other immediate rescue measures.
The joint statement of solidarity showed that the leaders of the so-called G7 nations, which also includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, are capable of cooperation. But the statement fell short of the more aggressive action that investors have been hoping for and that many economists say is needed to prevent the virus outbreak from undermining global growth.The joint statement of solidarity showed that the leaders of the so-called G7 nations, which also includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, are capable of cooperation. But the statement fell short of the more aggressive action that investors have been hoping for and that many economists say is needed to prevent the virus outbreak from undermining global growth.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Tuesday morning a second confirmed case of the coronavirus in New York, saying that a man in his 50s in Westchester County, just outside of New York City, had tested positive.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Tuesday morning a second confirmed case of the coronavirus in New York, saying that a man in his 50s in Westchester County, just outside of New York City, had tested positive.
The patient had no history of recent travel to any known places where the virus is spreading and had not come into contact with other infected people, suggesting that the pathogen is spreading locally.The patient had no history of recent travel to any known places where the virus is spreading and had not come into contact with other infected people, suggesting that the pathogen is spreading locally.
The patient, whose test was confirmed overnight in New York City, is a lawyer who works in Manhattan and lives in New Rochelle.The patient, whose test was confirmed overnight in New York City, is a lawyer who works in Manhattan and lives in New Rochelle.
Health authorities in New York are now scrambling to try to trace the chain of transmission in both directions. They are trying to learn who he was infected from and to whom might he have passed it on.Health authorities in New York are now scrambling to try to trace the chain of transmission in both directions. They are trying to learn who he was infected from and to whom might he have passed it on.
“City and State disease detectives are working closely to identify close contacts and the appropriate next steps,” Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York said in a statement.“City and State disease detectives are working closely to identify close contacts and the appropriate next steps,” Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York said in a statement.
A school attended by one of the Westchester man’s children was closed on Tuesday.A school attended by one of the Westchester man’s children was closed on Tuesday.
On Sunday, officials announced the state’s first case, a 39-year-old woman in Manhattan who had been visiting Iran, one of the epicenters of the virus’s rapid worldwide spread.On Sunday, officials announced the state’s first case, a 39-year-old woman in Manhattan who had been visiting Iran, one of the epicenters of the virus’s rapid worldwide spread.
Governor Cuomo said that the news of a second New York patient should not be a cause for alarm, reiterating that health officials had expected that the disease would be found in multiple locations around the state and that it would be likely to spread.Governor Cuomo said that the news of a second New York patient should not be a cause for alarm, reiterating that health officials had expected that the disease would be found in multiple locations around the state and that it would be likely to spread.
Symptoms of the infection include fever, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea.Symptoms of the infection include fever, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea.
Serious cases cause lung lesions and pneumonia. But milder cases may resemble the flu or a cold, making detection difficult.Serious cases cause lung lesions and pneumonia. But milder cases may resemble the flu or a cold, making detection difficult.
Current estimates suggest that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days after exposure.Current estimates suggest that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days after exposure.
And while the symptoms are similar, the coronavirus seems to be more deadly than the seasonal flu.And while the symptoms are similar, the coronavirus seems to be more deadly than the seasonal flu.
If you think you’re sick, stay home, except to get medical care. If you have symptoms, the C.D.C recommends that you call a medical professional if you have recently been in an area with a coronavirus outbreak, or have had close contact with someone who has been to such an area.If you think you’re sick, stay home, except to get medical care. If you have symptoms, the C.D.C recommends that you call a medical professional if you have recently been in an area with a coronavirus outbreak, or have had close contact with someone who has been to such an area.
The Homeland Security Department has ordered its office in King County, Wash., to close for 14 days after learning that an employee had visited a relative at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, the nursing home linked to four coronavirus deaths in the state.The Homeland Security Department has ordered its office in King County, Wash., to close for 14 days after learning that an employee had visited a relative at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, the nursing home linked to four coronavirus deaths in the state.
Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, told a House committee that he had also directed employees at the office to self-quarantine for 14 days.Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, told a House committee that he had also directed employees at the office to self-quarantine for 14 days.
After the deaths at the nursing home, which is near Seattle, the state authorities said that they intended to open isolation centers to limit the further spread of the virus.After the deaths at the nursing home, which is near Seattle, the state authorities said that they intended to open isolation centers to limit the further spread of the virus.
So far, 14 people have tested positive for the virus in Washington State. But in a sign that the virus was spreading locally, officials said that in at least a dozen cases, they were unaware of any connection to overseas travel that might explain the origin of the infection.So far, 14 people have tested positive for the virus in Washington State. But in a sign that the virus was spreading locally, officials said that in at least a dozen cases, they were unaware of any connection to overseas travel that might explain the origin of the infection.
