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Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases in the U.S. Approach 300, and Stocks Fall Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases in the U.S. Approach 300, and Stocks Fall
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Authorities across the United States reported at least 288 cases of coronavirus and 15 deaths as of Friday, with the West Coast bearing the brunt of the toll. The number of infections does not count the 21 people who have tested positive aboard a cruise ship off California. Authorities across the United States reported more than 290 cases of coronavirus and 15 deaths as of Friday, with the West Coast bearing the brunt of the toll. The number of infections does not count the 21 people who have tested positive aboard a cruise ship off California.
Washington State has recorded the most cases, 84, and the highest number of deaths, 14. Most of the fatal cases emerged from a Seattle-area nursing home. Officials in King County, Wash., said 15 residents of the facility, Life Care Center, had been taken to hospitals over the past 24 hours. Washington State has recorded the most cases, more than 80, and the highest number of deaths, 14. Most of the fatal cases emerged from a Seattle-area nursing home. Officials in King County, Wash., said 15 residents of the facility, Life Care Center, had been taken to hospitals over the past 24 hours.
Also in the Seattle area, two Microsoft employees were being treated for the coronavirus, the first from the company to get the diagnosis, a company spokesman said. Microsoft did not close its campus, but has already advised employees to work from home if possible. Emerald City Comic Con, a convention that draws tens of thousands of people to Seattle each year, announced Friday that it would postpone the gathering that was scheduled for next week until the summer. A resident of a housing complex for the elderly in Seattle tested positive, the center said on Friday, and it canceled activities and limited visitors. The complex, Ida Culver House in the Ravenna neighborhood, asked residents to stay in their apartments as much as possible and said it would bring meals to them rather than serve in communal dining areas.
The University of Washington said on Friday that it would cancel in-person classes and have students take classes and final exams remotely while the area grapples with a growing coronavirus outbreak, in a move that other colleges around the country are preparing to follow if the virus becomes more widespread. The university, which has 50,000 students on three campuses across the Seattle region, said the change would begin on Monday and continue through the rest of the winter quarter, which ends March 20. The sick patient has been in the hospital since Wednesday, according to a notice posted in the lobby. The center said residents were being screened twice daily for symptoms, and so far no one else has shown signs of the virus.
California has treated 70 people for the virus, one of whom has died, and new cases continue to emerge at a worrying rate. Health officials in Yolo County, Calif., near Sacramento, announced their first case on Friday. The county said that the patient was believed to have contracted the illness in the community and was hospitalized. Also in the Seattle area, two Microsoft employees were being treated for the coronavirus, a company spokesman said. Microsoft did not close its campus, but had already advised employees to work from home if possible.
And three students at the University of California, Los Angeles are being tested. The University of Washington, with 50,000 students, said on Friday that it would cancel in-person classes from Monday through at least March 20, and have students take classes and final exams remotely.
On the East Coast, a cluster has emerged in New York State. All but a few of its 33 confirmed cases as of Friday were liked to a New Rochelle man. More than 2,700 people are under some form of quarantine in New York City. California has treated 70 people for the virus, one of whom has died, and new cases continue to emerge at a worrying rate.
On the East Coast, a cluster has emerged in New York State. All but a few of its 33 confirmed cases as of Friday were linked to a New Rochelle man. More than 2,700 people are under some form of quarantine in New York City.
The virus has been reported in 20 other states, though most have few cases and none have reported fatalities. They are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.The virus has been reported in 20 other states, though most have few cases and none have reported fatalities. They are Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.
All of the 3,533 people aboard a cruise ship idling off San Francisco will be tested for the coronavirus, after 21 of them tested positive, Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday. All of the 3,533 people aboard a cruise ship idling off San Francisco will be tested for the coronavirus, after 19 crew members and 2 passengers tested positive, Vice President Mike Pence said on Friday.
