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Coronavirus Live Updates: W.H.O. Declares Pandemic as Number of Infected Countries Grows Coronavirus Live Updates: W.H.O. Declares Pandemic as Number of Infected Countries Grows
(32 minutes later)
新冠病毒疫情最新消息新冠病毒疫情最新消息
Financial markets tumbled again Wednesday as the economic threat posed by the coronavirus outbreak came into stark relief — and as policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic appeared unwilling or unable to mount an aggressive response.
The S&P 500 was down nearly 6 percent on Wednesday afternoon, bringing an end to an 11-year bull market. On Tuesday, the benchmark index had posted its best single-day performance in over a year, rising almost 5 percent.
“If the Trump administration and Congress can’t get it together quickly and put together a sizable and responsible package, then a recession seems like a real possibility here,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics. He said he saw a roughly 50 percent chance of a recession in the next year.
In Europe, major indexes in Frankfurt, London and Paris fell, giving up early gains that had come after the Bank of England said it would cut interest rates to help British businesses. Shares in Asia also fell.
The economic damage is only beginning to emerge from disruptions in supply chains, travel and entertainment, worsened by a price war in the oil industry.
President Trump said that he planned to make a formal statement to the nation. Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting in the White House with banking leaders about coronavirus, Mr. Trump said his address would come “probably at 8 o’clock.”
The idea for a formal address had been floated earlier in the day by aides, according to an official briefed on the meeting.
“We are going to get the problem solved,” Mr. Trump said. “If we get rid of the problem quickly everything solved itself.”
President Trump said he favored a payroll tax holiday. Another possibility he has weighed is extending the American tax filing deadline past April 15.
Britain’s government promised nearly $39 billion in stimulus to its economy, including about $6.5 billion for Britain’s frayed National Health Service and other public bodies.
In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy announced that his government was developing a plan to spend about $28 billion to confront the coronavirus emergency. Italy is the hardest hit country outside of China. But China’s new cases have dwindled, while Italy’s are escalating.
“We will do everything necessary,” Mr. Conte said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced about $2.8 billion spending to counter the economic fallout. Israel has imposed a mandatory 14-day isolation of anyone entering the country, abruptly choking off tourism.
The spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries now qualifies as a global pandemic, World Health Organization officials said on Wednesday, confirming what many epidemiologists have been saying for weeks.The spread of the coronavirus across more than 100 countries now qualifies as a global pandemic, World Health Organization officials said on Wednesday, confirming what many epidemiologists have been saying for weeks.
Until now, the W.H.O. had avoided using the term to describe the epidemic leapfrogging across the world, for fear of giving the impression that it was unstoppable and countries would give up on trying to contain it. The organization had said earlier in the outbreak that it no longer officially declared when an epidemic reaches pandemic proportions, preferring instead to declare global public health emergencies.Until now, the W.H.O. had avoided using the term to describe the epidemic leapfrogging across the world, for fear of giving the impression that it was unstoppable and countries would give up on trying to contain it. The organization had said earlier in the outbreak that it no longer officially declared when an epidemic reaches pandemic proportions, preferring instead to declare global public health emergencies.
“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, chief of the W.H.O., said at a news conference in Geneva.“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly,” Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, chief of the W.H.O., said at a news conference in Geneva.
“We cannot say this loudly enough or clearly enough or often enough,” he added. “All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.”“We cannot say this loudly enough or clearly enough or often enough,” he added. “All countries can still change the course of this pandemic.”
But now there is evidence on six continents of sustained transmission of the virus, which has infected more than 120,000 people and killed more than 4,300, and by most scientific measures the spread qualifies as a pandemic. The designation itself is largely symbolic, but public health officials know that the public will hear in the word elements of danger and risk.But now there is evidence on six continents of sustained transmission of the virus, which has infected more than 120,000 people and killed more than 4,300, and by most scientific measures the spread qualifies as a pandemic. The designation itself is largely symbolic, but public health officials know that the public will hear in the word elements of danger and risk.
According to the W.H.O., an epidemic is defined as a regional outbreak of an illness that spreads unexpectedly. In 2010, it defined a pandemic as “the worldwide spread of a new disease” that affects large numbers of people. The C.D.C. says it is “an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.”According to the W.H.O., an epidemic is defined as a regional outbreak of an illness that spreads unexpectedly. In 2010, it defined a pandemic as “the worldwide spread of a new disease” that affects large numbers of people. The C.D.C. says it is “an epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people.”
