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Coronavirus Live Updates: As Death Toll Rises, Mayor at Center of Outbreak Offers to Resign Coronavirus Live Updates: As Death Toll Rises, Mayor at Center of Outbreak Offers to Resign
(about 3 hours later)
An outbreak of a new coronavirus that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan has already killed 80 people in China. Infections have been confirmed in many other countries. But of the nearly 3,000 people who have so far contracted the virus, the vast majority live in China.An outbreak of a new coronavirus that began in the Chinese city of Wuhan has already killed 80 people in China. Infections have been confirmed in many other countries. But of the nearly 3,000 people who have so far contracted the virus, the vast majority live in China.
◆ The death toll in China had risen to at least 80 by Monday. Most of those deaths, 76 people, were in the central province of Hubei, the center of the outbreak. Shanghai, a city of 24 million, recorded its first death on Saturday.◆ The death toll in China had risen to at least 80 by Monday. Most of those deaths, 76 people, were in the central province of Hubei, the center of the outbreak. Shanghai, a city of 24 million, recorded its first death on Saturday.
◆ Across China there have been 2,744 confirmed cases, of which 1,423 cases were in Hubei. The youngest confirmed case is a 9-month-old girl in Beijing.◆ Across China there have been 2,744 confirmed cases, of which 1,423 cases were in Hubei. The youngest confirmed case is a 9-month-old girl in Beijing.
◆ The mayor of Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei, said there were about 3,000 patients in the city being treated for the virus. Half of those patients, he said, would eventually test positive for the disease.◆ The mayor of Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei, said there were about 3,000 patients in the city being treated for the virus. Half of those patients, he said, would eventually test positive for the disease.
◆ Thailand and Hong Kong have each reported eight cases of infection; the United States, Taiwan, Australia and Macau have five each; Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia each have reported four; France has three; Canada and Vietnam have two, and Nepal has one.◆ Thailand and Hong Kong have each reported eight cases of infection; the United States, Taiwan, Australia and Macau have five each; Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia each have reported four; France has three; Canada and Vietnam have two, and Nepal has one.
◆ There have been no deaths from the virus reported outside China.◆ There have been no deaths from the virus reported outside China.
Stocks tumbled and oil prices fell on Monday as the virus’s spread worried investors around the globe.
The S&P 500 fell more than 1.5 percent, with shares of airlines and companies dependent on tourism from China particularly hard hit. American Airlines dropped more than 4 percent in early trading, and Wynn Resorts, which operates casinos in Macau, a special administrative region of China and a gambling haven for Chinese high rollers, dropped more than 7 percent.
Major stock benchmarks in Europe were down more than 2 percent. While many markets in Asia were closed for the holiday, Tokyo’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index also sank 2 percent.
The price of oil dropped, on fears that demand could slip. China’s currency also fell, while investors moved into safe havens like gold.
China’s economy, which is experiencing its worst slowdown in nearly three decades, is already hurting from the impact of the outbreak, and there are fears that consumer spending will go down as more residents stay home over the Lunar New Year.
Read more about how the outbreak threatens the global economy.
Wuhan’s top government and Communist Party officials offered to step down on Monday amid growing criticism in the city that the local authorities’ response to the outbreak was too slow.Wuhan’s top government and Communist Party officials offered to step down on Monday amid growing criticism in the city that the local authorities’ response to the outbreak was too slow.
Mayor Zhou Xianwang said in an interview with the state broadcaster CCTV that he and Ma Guoqiang, the city’s party secretary, would resign to “appease public indignation.” Mayor Zhou Xianwang said in an interview with the state broadcaster CCTV that he and Ma Guoqiang, the city’s party secretary, would take responsibility for the crisis and resign to “appease public indignation.”
Mr. Zhou said he and Mr. Ma would take responsibility for the crisis.
“Our names will live in infamy, but as long as it is conducive to the control of the disease and to the people’s lives and safety, Comrade Ma Guoqiang and I will bear any responsibility,” Mr. Zhou said in the interview.“Our names will live in infamy, but as long as it is conducive to the control of the disease and to the people’s lives and safety, Comrade Ma Guoqiang and I will bear any responsibility,” Mr. Zhou said in the interview.