The ship, the Grand Princess, had been halted off the coast on Wednesday, until passengers with possible coronavirus symptoms or exposure could be tested. On Thursday, a Coast Guard helicopter flew testing kits to the ship and flew samples for 46 people back to shore.The ship, the Grand Princess, had been halted off the coast on Wednesday, until passengers with possible coronavirus symptoms or exposure could be tested. On Thursday, a Coast Guard helicopter flew testing kits to the ship and flew samples for 46 people back to shore.
“Twenty-one of those on the ship tested positive for the coronavirus, 24 tested negative and one test was inconclusive,” Mr. Pence said at a White House news briefing. Among those who tested positive, he said, “were 19 crew members and 2 passengers.” “Twenty-one of those on the ship tested positive for the coronavirus, 24 tested negative and one test was inconclusive,” Mr. Pence said at a White House news briefing.
“We have developed a plan which will be implemented this weekend to bring the ship into a noncommercial port,” he added. “All passengers and crew will be tested for the coronavirus. Those that need to be quarantined will be quarantined. Those that require additional medical attention will receive it.”“We have developed a plan which will be implemented this weekend to bring the ship into a noncommercial port,” he added. “All passengers and crew will be tested for the coronavirus. Those that need to be quarantined will be quarantined. Those that require additional medical attention will receive it.”
Mr. Pence said the Defense Department was working to locate a California military base where passengers on the ship could be tested. Two air bases in the state have been used to house quarantined Americans repatriated from Asia.Mr. Pence said the Defense Department was working to locate a California military base where passengers on the ship could be tested. Two air bases in the state have been used to house quarantined Americans repatriated from Asia.
Two passengers who had been on the ship for a round trip from San Francisco to Mexico later tested positive, and one of them died, the first coronavirus death in California. The crew and many passengers on that trip had stayed aboard to sail to Hawaii and back.
After the former passenger’s death, those currently aboard were confined to their rooms, large gatherings were canceled and cleaning was stepped up, people on the ship said.
The 34th annual edition of South by Southwest, the annual festival of music, film and technology in Austin that has become a global draw, was ordered canceled on Friday by local officials over fears about the spread of coronavirus.
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President Trump, speaking at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, said he would have preferred not to let the passengers disembark onto American soil. “I don’t need to have the numbers double because of one ship that wasn’t our fault,” he said. “And it wasn’t the fault of the people on the ship either. Okay? It wasn’t their fault either. And they are mostly Americans.”
He added that, after all, he had authorized federal health officials to make the decision.
Two passengers who had been on the ship for a round trip from San Francisco to Mexico later tested positive, and one of them died, the first coronavirus death in California. The crew and many passengers on that trip had stayed aboard to sail to Hawaii and back.
After the former passenger’s death, those currently aboard were confined to their rooms, large gatherings were canceled and cleaning was stepped up, people on the ship said.
The 34th annual edition of South by Southwest, the annual festival of music, film and technology in Austin that has become a global draw, was ordered canceled on Friday by local officials over fears about the spread of coronavirus.
Festival organizers and government officials had come under intense pressure in recent days to pull the plug, with more than 50,000 people signing an online petition and a growing list of tech companies — among them Apple, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok — announcing their withdrawal.Festival organizers and government officials had come under intense pressure in recent days to pull the plug, with more than 50,000 people signing an online petition and a growing list of tech companies — among them Apple, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok — announcing their withdrawal.
The festival was to have run from March 13-22, with events spread across bars and party spaces in Austin, in addition to the main conference activities.The festival was to have run from March 13-22, with events spread across bars and party spaces in Austin, in addition to the main conference activities.
The cancellation is perhaps the largest collateral damage of the virus so far on the international cultural calendar. Last year, South by Southwest’s various events had a combined attendance of 417,000, including 159,000 who came to the music portion, according to festival figures. The cancellation is perhaps the largest collateral damage of the virus so far on the international cultural calendar. Last year, South by Southwest’s various events had a combined attendance of 417,000, including 159,000 who came to the music portion, according to festival figures.