The W.H.O. had not declared a pandemic since 2009, when it gave that designation to a new strain of H1N1 influenza.The W.H.O. had not declared a pandemic since 2009, when it gave that designation to a new strain of H1N1 influenza.
As the United States scrambled to understand the scope of the escalating public health crisis, the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection rose slowly on Wednesday to more than 1,080, a day after jumping by more than one-third.As the United States scrambled to understand the scope of the escalating public health crisis, the number of known U.S. cases of coronavirus infection rose slowly on Wednesday to more than 1,080, a day after jumping by more than one-third.
Officials around the country have begun taking increasingly drastic measures to try to slow the virus’s spread. People in 40 states and Washington D.C. have tested positive for the virus, and there have been at least 31 related deaths. Officials around the country have begun taking increasingly drastic measures to try to slow the virus’s spread. People in 40 states and Washington D.C. have tested positive for the virus, and there have been at least 31 related deaths.
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In New York, the state and city universities and colleges, with about 700,000 students between them, will shift primarily to online classes starting on March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday. Many other colleges have canceled in-person classes, including Michigan State University and Georgetown University. Some have told students not to return after their spring breaks.In New York, the state and city universities and colleges, with about 700,000 students between them, will shift primarily to online classes starting on March 19, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday. Many other colleges have canceled in-person classes, including Michigan State University and Georgetown University. Some have told students not to return after their spring breaks.
Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, where 24 coronavirus patients have died, ordered a ban in the Seattle area on parades, concerts, festivals and other gatherings bringing together 250 or more people. That restriction, in effect through the end of March, which could disrupt the opening of the baseball season.Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington, where 24 coronavirus patients have died, ordered a ban in the Seattle area on parades, concerts, festivals and other gatherings bringing together 250 or more people. That restriction, in effect through the end of March, which could disrupt the opening of the baseball season.
“It is clear that our state needs a more vigorous and more comprehensive and more aggressive position if we are to slow the spread of this epidemic,” Mr. Inslee said, adding that the ban could be extended past March. “It is clear that our state needs a more vigorous and more comprehensive and more aggressive position if we are to slow the spread of this epidemic,” Mr. Inslee said, adding that the ban could be extended past March. Seattle officials followed with a decision to close the city’s public schools for two weeks, starting tomorrow.
Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky urged churches to cancel worship services this weekend, a significant measure in a deeply religious state.Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky urged churches to cancel worship services this weekend, a significant measure in a deeply religious state.
“I know that’s a big step,” Mr. Beshear said. “I know that some won’t agree with it.“I know that’s a big step,” Mr. Beshear said. “I know that some won’t agree with it.
But he added: “I don’t believe whether you go to church during this period of time is a test of faith. I believe God gives us wisdom to protect each other and we should do that.”But he added: “I don’t believe whether you go to church during this period of time is a test of faith. I believe God gives us wisdom to protect each other and we should do that.”
New York plans to shut down schools and other gathering places in New Rochelle, a suburban area with one of the country’s biggest case clusters.New York plans to shut down schools and other gathering places in New Rochelle, a suburban area with one of the country’s biggest case clusters.
In California, which after Washington State and New York has the highest caseload, passengers continued to disembark from the Grand Princess, a cruise ship on which about two dozen people had tested positive for the virus. As of Tuesday evening, about 1,406 people had been able to leave the ship, going into a mandatory two-week quarantine. In California, which after Washington State and New York has the highest caseload, passengers continued to disembark from the Grand Princess, a cruise ship on which about two dozen people had tested positive for the virus. As of Tuesday evening, about 1,406 people had been able to leave the ship, going into a mandatory two-week quarantine.
Among the newly announced cases are those of three Transportation Security Administration agents who work at Mineta San Jose International Airport.Among the newly announced cases are those of three Transportation Security Administration agents who work at Mineta San Jose International Airport.
A top federal health official gave lawmakers a stark warning on Wednesday that the coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, and said that fans should be barred from big gatherings like National Basketball Association games.A top federal health official gave lawmakers a stark warning on Wednesday that the coronavirus would continue to spread in the United States, and said that fans should be barred from big gatherings like National Basketball Association games.