Medical workers in the city have accused the local government of reacting too slowly to the crisis, and residents have used social media to complain about an impromptu ban on travel that has made getting access to food and health care difficult. Medical workers in the city have accused the local government of reacting too slowly to the crisis, and residents have used social media to complain about an impromptu ban on travel that has made it difficult to get access to food and health care.
The mayor defended the travel ban enacted last week, which effectively cut off the city of 11 million people. He called the restriction “unprecedented in human history.”The mayor defended the travel ban enacted last week, which effectively cut off the city of 11 million people. He called the restriction “unprecedented in human history.”
In an effort to temporarily limit travel, the Chinese government extended the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday by three days, meaning it will go through next Sunday rather than ending on Thursday. In an effort to temporarily limit travel, the Chinese government extended the weeklong Lunar New Year holiday by three days, meaning it will go through next Sunday rather than ending on Thursday. Workers will return to work on Feb. 3.
The holiday, China’s biggest annual celebration, began on Friday, the eve of the Lunar New Year. Workers will now get an additional three days off, returning to work on Feb. 3. The holiday, China’s biggest annual celebration, began on Friday, the eve of the Lunar New Year.
Hundreds of millions of Chinese people travel during the holiday, either for tourism or to visit family. The week, known in China as Spring Festival, typically includes large public events, but many festivities have been canceled this year.Hundreds of millions of Chinese people travel during the holiday, either for tourism or to visit family. The week, known in China as Spring Festival, typically includes large public events, but many festivities have been canceled this year.
Many tourist attractions have been shuttered including the Disney theme parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong, along with the Forbidden City and sections of the Great Wall in Beijing.Many tourist attractions have been shuttered including the Disney theme parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong, along with the Forbidden City and sections of the Great Wall in Beijing.
China’s second-highest ranking official, Premier Li Keqiang, on Monday visited Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak, to inspect local efforts to contain the disease, the government said. China’s second-highest ranking official, Premier Li Keqiang, on Monday visited Wuhan to inspect local efforts to contain the disease, the government said.
In pictures released by the state-run news media, Mr. Li is seen wearing a face mask and a blue protective gown while posing for photos with health workers. He was also seen speaking with a patient in an isolation ward via video conference.In pictures released by the state-run news media, Mr. Li is seen wearing a face mask and a blue protective gown while posing for photos with health workers. He was also seen speaking with a patient in an isolation ward via video conference.
The premier’s visit comes as the central government is under increasing pressure to prove it is adequately coping with the crisis. Videos circulating on Chinese social media show doctors straining to handle the enormous workload and hospital corridors loaded with patients, some of whom appear to already be dead. The premier’s visit comes as the central government is under increasing pressure to prove it is adequately coping with the crisis. Videos circulating on Chinese social media show doctors straining to handle the enormous workload and hospital corridors loaded with patients, some of whom appear to be dead.
Rare signs of public anger have also percolated on social media, as Wuhan residents complained that an impromptu ban on cars in the city left many unable to get access to food and hospitals.Rare signs of public anger have also percolated on social media, as Wuhan residents complained that an impromptu ban on cars in the city left many unable to get access to food and hospitals.
Still, several residents interviewed said they had heard about Mr. Li’s visit and welcomed it as a sign that the central leadership was committed to supporting the city and surrounding areas that have been locked down since last week.Still, several residents interviewed said they had heard about Mr. Li’s visit and welcomed it as a sign that the central leadership was committed to supporting the city and surrounding areas that have been locked down since last week.
“This shows that they’re getting serious,” said Shao Shigui, a retired steelworker from southwestern China who was strolling on a promenade by the mighty Yangtze River, which cuts through the city. He had come to Wuhan with his wife to help their daughter, who is pregnant, and said he was taking a break from the monotony of staying indoors.“This shows that they’re getting serious,” said Shao Shigui, a retired steelworker from southwestern China who was strolling on a promenade by the mighty Yangtze River, which cuts through the city. He had come to Wuhan with his wife to help their daughter, who is pregnant, and said he was taking a break from the monotony of staying indoors.