Two other large-scale, multi-day gatherings were also called off or pushed back on Friday: Emerald City Comic Con, a convention that draws thousands of people to Seattle each year, was postponed until the summer; and the Ultra Music Festival, an electronic dance music event held annually in Miami, where city officials blocked the event from going on.Two other large-scale, multi-day gatherings were also called off or pushed back on Friday: Emerald City Comic Con, a convention that draws thousands of people to Seattle each year, was postponed until the summer; and the Ultra Music Festival, an electronic dance music event held annually in Miami, where city officials blocked the event from going on.
As the coronavirus spreads in the United States, theaters, museums and concert halls are wary that their establishments could become petri dishes for a virus that is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets.As the coronavirus spreads in the United States, theaters, museums and concert halls are wary that their establishments could become petri dishes for a virus that is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets.
Mariah Carey postponed her concert in Hawaii. The new James Bond movie, “No Time to Die,” was delayed, a move that prompted many in the film industry to guess that studios would do the same with other films. But thus far, no other release date changes have been announced in the United States.Mariah Carey postponed her concert in Hawaii. The new James Bond movie, “No Time to Die,” was delayed, a move that prompted many in the film industry to guess that studios would do the same with other films. But thus far, no other release date changes have been announced in the United States.
New York City officials pleaded in a letter to the federal government on Friday to send more test kits for the new coronavirus, saying that the city’s limited capacity to test for the virus had “impeded our ability to beat back this epidemic.”New York City officials pleaded in a letter to the federal government on Friday to send more test kits for the new coronavirus, saying that the city’s limited capacity to test for the virus had “impeded our ability to beat back this epidemic.”
As of noon on Friday, fewer than 100 people had been tested for the coronavirus in New York City over the past month, according to the city’s Department of Health, even as concerns grew that the virus was circulating largely undetected.As of noon on Friday, fewer than 100 people had been tested for the coronavirus in New York City over the past month, according to the city’s Department of Health, even as concerns grew that the virus was circulating largely undetected.
State officials said on Friday that so far 33 people in the state had tested positive for the illness — the majority in New Rochelle, just north of New York City. Officials conceded there were likely far more.State officials said on Friday that so far 33 people in the state had tested positive for the illness — the majority in New Rochelle, just north of New York City. Officials conceded there were likely far more.
“I think it’s fair to say we have no idea how many New Yorkers have been infected with this virus without knowing it,” a New York City councilman, Mark Levine, who heads the City Council’s Health Committee, said.“I think it’s fair to say we have no idea how many New Yorkers have been infected with this virus without knowing it,” a New York City councilman, Mark Levine, who heads the City Council’s Health Committee, said.
Demetre Daskalakis, a deputy commissioner in the Department of Health, said on Thursday afternoon that New York City presently only had enough supply for “around a thousand people” before running out.Demetre Daskalakis, a deputy commissioner in the Department of Health, said on Thursday afternoon that New York City presently only had enough supply for “around a thousand people” before running out.
The city’s letter on Friday to top officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that the limited number of tests was already undermining the city’s efforts, citing “slow federal action.”The city’s letter on Friday to top officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that the limited number of tests was already undermining the city’s efforts, citing “slow federal action.”
Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said on Friday that the C.D.C. had sent enough tests to public health labs across the country for 75,000 people, and that efforts were underway to help the “private sector and hospitals” start testing for the virus.Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, said on Friday that the C.D.C. had sent enough tests to public health labs across the country for 75,000 people, and that efforts were underway to help the “private sector and hospitals” start testing for the virus.
A spokeswoman for the Association of Public Health Laboratories, Michelle Forman, said there were about 72 public health laboratories that are presently testing for the new coronavirus. “We are not aware of any widespread testing shortages,” she said.A spokeswoman for the Association of Public Health Laboratories, Michelle Forman, said there were about 72 public health laboratories that are presently testing for the new coronavirus. “We are not aware of any widespread testing shortages,” she said.