“The bottom line: It is going to get worse,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the House Oversight Committee.“The bottom line: It is going to get worse,” Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told the House Oversight Committee.
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“We would recommend that there not be large crowds,” he added. “If that means not having any people in the audience as the N.B.A. plays, so be it.”Dr. Fauci sought to rebut the claim — repeated often by President Trump — that the coronavirus was no worse than the flu or previous outbreaks, such as the H1N1 flu strain.“We would recommend that there not be large crowds,” he added. “If that means not having any people in the audience as the N.B.A. plays, so be it.”Dr. Fauci sought to rebut the claim — repeated often by President Trump — that the coronavirus was no worse than the flu or previous outbreaks, such as the H1N1 flu strain.
“People always say, ‘Well, the flu does this, the flu does that.’ The flu has a mortality of 0.1 percent. This has a mortality of 10 times that,” Dr. Fauci said.“People always say, ‘Well, the flu does this, the flu does that.’ The flu has a mortality of 0.1 percent. This has a mortality of 10 times that,” Dr. Fauci said.
The committee hearing quickly devolved into a partisan fight over the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, with Democrats ripping into top health officials and Republicans defending President Trump.The committee hearing quickly devolved into a partisan fight over the Trump administration’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, with Democrats ripping into top health officials and Republicans defending President Trump.
The hearing had a sharper tone than others, in part because two members of the committee — Representatives Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican who was recently named White House chief of staff, and Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona — were not attending because they were in self-quarantine after potentially coming into contact with a person infected by the virus at a conservative political conference.The hearing had a sharper tone than others, in part because two members of the committee — Representatives Mark Meadows, a North Carolina Republican who was recently named White House chief of staff, and Paul Gosar, Republican of Arizona — were not attending because they were in self-quarantine after potentially coming into contact with a person infected by the virus at a conservative political conference.
The effort to stem the economic fallout of the coronavirus took on new urgency around the world on Wednesday as ever more sweeping restrictions on the free movement of people threatened to upend daily life in more than 100 countries dealing with the public health crisis.
Stocks on Wall Street tumbled on Wednesday and topsy-turvy trading across global markets signaled that investors are vacillating between the threat that the coronavirus poses to the global economy and the hopes that governments will unveil a series of measures to help businesses.
Other markets also signaled persistent investor jitters. Futures for gold, a traditional haven, edged higher. The yield on the 10-year Treasury bond fell, another indicator of investor nervousness.
In Europe, major indexes in Frankfurt, London and Paris fell, giving up early gains that had come after the Bank of England said it would cut interest rates to help British businesses. Shares in Asia also fell.
President Trump has signaled that he will consider ways to stimulate the economy. Options include cutting payroll taxes and extending the American tax filing deadline past April 15.
Britain’s government promised nearly $39 billion in stimulus to its economy, including about $6.5 billion for Britain’s frayed National Health Service and other public bodies.
In Italy, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy announced that his government was developing a plan to spend about $28 billion to confront the coronavirus emergency. Italy is the hardest hit country outside of China. But China’s new cases have dwindled, while Italy’s are escalating.
“We will do everything necessary,” Mr. Conte said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced about $2.8 billion spending to counter the economic fallout. Israel has imposed a mandatory 14-day isolation of anyone entering the country, abruptly choking off tourism.
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that the coronavirus was likely to infect about two-thirds of the German population.Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday said that the coronavirus was likely to infect about two-thirds of the German population.
But her top medical adviser, Dr. Lothar Weiler, who appeared with her, added that, “we don’t know how fast that will happen.” One of the country’s top virologists recently said that it could take a year or two, or even longer, for that many people to become infected.But her top medical adviser, Dr. Lothar Weiler, who appeared with her, added that, “we don’t know how fast that will happen.” One of the country’s top virologists recently said that it could take a year or two, or even longer, for that many people to become infected.
At a news conference, Ms. Merkel said: “Given a virus for which there is no immunity and no immunization, we have to understand that many people will be infected. The consensus among experts is that 60 to 70 percent of the population will be infected.”At a news conference, Ms. Merkel said: “Given a virus for which there is no immunity and no immunization, we have to understand that many people will be infected. The consensus among experts is that 60 to 70 percent of the population will be infected.”