“In China, if a leader visits, that shows that all the resources of the government can be mobilized,” he said. “I’m not panicking. We have to wait this out. But this is a big city, so we need the central government to pay attention.” “In China, if a leader visits, that shows that all the resources of the government can be mobilized,” he said. “I’m not panicking. We have to wait this out.”
On Saturday, Xi Jinping, China’s leader, convened a meeting of the Politburo’s standing committee, the senior-most executive body of the Chinese Communist Party, as a demonstration of the government’s hands-on approach to the outbreak.On Saturday, Xi Jinping, China’s leader, convened a meeting of the Politburo’s standing committee, the senior-most executive body of the Chinese Communist Party, as a demonstration of the government’s hands-on approach to the outbreak.
Hospitals in Wuhan have posted messages online urgently appealing for medical equipment. Mr. Li, who has been assigned to oversee the national response to the outbreak, pledged to provide Wuhan’s health centers with 20,000 pairs of safety goggles.Hospitals in Wuhan have posted messages online urgently appealing for medical equipment. Mr. Li, who has been assigned to oversee the national response to the outbreak, pledged to provide Wuhan’s health centers with 20,000 pairs of safety goggles.
Residents of Wuhan have largely hunkered down to quietly wait out the crisis, mostly staying inside their homes, and venturing out only for supplies and food, medical visits and occasional bursts of exercise away from other people.Residents of Wuhan have largely hunkered down to quietly wait out the crisis, mostly staying inside their homes, and venturing out only for supplies and food, medical visits and occasional bursts of exercise away from other people.
So far, this city of 11 million people has remained fed, despite the strains created by the virus’s spread, which has prompted cities, towns and even villages to throw up checks and roadblocks intended to ward off any outsiders who might carry the coronavirus.So far, this city of 11 million people has remained fed, despite the strains created by the virus’s spread, which has prompted cities, towns and even villages to throw up checks and roadblocks intended to ward off any outsiders who might carry the coronavirus.
On Monday, most shops remained closed, but supermarkets, fresh produce stores and pharmacies remained open — although many pharmacies have run out of protective masks, hand disinfectant and other supplies intended to protect against the virus.On Monday, most shops remained closed, but supermarkets, fresh produce stores and pharmacies remained open — although many pharmacies have run out of protective masks, hand disinfectant and other supplies intended to protect against the virus.
Residents with fevers and coughs who worried that they may have contracted the coronavirus continued to line up at clinics and hospitals, but in fewer numbers than on previous days. The streets were mostly free of cars, and many residents walked or rode bicycles to do their shopping.Residents with fevers and coughs who worried that they may have contracted the coronavirus continued to line up at clinics and hospitals, but in fewer numbers than on previous days. The streets were mostly free of cars, and many residents walked or rode bicycles to do their shopping.
“It’s possible to live, but it’s not a real New Year,” said Qiu Dongjun, a 38-year-old construction worker from rural Hubei Province who was carrying a bagful of shopping, mostly instant noodles and tins of precooked porridge. “I’ve been eating so many containers of instant noodles that my mouth and nose are raw.” “It’s possible to live, but it’s not a real New Year,” said Qiu Dongjun, 38, a construction worker from rural Hubei Province who was carrying a bagful of shopping, mostly instant noodles and tins of precooked porridge. “I’ve been eating so many containers of instant noodles that my mouth and nose are raw.”
As health officials race to contain the dangerous virus, social media users in China are responding to the outbreak with dashes of gallows humor.As health officials race to contain the dangerous virus, social media users in China are responding to the outbreak with dashes of gallows humor.