Americans have struggled to make sense of conflicting information from official authorities, including President Trump and members of his own cabinet. Vice President Mike Pence, who previously vowed that “any American could be tested,” conceded on Thursday that “we don’t have enough tests today to meet what we anticipate will be the demand going forward.”Americans have struggled to make sense of conflicting information from official authorities, including President Trump and members of his own cabinet. Vice President Mike Pence, who previously vowed that “any American could be tested,” conceded on Thursday that “we don’t have enough tests today to meet what we anticipate will be the demand going forward.”
The lack of testing around the country is affecting nursing homes in an unexpected way.The lack of testing around the country is affecting nursing homes in an unexpected way.
An executive with the American Health Care Association, a trade group representing most of the nation’s 15,700 nursing homes, warned that staff members were far more likely to use protective gear with patients showing any sign of respiratory illness — even as the public is buying masks and the supply chain from China has dwindled.An executive with the American Health Care Association, a trade group representing most of the nation’s 15,700 nursing homes, warned that staff members were far more likely to use protective gear with patients showing any sign of respiratory illness — even as the public is buying masks and the supply chain from China has dwindled.
Nursing homes “everywhere” around the country had begun complaining about shortages of masks and gowns, the executive, David Gifford, said.Nursing homes “everywhere” around the country had begun complaining about shortages of masks and gowns, the executive, David Gifford, said.
Stocks fell again on Friday, and investors rushed to the safety of government bonds, as Wall Street was gripped by another wave of panic over the coronavirus. Stocks fell again on Friday, and investors rushed to the safety of government bonds, as Wall Street was gripped by another wave of panic over the coronavirus.
The most dramatic move in financial markets on Friday was a sharp drop in yields on government bonds. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note sank briefly below 0.7 percent for the first time. Yields move inversely to bond prices, and their slide has come as investors have fled risky investments and put their money into low-interest but safe Treasury bonds.The most dramatic move in financial markets on Friday was a sharp drop in yields on government bonds. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note sank briefly below 0.7 percent for the first time. Yields move inversely to bond prices, and their slide has come as investors have fled risky investments and put their money into low-interest but safe Treasury bonds.
The S&P 500 stock index was down 4 percent in late afternoon, before making up some ground to close down 1.7 percent.The S&P 500 stock index was down 4 percent in late afternoon, before making up some ground to close down 1.7 percent.
A strong report on the American job market on Friday did not change the direction of the markets. The U.S. government said that employers added 273,000 jobs in February, but the data was a snapshot of a point in time when the prevailing sentiment was that the United States would remain relatively unaffected by the coronavirus.A strong report on the American job market on Friday did not change the direction of the markets. The U.S. government said that employers added 273,000 jobs in February, but the data was a snapshot of a point in time when the prevailing sentiment was that the United States would remain relatively unaffected by the coronavirus.
Oil prices also sank on Friday as major producers gathered for a critical meeting to try to agree on production cuts to try to manage the falling demand for crude as concerns about coronavirus spread across the globe.Oil prices also sank on Friday as major producers gathered for a critical meeting to try to agree on production cuts to try to manage the falling demand for crude as concerns about coronavirus spread across the globe.
Hubei, the Chinese province at the center of the coronavirus outbreak, reported on Friday that there were no new infections outside its capital, Wuhan. The news is a major milestone in the government’s all-out campaign to combat an epidemic that has gripped the country since January.Hubei, the Chinese province at the center of the coronavirus outbreak, reported on Friday that there were no new infections outside its capital, Wuhan. The news is a major milestone in the government’s all-out campaign to combat an epidemic that has gripped the country since January.
In a daily update on its website, China’s National Health Commission reported 126 new infections in Hubei on Friday, but for the first time all of them were in Wuhan, the city of 11 million where the virus is thought to have originated. In total, the country reported 143 new cases on Friday, a sign that Wuhan appears to be the only obvious hot spot of new infections in China.In a daily update on its website, China’s National Health Commission reported 126 new infections in Hubei on Friday, but for the first time all of them were in Wuhan, the city of 11 million where the virus is thought to have originated. In total, the country reported 143 new cases on Friday, a sign that Wuhan appears to be the only obvious hot spot of new infections in China.