The heart of her message was that Germans should take precautions to ensure that the health system can handle the high number of people who could fall seriously ill. She urged people to stay at home as much as possible.The heart of her message was that Germans should take precautions to ensure that the health system can handle the high number of people who could fall seriously ill. She urged people to stay at home as much as possible.
“How we respond matters,” Ms. Merkel said. “We are playing for time.”“How we respond matters,” Ms. Merkel said. “We are playing for time.”
“We are at the start of a development that we cannot yet see the end of,” she told reporters in her first public appearance to address the epidemic, which has already infected more than 1,600 people in Germany. “But we as a country will do whatever is necessary to do, working within the European bloc.”“We are at the start of a development that we cannot yet see the end of,” she told reporters in her first public appearance to address the epidemic, which has already infected more than 1,600 people in Germany. “But we as a country will do whatever is necessary to do, working within the European bloc.”
That readiness includes flexibility on spending, especially to help the small and midsize enterprises that are losing business, she said.That readiness includes flexibility on spending, especially to help the small and midsize enterprises that are losing business, she said.
“We won’t ask every day, ‘What does this mean for our deficit?’” said Ms. Merkel.“We won’t ask every day, ‘What does this mean for our deficit?’” said Ms. Merkel.
Major events, including all large cultural performances in Berlin, Munich and elsewhere, have either been canceled or will take place without spectators. Major events, including all large cultural performances in Berlin, Munich and elsewhere, have either been canceled or will take place without spectators.
The Indian government acted to close the country’s borders on Wednesday, suspending virtually all visas to enter the country until April 15.The Indian government acted to close the country’s borders on Wednesday, suspending virtually all visas to enter the country until April 15.
It is one of the strongest measures on international travel that any government has taken. This week, Israel said it would require anyone arriving from overseas to self-quarantine for 14 days, and on Wednesday, Guatemala said it would bar Europeans beginning on Thursday, a move that will hurt the country’s tourism industry. It is one of the strongest measures on international travel that any government has taken. This week, Israel said it would require anyone arriving from overseas to self-quarantine for 14 days. On Wednesday, Guatemala said it would bar Europeans and citizens of China, Iran and North and South Korea beginning on Thursday.
The decision in India came as the number of the country’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 60.The decision in India came as the number of the country’s confirmed coronavirus cases rose to 60.
Under the new rules, visas for tourists and business travelers are suspended until April 15. In addition, more than 3 million foreigners of Indian descent who hold a special lifetime visa cannot enter the country until April 15.Under the new rules, visas for tourists and business travelers are suspended until April 15. In addition, more than 3 million foreigners of Indian descent who hold a special lifetime visa cannot enter the country until April 15.
The new rules do not apply to diplomats, people who work for international organizations like the United Nations, and foreign workers with existing employment visas.The new rules do not apply to diplomats, people who work for international organizations like the United Nations, and foreign workers with existing employment visas.
The country also announced mandatory 14-day quarantines for all incoming travelers, including Indian citizens, who arrive from China, Italy, Iran, Korea, France, Spain and Germany.The country also announced mandatory 14-day quarantines for all incoming travelers, including Indian citizens, who arrive from China, Italy, Iran, Korea, France, Spain and Germany.
The government discouraged Indians from nonessential travel abroad, warning that they might be subject to quarantine on re-entry.The government discouraged Indians from nonessential travel abroad, warning that they might be subject to quarantine on re-entry.
The Times is answering some of the most common questions that readers are asking about how they can prepare for the coronavirus, how they can boost their immune systems and how they should react to the market. (Don’t, probably.)The Times is answering some of the most common questions that readers are asking about how they can prepare for the coronavirus, how they can boost their immune systems and how they should react to the market. (Don’t, probably.)
The speed of the coronavirus spread across Europe has left countries scrambling to come up with a coordinated containment plan. Across Europe, the number of known infections jumped by almost one-quarter from Tuesday to Wednesday, to more than 22,000, spreading at a speed that has left countries scrambling to come up containment plans.
At the end of February, European nations other than Italy had reported just a few dozen cases. On Wednesday, Italy reported more than 12,460 cases, jumping more than 2,000 in a day. At the center of the crisis in Europe, Italy reported more than 2,300 new cases, climbing to more than 12,000, with 827 deaths — the second-worst outbreak in the world, after China.