On the messaging platform WeChat, people circulated images of improvised face masks made of plastic water jugs. One video on WeChat and the social platform Weibo showed a group of people playing mah-jongg, the popular tile-based game, while wearing what appeared to be plastic bags over their heads. Another photo featured people sitting around a mah-jongg table in motorcycle helmets.On the messaging platform WeChat, people circulated images of improvised face masks made of plastic water jugs. One video on WeChat and the social platform Weibo showed a group of people playing mah-jongg, the popular tile-based game, while wearing what appeared to be plastic bags over their heads. Another photo featured people sitting around a mah-jongg table in motorcycle helmets.
One video on WeChat appeared to show a person emerging from an airport baggage claim clad in a full-body space alien costume, complete with green skin and bulging eyes.One video on WeChat appeared to show a person emerging from an airport baggage claim clad in a full-body space alien costume, complete with green skin and bulging eyes.
Masks are a common motif in virus-related memes. They have been added to traditional greetings exchanged for the Lunar New Year. They have been photoshopped into classic paintings such as Vermeer’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” They appear in propaganda posters done in the style of the Mao era and updated to reflect the times.Masks are a common motif in virus-related memes. They have been added to traditional greetings exchanged for the Lunar New Year. They have been photoshopped into classic paintings such as Vermeer’s “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” They appear in propaganda posters done in the style of the Mao era and updated to reflect the times.
A video on Twitter appeared to show a taxi driver wearing goggles and a hazmat suit while taking a woman to the airport.A video on Twitter appeared to show a taxi driver wearing goggles and a hazmat suit while taking a woman to the airport.
The woman asks the driver whether his outfit might scare off potential fares. He replies serenely: “Safety first, right?”The woman asks the driver whether his outfit might scare off potential fares. He replies serenely: “Safety first, right?”
Foreign governments with nationals stranded in Wuhan scrambled to evacuate their citizens from the epicenter of the outbreak, even as China imposed official travel bans.Foreign governments with nationals stranded in Wuhan scrambled to evacuate their citizens from the epicenter of the outbreak, even as China imposed official travel bans.
The State Department said it had chartered a flight to take consular staff members other American citizens to San Francisco from Wuhan on Tuesday. The department said priority would be given to those at greater risk from contracting the virus because of the flight’s “extremely limited” capacity. The State Department said it had chartered a flight to take consular staff members and other American citizens to San Francisco from Wuhan on Tuesday. The department said priority would be given to those at greater risk from contracting the virus because of the flight’s “extremely limited” capacity.
At least one American, a father of three young children, declined the offer after the United States government said his wife, a Chinese national, would not be offered a seat.At least one American, a father of three young children, declined the offer after the United States government said his wife, a Chinese national, would not be offered a seat.
Agnes Buzyn, the French health minister, said France would provide a flight later this week for hundreds of French nationals in the Wuhan area. Once in France, the passengers would be required to spend 14 days in quarantine.Agnes Buzyn, the French health minister, said France would provide a flight later this week for hundreds of French nationals in the Wuhan area. Once in France, the passengers would be required to spend 14 days in quarantine.
The French automaker PSA Group said it would provide accommodations in order to quarantine its expatriate employees before evacuating them.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan said on Sunday that his country would evacuate its people from Wuhan “by every means including a chartered flight.”Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan said on Sunday that his country would evacuate its people from Wuhan “by every means including a chartered flight.”
Russia was in talks with China about evacuating its citizens, local news media reported. Russian tour operators have stopped selling trips to China following recommendations from the country’s tourism watchdog and would only work to evacuate travelers, Reuters reported. Russia was in talks with China about evacuating its citizens, local news media reported. Russian tour operators have stopped selling trips to China following recommendations from the country’s tourism watchdog and would work only to evacuate travelers, Reuters reported.
Arancha Gonzalez, the foreign minister of Spain, wrote on Twitter that her government would “repatriate around 20 Spaniards in Wuhan, Hubei, the epicenter of the coronavirus.” Spain and Sri Lanka also said they would bring home nationals.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka said he had instructed his foreign ministry and the country’s flag carrier to bring home its nationals, many of whom are students.