The downward trend is a result of an all-out effort by the Chinese government to contain the spread of the disease. Since January, the government has enacted nationwide quarantine and travel restrictions and placed Hubei under a strict lockdown, effectively penning in 56 million people.The downward trend is a result of an all-out effort by the Chinese government to contain the spread of the disease. Since January, the government has enacted nationwide quarantine and travel restrictions and placed Hubei under a strict lockdown, effectively penning in 56 million people.
The new numbers reflect a steep decline from just a few weeks earlier. At one point in early February, Hubei reported more than 1,400 new cases outside Wuhan in one day. One of the government-appointed Chinese researchers working to control the outbreak told the state-run newspaper People’s Daily on Thursday that, based on the data, he expected Wuhan to hit zero new infections later this month.The new numbers reflect a steep decline from just a few weeks earlier. At one point in early February, Hubei reported more than 1,400 new cases outside Wuhan in one day. One of the government-appointed Chinese researchers working to control the outbreak told the state-run newspaper People’s Daily on Thursday that, based on the data, he expected Wuhan to hit zero new infections later this month.
In the center of the outbreak in China, residents of Wuhan who have been confined to their homes for weeks heckled the visiting vice premier Thursday, with some shouting from their windows: “Fake! Everything is fake!”In the center of the outbreak in China, residents of Wuhan who have been confined to their homes for weeks heckled the visiting vice premier Thursday, with some shouting from their windows: “Fake! Everything is fake!”
The number of infections climbed past 7,300 in Europe on Friday — more than doubling in just three days.The number of infections climbed past 7,300 in Europe on Friday — more than doubling in just three days.
France, Britain, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and others each recorded their biggest one-day increases in cases. More than 30 European countries now have cases; 10 of them have at least 100 each.France, Britain, Spain, the Netherlands, Italy and others each recorded their biggest one-day increases in cases. More than 30 European countries now have cases; 10 of them have at least 100 each.
A member of the French Parliament tested positive for the virus. Doctors in Britain warned that the already-strained health care system there could be overwhelmed as the outbreak grows, and the country had its second coronavirus deathMar.A member of the French Parliament tested positive for the virus. Doctors in Britain warned that the already-strained health care system there could be overwhelmed as the outbreak grows, and the country had its second coronavirus deathMar.
In Italy, with the worst outbreak outside of Asia, the toll rose on Friday to more than 4,600 cases, 197 of them fatal, increases of almost 800 infections and 49 deaths from the day before. Only China has had more people die from the new coronavirus.In Italy, with the worst outbreak outside of Asia, the toll rose on Friday to more than 4,600 cases, 197 of them fatal, increases of almost 800 infections and 49 deaths from the day before. Only China has had more people die from the new coronavirus.
Pope Francis has had a cold for over a week, and on Thursday, a Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said that the pontiff’s illness was “running its due course.”Pope Francis has had a cold for over a week, and on Thursday, a Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said that the pontiff’s illness was “running its due course.”
He also told reporters that the Vatican was “studying measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” the disease caused by the new coronavirus, that could affect coming activities involving the pope.He also told reporters that the Vatican was “studying measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19,” the disease caused by the new coronavirus, that could affect coming activities involving the pope.
Germany, France and Spain, with the next-largest outbreaks in Europe, reported more than 1,700 cases combined, up from fewer than 1,200 on Thursday. In Switzerland, the confirmed caseload doubled, to more than 200.Germany, France and Spain, with the next-largest outbreaks in Europe, reported more than 1,700 cases combined, up from fewer than 1,200 on Thursday. In Switzerland, the confirmed caseload doubled, to more than 200.
Outside Europe, in Iran’s outbreak, one of the world’s largest, the government reported more than 4,700 infections, an increase of more than 1,200 from the day before.Outside Europe, in Iran’s outbreak, one of the world’s largest, the government reported more than 4,700 infections, an increase of more than 1,200 from the day before.