Confirmed cases climbed on Wednesday to almost 2,300 in France and almost 2,200 in Spain, each increasing by about 500 from Tuesday, and Germany had more than 1,600. France, with almost 2,300 infections, and Spain, with almost 2,200, each reported an increase of about 500 from Tuesday. Germany had about 1,600.
Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland each have more than 400 confirmed infections. Denmark and Belgium have both reported more than 300 cases.Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland each have more than 400 confirmed infections. Denmark and Belgium have both reported more than 300 cases.
Even the island nation of Iceland has not escaped, with more than 80 infections in a population of about 364,000, one of the highest number of cases per capita worldwide.Even the island nation of Iceland has not escaped, with more than 80 infections in a population of about 364,000, one of the highest number of cases per capita worldwide.
Italy, with more than 800 deaths linked to the virus and more than 6,800 people hospitalized, has imposed strict travel limits across the entire country and banned public gatherings.Italy, with more than 800 deaths linked to the virus and more than 6,800 people hospitalized, has imposed strict travel limits across the entire country and banned public gatherings.
Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister, said Italy’s sacrifices would serve the entire continent.Matteo Renzi, a former prime minister, said Italy’s sacrifices would serve the entire continent.
“Today, the red zone is Italy,” he said, but if containment measures fail, “the red zone will be Europe.”“Today, the red zone is Italy,” he said, but if containment measures fail, “the red zone will be Europe.”
Some of the countries with the fewest cases are taking the most drastic actions.Some of the countries with the fewest cases are taking the most drastic actions.
Greece and Ukraine announced this week the closing of all schools, universities, and kindergartens. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government declared a “state of emergency” on Tuesday, granting his administration special powers to address the coronavirus outbreak, including closing universities and theaters.Greece and Ukraine announced this week the closing of all schools, universities, and kindergartens. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government declared a “state of emergency” on Tuesday, granting his administration special powers to address the coronavirus outbreak, including closing universities and theaters.
Poland, which on Wednesday had 25 confirmed cases, will also shut down theaters, museums and art galleries for two weeks starting Friday.Poland, which on Wednesday had 25 confirmed cases, will also shut down theaters, museums and art galleries for two weeks starting Friday.
Denmark has suspended naturalization ceremonies because a handshake is officially required for their completion.Denmark has suspended naturalization ceremonies because a handshake is officially required for their completion.
In an unusual three-hour teleconference on Tuesday night, the European Council, which comprises the heads of government of the European Union states, decided to set up a $28 billion investment fund and to relax rules governing airlines.In an unusual three-hour teleconference on Tuesday night, the European Council, which comprises the heads of government of the European Union states, decided to set up a $28 billion investment fund and to relax rules governing airlines.
But the leaders failed to overcome disagreements among bloc members about sharing medical equipment like face masks and respirators, given that health issues are the responsibility of national governments.But the leaders failed to overcome disagreements among bloc members about sharing medical equipment like face masks and respirators, given that health issues are the responsibility of national governments.
After the meeting, President Emmanuel Macron of France said: “What we are living is a true world crisis.”After the meeting, President Emmanuel Macron of France said: “What we are living is a true world crisis.”
In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. Had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?In late January, the first confirmed American case of coronavirus had been reported in the Seattle area. Had the man infected anyone else? Was the virus already spreading?
Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms.Dr. Helen Y. Chu, an infectious disease expert in Seattle, had a way to monitor the region. As part of a research project into the flu, she and a team of researchers had been collecting nasal swabs for months from residents experiencing symptoms.
To repurpose the samples for coronavirus testing, they would need the support of state and federal officials. But officials repeatedly rejected her idea, interviews and emails show, as weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.To repurpose the samples for coronavirus testing, they would need the support of state and federal officials. But officials repeatedly rejected her idea, interviews and emails show, as weeks crawled by and outbreaks emerged outside of China.
By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues could not wait any longer. They began performing tests without government approval. What came back confirmed the worst: a teenager with no recent travel history was infected.By Feb. 25, Dr. Chu and her colleagues could not wait any longer. They began performing tests without government approval. What came back confirmed the worst: a teenager with no recent travel history was infected.
In fact, officials would later discover through testing, the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people. It would kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.In fact, officials would later discover through testing, the virus had already contributed to the deaths of two people. It would kill 20 more in the Seattle region over the following days.