The government of Hong Kong, a semiautonomous Chinese territory, said Hubei residents and non-Hong Kong travelers who had visited the province in the past 14 days would be barred from entering the city starting on Monday.The government of Hong Kong, a semiautonomous Chinese territory, said Hubei residents and non-Hong Kong travelers who had visited the province in the past 14 days would be barred from entering the city starting on Monday.
As Chinese cities continued to react to the spread of the virus with their own rules, some cities decided to go further than the national government in extending the Lunar New Year holiday, confusing businesses that employ thousands of workers in the world’s second-largest economy.As Chinese cities continued to react to the spread of the virus with their own rules, some cities decided to go further than the national government in extending the Lunar New Year holiday, confusing businesses that employ thousands of workers in the world’s second-largest economy.
In Shanghai, China’s financial center, the authorities ordered businesses to stay closed until midnight on Feb. 9. In nearby Suzhou, a large manufacturing hub, businesses there were ordered to open as soon as Feb. 8.In Shanghai, China’s financial center, the authorities ordered businesses to stay closed until midnight on Feb. 9. In nearby Suzhou, a large manufacturing hub, businesses there were ordered to open as soon as Feb. 8.
As conflicting rules in some provinces and municipalities complicated life for foreign and domestic businesses, officials also sought to help firms and households affected by the outbreak.As conflicting rules in some provinces and municipalities complicated life for foreign and domestic businesses, officials also sought to help firms and households affected by the outbreak.
The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission said in a notice dated Sunday that banks “must not blindly call in loans, cut off lending or hold off on lending.” Instead, the regulator urged lenders to lower interest rates and work with borrowers in cases of companies or industries hit by the outbreak. The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission said in a notice dated Sunday that banks “must not blindly call in loans, cut off lending or hold off on lending.” On Monday, State Grid, the government-controlled electricity provider, said it would halt the shut-off of electricity to residents whose bills fall into arrears while the authorities dealt with the outbreak.
On Monday, State Grid, the government controlled electricity provider, said it would halt the shut-off of electricity to residents whose bills fall into arrears while authorities dealt with the outbreak. The authorities have long tried to clamp down on runaway lending in a country that has typically turned to borrowing to spur growth, leaving the country with huge and at times hidden debt piles. But the outbreak poses an immediate economic threat to a country that is already grappling with slowing growth.
The authorities have long tried to clamp down on runaway lending in a country that has typically turned to borrowing to spur growth, leaving the country with huge and at times hidden debt piles. But the outbreak poses an immediate economic threat to a country that is already grappling with slowing growth. China has made moves that will hurt consumer spending, such as restricting travel. Theme parks have closed and movie studios have pulled potential blockbusters from theaters. China has made moves that will hurt consumer spending, such as restricting travel. Theme parks have closed and movie studios have pulled potential blockbusters from theaters.
Investors on Monday were shaken over concerns about the coronavirus’s impact on global growth. Shares in Europe and Japan sank. (Many other Asian markets were closed for the holiday.) The price of oil dropped, on fears that demand could slip. China’s currency also fell, while investors moved into safe havens like gold.
Though the number of coronavirus cases and deaths is alarming, public health experts have so far warned against mass anxiety. After all, the common flu kills roughly 35,000 people a year and hospitalizes about 200,000 in the United States alone.Though the number of coronavirus cases and deaths is alarming, public health experts have so far warned against mass anxiety. After all, the common flu kills roughly 35,000 people a year and hospitalizes about 200,000 in the United States alone.
It is too soon to know the mortality rate of the virus in the new outbreak. But there are signs that this outbreak could be far more serious than the common flu. For one, the virus has been identified as a coronavirus, named for the microscopic spikes that protrude from its membrane. Other coronaviruses have far higher mortality rates than the common flu, and have also led to global outbreaks.It is too soon to know the mortality rate of the virus in the new outbreak. But there are signs that this outbreak could be far more serious than the common flu. For one, the virus has been identified as a coronavirus, named for the microscopic spikes that protrude from its membrane. Other coronaviruses have far higher mortality rates than the common flu, and have also led to global outbreaks.