All of the six U.S. fatalities so far have been in Washington State. All of the seven U.S. fatalities so far have been in Washington State.
In Oregon, dozens of staff members at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro have been placed on paid furlough after coming in contact with coronavirus patients there. They have been asked to remain in self-isolation at home for 14 days, officials with Kaiser Permanente said.In Oregon, dozens of staff members at Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center in Hillsboro have been placed on paid furlough after coming in contact with coronavirus patients there. They have been asked to remain in self-isolation at home for 14 days, officials with Kaiser Permanente said.
In response to the epidemic, the government of India on Tuesday curbed exports of 26 drugs and drug ingredients, including a wide range of antibiotics and certain vitamins, meaning that the new coronavirus could soon have ripple effects on people worldwide with other ailments.In response to the epidemic, the government of India on Tuesday curbed exports of 26 drugs and drug ingredients, including a wide range of antibiotics and certain vitamins, meaning that the new coronavirus could soon have ripple effects on people worldwide with other ailments.
The world relies heavily on India’s huge pharmaceutical industry for generic drugs, but Indian officials are concerned about safeguarding the supply for their own country.The world relies heavily on India’s huge pharmaceutical industry for generic drugs, but Indian officials are concerned about safeguarding the supply for their own country.
Indian drug makers depend on Chinese factories for key drug ingredients, particularly for antibiotics and vitamins. The Covid-19 outbreak in China and quarantine of Hubei province, where much of the production is centered, has severely hampered China’s ability to produce those ingredients.Indian drug makers depend on Chinese factories for key drug ingredients, particularly for antibiotics and vitamins. The Covid-19 outbreak in China and quarantine of Hubei province, where much of the production is centered, has severely hampered China’s ability to produce those ingredients.
Although Indian companies had stockpiled extra ingredients ahead of the annual Lunar New Year holiday, those reserves are now running low.Although Indian companies had stockpiled extra ingredients ahead of the annual Lunar New Year holiday, those reserves are now running low.
It’s unclear whether India’s exports of the specified drugs will be completely stopped. The government’s order said that exports of the drugs are restricted, which means a government permit is required before they can be shipped out of the country.It’s unclear whether India’s exports of the specified drugs will be completely stopped. The government’s order said that exports of the drugs are restricted, which means a government permit is required before they can be shipped out of the country.
The antibiotics facing export limits are tinidazole, metronidazole, chloramphenicol, erythromycin salts, neomycin, clindamycin salts and ornidazole.The antibiotics facing export limits are tinidazole, metronidazole, chloramphenicol, erythromycin salts, neomycin, clindamycin salts and ornidazole.
Other drugs on the restricted list include the painkiller acetaminophen, the hormone progesterone, the antiviral drug aciclovir, and the vitamins B1, B6 and B12.Other drugs on the restricted list include the painkiller acetaminophen, the hormone progesterone, the antiviral drug aciclovir, and the vitamins B1, B6 and B12.
Many of the more than 120 American evacuees from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan were set to be released from quarantine on Tuesday from a military base in Texas, after state and local officials said the C.D.C. modified its release protocol in response to their concerns.Many of the more than 120 American evacuees from the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan were set to be released from quarantine on Tuesday from a military base in Texas, after state and local officials said the C.D.C. modified its release protocol in response to their concerns.
The former passengers have been at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for roughly two weeks since being evacuated from the cruise ship. Those being released have tested negative for the virus and have not shown symptoms while in quarantine.The former passengers have been at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio for roughly two weeks since being evacuated from the cruise ship. Those being released have tested negative for the virus and have not shown symptoms while in quarantine.
They were scheduled to go home on Monday, but their release was delayed at the urging of San Antonio and Texas state officials.They were scheduled to go home on Monday, but their release was delayed at the urging of San Antonio and Texas state officials.
Their concerns stemmed from the case of a woman who had been quarantined and tested positive for the virus, but after treatment tested negative twice. She was released on Saturday, but then tested “weakly positive” officials said, raising questions about the accuracy of the test and the possibility of cases recurring.Their concerns stemmed from the case of a woman who had been quarantined and tested positive for the virus, but after treatment tested negative twice. She was released on Saturday, but then tested “weakly positive” officials said, raising questions about the accuracy of the test and the possibility of cases recurring.
The C.D.C. returned her to isolation, but not before she had stayed at a hotel, visited shops at the North Star Mall and eaten at the mall’s food court.The C.D.C. returned her to isolation, but not before she had stayed at a hotel, visited shops at the North Star Mall and eaten at the mall’s food court.