Federal and state officials said the flu study could not be repurposed because Dr. Chu’s lab did not have explicit permission from research subjects; the lab was also not certified for clinical work. While acknowledging the ethical questions, Dr. Chu and others argued there should be more flexibility in an emergency.Federal and state officials said the flu study could not be repurposed because Dr. Chu’s lab did not have explicit permission from research subjects; the lab was also not certified for clinical work. While acknowledging the ethical questions, Dr. Chu and others argued there should be more flexibility in an emergency.
The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more testing during the early days of the outbreak.The failure to tap into the flu study was just one in a series of missed chances by the federal government to ensure more testing during the early days of the outbreak.
Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration with federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak.Even now, after weeks of mounting frustration with federal agencies over flawed test kits and burdensome rules, states are struggling to test widely for the coronavirus. The continued delays have made it impossible for officials to get a true picture of the scale of the growing outbreak.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, still recovering from a major Ebola outbreak, reported its first case of the coronavirus on Tuesday evening, officials announced. Ivory Coast did the same on Wednesday.The Democratic Republic of Congo, still recovering from a major Ebola outbreak, reported its first case of the coronavirus on Tuesday evening, officials announced. Ivory Coast did the same on Wednesday.
While cases of the coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa have been limited so far — the World Health Organization reported fewer than 20 cases in the region as of Wednesday, with the largest cluster in South Africa — global health officials worry about the impact a potential outbreak could have on the already stretched health care systems in many nations.While cases of the coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa have been limited so far — the World Health Organization reported fewer than 20 cases in the region as of Wednesday, with the largest cluster in South Africa — global health officials worry about the impact a potential outbreak could have on the already stretched health care systems in many nations.
Eteni Longondo, the Congolese health minister, announced in a televised address to the nation that a 52-year-old national who had been in France had tested positive for the virus after arriving in the capital, Kinshasa, last week.Eteni Longondo, the Congolese health minister, announced in a televised address to the nation that a 52-year-old national who had been in France had tested positive for the virus after arriving in the capital, Kinshasa, last week.
“We are working at tracing and identifying all the people who have had contact with the patient,” Dr. Longondo said, and urged citizens not to panic.“We are working at tracing and identifying all the people who have had contact with the patient,” Dr. Longondo said, and urged citizens not to panic.
The country just last week announced that its final Ebola patient from an outbreak that began in August 2018 had been released from the hospital, and was preparing to declare itself Ebola-free in the coming weeks. Health officials warned that continued vigilance will be needed to ensure the virus does not re-emerge.The country just last week announced that its final Ebola patient from an outbreak that began in August 2018 had been released from the hospital, and was preparing to declare itself Ebola-free in the coming weeks. Health officials warned that continued vigilance will be needed to ensure the virus does not re-emerge.
Ivory Coast’s first patient is a 45-year-old Ivorian man who had recently traveled to Italy, Reuters reported, citing the country’s health ministry.Ivory Coast’s first patient is a 45-year-old Ivorian man who had recently traveled to Italy, Reuters reported, citing the country’s health ministry.
Iraq announced Wednesday the cancellation of Friday Prayer for a second week, as did Lebanon, while travel restrictions were stepped up across the Middle East.Iraq announced Wednesday the cancellation of Friday Prayer for a second week, as did Lebanon, while travel restrictions were stepped up across the Middle East.
Any doubt about the religious justification of such a decision was laid to rest by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani of Iraq, a Shiite leader, who posted his views on his website.Any doubt about the religious justification of such a decision was laid to rest by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani of Iraq, a Shiite leader, who posted his views on his website.
“Whenever and wherever such gatherings are prohibited in order to mitigate the outbreak of the virus, then you must adhere to those instructions,” he said.“Whenever and wherever such gatherings are prohibited in order to mitigate the outbreak of the virus, then you must adhere to those instructions,” he said.
Iraq has 71 confirmed cases of the coronavirus so far and seven deaths, but with a major outbreak in neighboring Iran, there are fears that the illness could spread rapidly. Iraq has 71 confirmed cases of the coronavirus so far and seven deaths, but with a major outbreak in neighboring Iran, there are fears that the illness could spread rapidly.
In larger mosques, Friday Prayer can bring several thousands of people together in a small space.In larger mosques, Friday Prayer can bring several thousands of people together in a small space.