Chinese citizens are also haunted by the memory of the SARS epidemic in 2002 and 2003, a coronavirus outbreak that also started in China and eventually killed more than 800 people worldwide. During that epidemic, Beijing at first played down the crisis and withheld information, eventually drawing widespread criticism.Chinese citizens are also haunted by the memory of the SARS epidemic in 2002 and 2003, a coronavirus outbreak that also started in China and eventually killed more than 800 people worldwide. During that epidemic, Beijing at first played down the crisis and withheld information, eventually drawing widespread criticism.
And conclusive evidence about how the outbreak started is lacking. While officials in Wuhan first traced it to a seafood market, some patients who have fallen ill never visited the market. Researchers have also offered disparate explanations for what animals may have transmitted the virus to humans.And conclusive evidence about how the outbreak started is lacking. While officials in Wuhan first traced it to a seafood market, some patients who have fallen ill never visited the market. Researchers have also offered disparate explanations for what animals may have transmitted the virus to humans.
The coronavirus outbreak seemed to be a full-blown crisis by the time the first news reports emerged: Dozens of people had been infected, even some abroad.The coronavirus outbreak seemed to be a full-blown crisis by the time the first news reports emerged: Dozens of people had been infected, even some abroad.
Though China’s initial delay in reporting cases of the new virus may suggest a cover-up, experts see something more worrying: weaknesses at the heart of the Chinese political system.Though China’s initial delay in reporting cases of the new virus may suggest a cover-up, experts see something more worrying: weaknesses at the heart of the Chinese political system.
China’s rigid bureaucracy discourages local officials from raising bad news with central bosses and it silos officials off from one another, making it harder to manage, or even see, a crisis in the making. China’s rigid bureaucracy discourages local officials from raising bad news with central bosses, and it silos officials off from one another, making it harder to manage, or even see, a crisis in the making.
“That’s why you never really hear about problems emerging on a local scale in China,” said John Yasuda, who studies China’s approach to health crises at Indiana University. “By the time that we hear about it, and that the problem reaches the central government, it’s because it’s become a huge problem.”“That’s why you never really hear about problems emerging on a local scale in China,” said John Yasuda, who studies China’s approach to health crises at Indiana University. “By the time that we hear about it, and that the problem reaches the central government, it’s because it’s become a huge problem.”
Those systemic flaws appear to have played a role in the pace at which officials responded to the outbreak, and the country’s inability to address the health risks from its so-called wet markets, which are stuffed with livestock living and dead, domesticated and wild.Those systemic flaws appear to have played a role in the pace at which officials responded to the outbreak, and the country’s inability to address the health risks from its so-called wet markets, which are stuffed with livestock living and dead, domesticated and wild.
China is now mobilizing a nationwide response involving hundreds of personnel, one of the system’s strengths. But the country’s political weaknesses can have serious consequences for the world. Disease and pollution don’t respect borders, so a unified national policy is typically needed to prevent or stop them.China is now mobilizing a nationwide response involving hundreds of personnel, one of the system’s strengths. But the country’s political weaknesses can have serious consequences for the world. Disease and pollution don’t respect borders, so a unified national policy is typically needed to prevent or stop them.
For any health or environmental regulation to work, Mr. Yasuda said, “you want it to be standardized, you want it to be transparent, you want it to be accountable.”For any health or environmental regulation to work, Mr. Yasuda said, “you want it to be standardized, you want it to be transparent, you want it to be accountable.”
Reporting was contributed by Elaine Yu, Russell Goldman, Alexandra Stevenson, Tiffany May, Steven Lee Myers, Vivian Wang, Chris Buckley and Raymond Zhong. Zoe Mou, Albee Zhang, Amber Wang, Yiwei Wang and Claire Fu contributed research. Reporting was contributed by Elaine Yu, Russell Goldman, Alexandra Stevenson, Tiffany May, Steven Lee Myers, Vivian Wang, Chris Buckley, Raymond Zhong and Katie Robertson. Zoe Mou, Albee Zhang, Amber Wang, Yiwei Wang and Claire Fu contributed research.