Edouard Philippe, the French prime minister, announced a 15-day school closure in two regions, Oise and Haut-Rhin.Edouard Philippe, the French prime minister, announced a 15-day school closure in two regions, Oise and Haut-Rhin.
France still classifies the virus as a “level two” health threat, meaning that the authorities are trying to limit its spread. But Mr. Philippe and other officials made it clear that the country was heading toward level three, favoring the management of the epidemic by treating the weakest patients, rather than trying to track down every contamination chain in an effort to contain the spread. President Trump on Friday signed an $8.3 billion emergency spending bill to confront the coronavirus outbreak and decided to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, reversing his decision hours earlier to skip touring the nerve center of the government’s response to the health crisis.
Mr. Trump on Friday signed an $8.3 billion emergency spending bill to confront the coronavirus outbreak and decided to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, reversing his decision hours earlier to skip touring the nerve center of the government’s response to the health crisis.
As late as 9 p.m. Thursday, Mr. Pence publicly indicated that the trip was still on, telling reporters traveling with him to Washington State that the president would formally approve the spending measure while in Atlanta. “President Trump is expected to sign the legislation tomorrow as he visits the C.D.C. in Atlanta,” Mr. Pence said.As late as 9 p.m. Thursday, Mr. Pence publicly indicated that the trip was still on, telling reporters traveling with him to Washington State that the president would formally approve the spending measure while in Atlanta. “President Trump is expected to sign the legislation tomorrow as he visits the C.D.C. in Atlanta,” Mr. Pence said.
But by 11:30 p.m., when the White House issued the president’s public schedule, the visit was no longer on the calendar. A White House official initially said the president had canceled the visit because he did not want to interfere with the work there. But then Mr. Trump told reporters it was called off because of a suspected case of coronavirus at the C.D.C. itself.But by 11:30 p.m., when the White House issued the president’s public schedule, the visit was no longer on the calendar. A White House official initially said the president had canceled the visit because he did not want to interfere with the work there. But then Mr. Trump told reporters it was called off because of a suspected case of coronavirus at the C.D.C. itself.
As he signed the spending bill at the White House on Friday, Mr. Trump said the report of an infection at C.D.C. turned out to be negative. “So I may be going,” he told reporters. “We’re going to see if they can turn it around.”As he signed the spending bill at the White House on Friday, Mr. Trump said the report of an infection at C.D.C. turned out to be negative. “So I may be going,” he told reporters. “We’re going to see if they can turn it around.”
En route to Nashville on Friday to visit the site of a deadly tornado, the White House press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, told reporters that the C.D.C. visit was back on. The president is to travel to Atlanta after a visit to the site of a deadline tornado in Nashville and then head to Florida, where he is to headline campaign fund-raising events. He is expected to spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
“What the president said is true,” Ms. Grisham said when asked about the last-minute reversal. She added that test results from the woman at the C.D.C. who was suspected to have the coronavirus came back negative.
The president is to travel to Atlanta after his visit in Nashville and then head to Florida, where he is to headline campaign fund-raising events. He is expected to spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate.
The world’s leading health official implored international leaders to unleash the full power of their governments to combat the new coronavirus outbreak.
“This is not a drill,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization. “This is not a time for excuses. This is a time for pulling out all the stops.”
But around the world, as the number of cases passed 100,000, governments have displayed signs of paralysis, obfuscation and a desire to protect their own interests, even as death tolls passed 3,200 and global capitals were so threatened by infection that politicians and health officials tested positive for the illness.
Dr. Tedros warned that time to contain the virus was running out. “Now is the time to act,” he said. China’s draconian measures to stem the outbreak showed more signs of success on Friday, when Hubei province — the place were the coronavirus first emerged — reported that it had no new cases of infection outside its capital, Wuhan, for the first time.
Still, some political leaders around the world seemed more interested in pointing fingers at one another and complaining about tit-for-tat travel restrictions. Japanese citizens have been outraged by the hands-off approach of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as cases have continued to climb. Lending more outrage, testing has proceeded slowly, leaving many fearful that many infections are going undetected.