Sunni Muslims in Iraq have received mixed messages about the precautions to take, with some of their religious leaders still urging people to participate in Friday Prayer. But the Sunni Endowment Office — a government body that administers religious sites and real estate in Iraq — has encouraged people to avoid the services and in some provinces has suspended them. In neighboring Iran, Friday Prayer has been canceled for the past two weeks.Sunni Muslims in Iraq have received mixed messages about the precautions to take, with some of their religious leaders still urging people to participate in Friday Prayer. But the Sunni Endowment Office — a government body that administers religious sites and real estate in Iraq — has encouraged people to avoid the services and in some provinces has suspended them. In neighboring Iran, Friday Prayer has been canceled for the past two weeks.
Syria on Wednesday joined the list of countries to have closed land borders with Iraq, following Iran, Jordan, Kuwait and Turkey. People in Iraq can now only leave the country by air, and even those options are dwindling.Syria on Wednesday joined the list of countries to have closed land borders with Iraq, following Iran, Jordan, Kuwait and Turkey. People in Iraq can now only leave the country by air, and even those options are dwindling.
Organizers of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo on Wednesday sought to dispel confusion over whether the Games would proceed, after a member of the local organizing committee said he would recommend a postponement because of the coronavirus outbreak.Organizers of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo on Wednesday sought to dispel confusion over whether the Games would proceed, after a member of the local organizing committee said he would recommend a postponement because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The chairman of the organizing committee, Yoshihiro Mori, held a news conference to reiterate the position of local organizers and the International Olympic Committee that the Games remain on track for late July.The chairman of the organizing committee, Yoshihiro Mori, held a news conference to reiterate the position of local organizers and the International Olympic Committee that the Games remain on track for late July.
“I think there is an impact,” he said. “But now, experts are discussing the response to it and the W.H.O. will present its basic thoughts soon. Unless there is any such proposal to change the plan, it is a matter of course for us, the organizing committee, to proceed with the games as planned.”“I think there is an impact,” he said. “But now, experts are discussing the response to it and the W.H.O. will present its basic thoughts soon. Unless there is any such proposal to change the plan, it is a matter of course for us, the organizing committee, to proceed with the games as planned.”
At his side was Haruyuki Takahashi, the member of the local committee who had caused a stir by telling The Wall Street Journal that a delay of one or two years would be the most prudent option if the Olympics could not go on as planned this July. He apologized for his comments.At his side was Haruyuki Takahashi, the member of the local committee who had caused a stir by telling The Wall Street Journal that a delay of one or two years would be the most prudent option if the Olympics could not go on as planned this July. He apologized for his comments.
The Japanese Olympic minister, Seiko Hashimoto, said in Parliament that it was “impossible” that the Games would be delayed.The Japanese Olympic minister, Seiko Hashimoto, said in Parliament that it was “impossible” that the Games would be delayed.
But later in the day, adding to the confusion, Kyodo News released an interview with Mr. Takahashi in which he stated that he would propose a delay at the next committee meeting in April. Those comments were apparently made before his public apology.But later in the day, adding to the confusion, Kyodo News released an interview with Mr. Takahashi in which he stated that he would propose a delay at the next committee meeting in April. Those comments were apparently made before his public apology.
Reporting was contributed by Elisabetta Povoledo, Steven Erlanger, Alissa J. Rubin, Andrew Kramer, Joanna Berendt, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Vindu Goel, Kirk Semple, Iliana Magra, Elian Peltier, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Jorge Arangure, Elaine Yu, Amy Qin, Alan Rappeport, Emily Cochrane, Sheri Fink, Mike Baker, Monika Pronczuk, Joanna Berendt, Benjamin Novak, Benjamin Mueller, Melissa Eddy, Roni Caryn Rabin, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Andrew Keh and Isabel Kershner. Reporting was contributed by Elisabetta Povoledo, Steven Erlanger, Alissa J. Rubin, Andrew Kramer, Joanna Berendt, Annie Karni, Marc Santora, Megan Specia, Vindu Goel, Kirk Semple, Iliana Magra, Elian Peltier, Jason Horowitz, Emma Bubola, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs, Jorge Arangure, Elaine Yu, Amy Qin, Alan Rappeport, Emily Cochrane, Sheri Fink, Mike Baker, Monika Pronczuk, Joanna Berendt, Benjamin Novak, Benjamin Mueller, Melissa Eddy, Roni Caryn Rabin, Donald G. McNeil Jr., Andrew Keh and Isabel Kershner.