San Antonio officials declared a public health emergency stating that no previously quarantined person was allowed to enter the city. The city tried and failed to obtain a federal court order barring the C.D.C. from releasing more people.San Antonio officials declared a public health emergency stating that no previously quarantined person was allowed to enter the city. The city tried and failed to obtain a federal court order barring the C.D.C. from releasing more people.
None of those released on Tuesday will stay at local hotels, city officials said, but instead will be taken on buses from the air base to the airport.None of those released on Tuesday will stay at local hotels, city officials said, but instead will be taken on buses from the air base to the airport.
Quarantined people who have been infected must be symptom-free and have two negative test results within 24 hours to be eligible for release.Quarantined people who have been infected must be symptom-free and have two negative test results within 24 hours to be eligible for release.
A fifth of the British work force could be out sick at the peak of a coronavirus outbreak. The police, hamstrung by virus-related staffing shortages, could be forced to concentrate on only the most serious crimes. Even the army could be called on to help.A fifth of the British work force could be out sick at the peak of a coronavirus outbreak. The police, hamstrung by virus-related staffing shortages, could be forced to concentrate on only the most serious crimes. Even the army could be called on to help.
Those were among the scenarios outlined in a 28-page planning document released by the British government on Tuesday.Those were among the scenarios outlined in a 28-page planning document released by the British government on Tuesday.
Health officials said that they were preparing for a reasonable worst-case scenario of 80 percent of people contracting the coronavirus, but that they expected a number “a lot lower than that.”Health officials said that they were preparing for a reasonable worst-case scenario of 80 percent of people contracting the coronavirus, but that they expected a number “a lot lower than that.”
Many low-level workers in Britain’s public health care system are technically private contractors, and fear not only the risk of infection, but the prospect of being quarantined and missing out on earnings they can ill afford to lose.Many low-level workers in Britain’s public health care system are technically private contractors, and fear not only the risk of infection, but the prospect of being quarantined and missing out on earnings they can ill afford to lose.
Britain now has 51 confirmed coronavirus cases, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said at a news conference on Tuesday that it was “highly likely” that the number would increase.Britain now has 51 confirmed coronavirus cases, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson said at a news conference on Tuesday that it was “highly likely” that the number would increase.
But he said that the overwhelming majority of people would experience only mild symptoms, and that the scenarios set out in the action plan were what the government could do if it got worse — not what it was doing now.But he said that the overwhelming majority of people would experience only mild symptoms, and that the scenarios set out in the action plan were what the government could do if it got worse — not what it was doing now.
The government also said that it was considering plans to delay medical care that is not considered urgent and to bring back retired doctors, measures that may be needed to help a health care system that was already dealing with a shortage of beds and workers.The government also said that it was considering plans to delay medical care that is not considered urgent and to bring back retired doctors, measures that may be needed to help a health care system that was already dealing with a shortage of beds and workers.
North Korea has quarantined between 7,000 and 8,000 people as part of its efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told a lawmaker on Tuesday.North Korea has quarantined between 7,000 and 8,000 people as part of its efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told a lawmaker on Tuesday.
Lee Eun-jae, a lawmaker affiliated with the opposition Future United Party, told South Korean news outlets that the quarantines took place in the northwestern provinces of North Pyongan and South Pyongan and in Kangwon Province in the southeast. Ms. Lee said she got the information in a written briefing from the National Intelligence Service.Lee Eun-jae, a lawmaker affiliated with the opposition Future United Party, told South Korean news outlets that the quarantines took place in the northwestern provinces of North Pyongan and South Pyongan and in Kangwon Province in the southeast. Ms. Lee said she got the information in a written briefing from the National Intelligence Service.
The intelligence agency could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday evening.The intelligence agency could not be immediately reached for comment Tuesday evening.
North Korea has not reported any cases of the new coronavirus. But there has been concern that the country may be hiding an outbreak. North Korea shares a 930-mile border with China, where the coronavirus emerged. The border has long been porous for smugglers.North Korea has not reported any cases of the new coronavirus. But there has been concern that the country may be hiding an outbreak. North Korea shares a 930-mile border with China, where the coronavirus emerged. The border has long been porous for smugglers.
In late January, North Korea closed its borders with China and Russia, suspending all international flights and train services. It also asked hundreds of foreign diplomats not to leave their compounds.In late January, North Korea closed its borders with China and Russia, suspending all international flights and train services. It also asked hundreds of foreign diplomats not to leave their compounds.