Russia, if official figures are to be believed, has waged one of the world’s most successful campaigns to halt the spread of the coronavirus, reporting just 10 cases across a vast country with 11 time zones and a border with China more than 2,600 miles long.Russia, if official figures are to be believed, has waged one of the world’s most successful campaigns to halt the spread of the coronavirus, reporting just 10 cases across a vast country with 11 time zones and a border with China more than 2,600 miles long.
So it came as a surprise this week when the city authorities in Moscow suddenly announced a raft of sweeping precautionary measures.So it came as a surprise this week when the city authorities in Moscow suddenly announced a raft of sweeping precautionary measures.
In a decree published late Wednesday, the capital’s mayor, Sergei S. Sobyanin, ordered all residents who visit China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea, or other unspecified “states with an unfavorable coronavirus situation” to report to the municipal government upon their return to the capital and to “self-isolate” for two weeks. The United States has now been added to the list, too. In a decree published late Wednesday, the capital’s mayor, Sergei S. Sobyanin, ordered all residents who visit China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea or other unspecified “states with an unfavorable coronavirus situation” to report to the municipal government upon their return to Moscow and to “self-isolate” for two weeks. The United States has now been added to the list.
Mr. Sobyanin’s decree, which declared a “regime of heightened readiness” for the capital, created uncertainty and dismay rather than reassurance, raising questions about why a city with just five officially reported cases had suddenly instituted such stringent controls.Mr. Sobyanin’s decree, which declared a “regime of heightened readiness” for the capital, created uncertainty and dismay rather than reassurance, raising questions about why a city with just five officially reported cases had suddenly instituted such stringent controls.
Russia last month sealed its border with China and then barred all Chinese citizens from visiting, hammering a tourism industry heavily reliant on travelers from China. The flag carrier, Aeroflot, on Wednesday said it was canceling all flights to and from Hong Kong starting this weekend.
The jitters have grown so severe, despite the tiny number of officially confirmed cases, that a newsreader on state television suggested late Wednesday that it might be necessary to introduce martial law if the virus were to spread unchecked in Russia.
The moves in Moscow follow an alarm this week in St Petersburg, Russia’s second-biggest city, after an Italian exchange student who returned to Russia on Feb. 29 tested positive for the virus. Fellow students in the Italian’s dormitory at the North-Western State Medical University said that they had been ordered not to leave the building.The moves in Moscow follow an alarm this week in St Petersburg, Russia’s second-biggest city, after an Italian exchange student who returned to Russia on Feb. 29 tested positive for the virus. Fellow students in the Italian’s dormitory at the North-Western State Medical University said that they had been ordered not to leave the building.
Officials denied that the dormitory, which houses around 700 students, had been placed under quarantine, saying that its residents were simply under “medical supervision.”Officials denied that the dormitory, which houses around 700 students, had been placed under quarantine, saying that its residents were simply under “medical supervision.”
Another casualty of Russia’s pre-emptive actions has been the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual event that is usually presided over by President Vladimir V. Putin. This year’s forum in June has been canceled.
Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Andrew Higgins, Declan Walsh, Michael Gold, Matt Richtel, Alan Yuhas, Adeel Hassan, Aurelien Breeden, David Halbfinger, Mohammed Najib, Marc Santora, Benjamin Mueller, Russell Goldman, Amy Qin, Elaine Yu, Javier C. Hernández, Max Fisher, Ben Dooley, Mike Isaac, David Yaffe-Bellany, Raillan Brooks and Karen Weise.Reporting was contributed by Peter Baker, Andrew Higgins, Declan Walsh, Michael Gold, Matt Richtel, Alan Yuhas, Adeel Hassan, Aurelien Breeden, David Halbfinger, Mohammed Najib, Marc Santora, Benjamin Mueller, Russell Goldman, Amy Qin, Elaine Yu, Javier C. Hernández, Max Fisher, Ben Dooley, Mike Isaac, David Yaffe-Bellany, Raillan Brooks and Karen Weise.