Ms. Lee said that the North Korean government lifted the quarantine imposed on foreign diplomats in Pyongyang, estimated to number 380, on Monday. It planned to reopen flight services between Pyongyang and Vladivostok, Russia, on Friday in case the envoys wanted to leave North Korea, she said.Ms. Lee said that the North Korean government lifted the quarantine imposed on foreign diplomats in Pyongyang, estimated to number 380, on Monday. It planned to reopen flight services between Pyongyang and Vladivostok, Russia, on Friday in case the envoys wanted to leave North Korea, she said.
The North’s leader, Kim Jong-un, called the Political Bureau of his Workers’ Party last week to discuss “measures to deter the influx and spread of the infectious disease in a scientific, pre-emptive and lockdown way,” the country’s official Korean Central News Agency reported on Saturday.The North’s leader, Kim Jong-un, called the Political Bureau of his Workers’ Party last week to discuss “measures to deter the influx and spread of the infectious disease in a scientific, pre-emptive and lockdown way,” the country’s official Korean Central News Agency reported on Saturday.
“In case the infectious disease spreading beyond control finds its way into our country, it will entail serious consequences,” the news agency quoted Mr. Kim as saying.“In case the infectious disease spreading beyond control finds its way into our country, it will entail serious consequences,” the news agency quoted Mr. Kim as saying.
Major cities across China have announced new travel restrictions on people who have recently visited countries where coronavirus infections are on the rise.Major cities across China have announced new travel restrictions on people who have recently visited countries where coronavirus infections are on the rise.
On Tuesday, the authorities in Shanghai said that all travelers entering the city who had visited countries with significant outbreaks within the past two weeks must undergo a 14-day quarantine at home or at an approved isolation center. Officials in Guangdong Province announced similar measures, state news outlets reported on Tuesday.On Tuesday, the authorities in Shanghai said that all travelers entering the city who had visited countries with significant outbreaks within the past two weeks must undergo a 14-day quarantine at home or at an approved isolation center. Officials in Guangdong Province announced similar measures, state news outlets reported on Tuesday.
And a city official in Beijing announced on Tuesday that all arrivals into the capital from countries struggling with outbreaks — including Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea — would be subject to a 14-day quarantine.And a city official in Beijing announced on Tuesday that all arrivals into the capital from countries struggling with outbreaks — including Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea — would be subject to a 14-day quarantine.
At least 13 people in China were found to be infected with the coronavirus after returning from countries such as Iran and Italy, two places that have seen some of the most severe outbreaks outside East Asia in recent days, according to the authorities.At least 13 people in China were found to be infected with the coronavirus after returning from countries such as Iran and Italy, two places that have seen some of the most severe outbreaks outside East Asia in recent days, according to the authorities.
A 31-year-old Chinese woman had worked in a restaurant in the Italian city of Bergamo before returning home to Qingtian County, in the southeastern province of Zhejiang, where she tested positive for the virus. Seven more people who worked at the same restaurant in Bergamo were later found to be infected after they returned to Zhejiang, the local authorities said.A 31-year-old Chinese woman had worked in a restaurant in the Italian city of Bergamo before returning home to Qingtian County, in the southeastern province of Zhejiang, where she tested positive for the virus. Seven more people who worked at the same restaurant in Bergamo were later found to be infected after they returned to Zhejiang, the local authorities said.
In recent days, county officials in Qingtian have urged overseas residents to reconsider any plans to return home, citing the challenges they could pose to China’s efforts to control the epidemic.In recent days, county officials in Qingtian have urged overseas residents to reconsider any plans to return home, citing the challenges they could pose to China’s efforts to control the epidemic.
Reporting and research were contributed by Jesse McKinley, Katie Thomas, Knvul Sheikh, Choe Sang-Hun, Manny Goodridge, Benjamin Mueller, Marc Santora, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Gold, Luis Ferre-Sadurni, Eric Schmitt, Helene Cooper, Roni Caryn Rabin, Russell Goldman, Paul Mozur, Raymond Zhong, Noah Weiland, Emily Cochrane, Aaron Krolik, Claire Fu and Elaine Yu.Reporting and research were contributed by Jesse McKinley, Katie Thomas, Knvul Sheikh, Choe Sang-Hun, Manny Goodridge, Benjamin Mueller, Marc Santora, Joseph Goldstein, Michael Gold, Luis Ferre-Sadurni, Eric Schmitt, Helene Cooper, Roni Caryn Rabin, Russell Goldman, Paul Mozur, Raymond Zhong, Noah Weiland, Emily Cochrane, Aaron Krolik, Claire Fu and Elaine Yu.