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Coronavirus Live Updates: Emergency Declaration Is Considered as Toll Rises Coronavirus Live Updates: Emergency Declaration Is Considered as Toll Rises
(32 minutes later)
The World Health Organization is meeting again on Thursday to decide whether to declare the coronavirus epidemic an international public health emergency, as China said that another 38 people had died from the virus.The World Health Organization is meeting again on Thursday to decide whether to declare the coronavirus epidemic an international public health emergency, as China said that another 38 people had died from the virus.
The global health agency met twice last week but was split about whether to declare an emergency, saying it did not have enough information to decide. Such rulings can rally a global response, but also put countries at the center of any outbreak under even greater scrutiny.The global health agency met twice last week but was split about whether to declare an emergency, saying it did not have enough information to decide. Such rulings can rally a global response, but also put countries at the center of any outbreak under even greater scrutiny.
China said Thursday that the total number of deaths from the coronavirus had risen to 170, with cases now confirmed in every province and region in the country. More than 7,700 people have been sickened in mainland China, while 68 cases have been reported around the world.China said Thursday that the total number of deaths from the coronavirus had risen to 170, with cases now confirmed in every province and region in the country. More than 7,700 people have been sickened in mainland China, while 68 cases have been reported around the world.
The W.H.O. has so far praised China’s response. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s director-general, met with Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, in Beijing on Tuesday.The W.H.O. has so far praised China’s response. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the organization’s director-general, met with Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, in Beijing on Tuesday.
Mr. Xi had led “a monumental national response,” Dr. Tedros wrote on Twitter, adding he was “struck by the determination of Chinese leadership.”Mr. Xi had led “a monumental national response,” Dr. Tedros wrote on Twitter, adding he was “struck by the determination of Chinese leadership.”
◆ Thirty-eight more deaths in China from the coronavirus were announced on Thursday, bringing the toll to 170. Most of those recent deaths, 37, occurred in Hubei Province, the center of the outbreak. One person died in the southwestern province of Sichuan.◆ Thirty-eight more deaths in China from the coronavirus were announced on Thursday, bringing the toll to 170. Most of those recent deaths, 37, occurred in Hubei Province, the center of the outbreak. One person died in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
◆ Another 1,737 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours for a total of 7,711 worldwide, according to Chinese officials and the World Health Organization. The real number is likely to be higher.◆ Another 1,737 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours for a total of 7,711 worldwide, according to Chinese officials and the World Health Organization. The real number is likely to be higher.
◆ Tibet reported its first confirmed case. This means that all of China’s provinces and territories have now been touched by the outbreak.◆ Tibet reported its first confirmed case. This means that all of China’s provinces and territories have now been touched by the outbreak.
◆ Thailand has reported 14 cases of infection; Japan has 11; Hong Kong and Singapore have 10; Taiwan has eight; Australia, Malaysia and Macau each have seven; France and the United States have five; South Korea, Germany and the United Arab Emirates each have 4; Canada has three; Vietnam has two; and India, the Philippines, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Finland each have one.◆ Thailand has reported 14 cases of infection; Japan has 11; Hong Kong and Singapore have 10; Taiwan has eight; Australia, Malaysia and Macau each have seven; France and the United States have five; South Korea, Germany and the United Arab Emirates each have 4; Canada has three; Vietnam has two; and India, the Philippines, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Finland each have one.
◆ Cases recorded in Taiwan, Germany, Vietnam and Japan involved patients who had not been to China. There have been no reported deaths outside China.◆ Cases recorded in Taiwan, Germany, Vietnam and Japan involved patients who had not been to China. There have been no reported deaths outside China.
Cases of the mysterious new coronavirus in mainland China now outnumber the infections that China saw during the entire SARS outbreak of 2002 and 2003.Cases of the mysterious new coronavirus in mainland China now outnumber the infections that China saw during the entire SARS outbreak of 2002 and 2003.
SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, ultimately killed 774 people in 17 countries. The Chinese authorities were criticized for their response to that epidemic, which began inside its borders.SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, ultimately killed 774 people in 17 countries. The Chinese authorities were criticized for their response to that epidemic, which began inside its borders.
By Thursday, the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus had risen to 7,711 worldwide, according to Chinese officials and the W.H.O. All but 68 of those infections have been in mainland China.By Thursday, the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus had risen to 7,711 worldwide, according to Chinese officials and the W.H.O. All but 68 of those infections have been in mainland China.
Experts cautioned that comparing the two diseases was difficult. Tracking SARS infections was complicated by a dearth of testing equipment and a lack of transparency among local politicians and the central government. While officials say China has made progress on those fronts, similar concerns threaten to undermine an accurate count of infections from the new coronavirus, known to scientists as 2019-nCoV.Experts cautioned that comparing the two diseases was difficult. Tracking SARS infections was complicated by a dearth of testing equipment and a lack of transparency among local politicians and the central government. While officials say China has made progress on those fronts, similar concerns threaten to undermine an accurate count of infections from the new coronavirus, known to scientists as 2019-nCoV.
Preliminary figures suggest the new coronavirus is less likely to result in death than SARS, which killed 1 in 10 infected patients, but it is still too early to paint a full picture of its mortality rate.Preliminary figures suggest the new coronavirus is less likely to result in death than SARS, which killed 1 in 10 infected patients, but it is still too early to paint a full picture of its mortality rate.
By comparison, MERS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, another coronavirus, killed 1 in 3 patients. The mortality rate of seasonal flu is about 1 in 1,000.By comparison, MERS, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, another coronavirus, killed 1 in 3 patients. The mortality rate of seasonal flu is about 1 in 1,000.
Anger and frustration have escalated in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, as the city’s overwhelmed hospitals pleaded for urgent help to replenish diminishing supplies.Anger and frustration have escalated in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, as the city’s overwhelmed hospitals pleaded for urgent help to replenish diminishing supplies.
A relative of a coronavirus patient assaulted a doctor at a hospital in Wuhan, pulling and damaging the doctor’s mask and protective clothing, the state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday, citing the local police. The Beijing Youth Daily, a state-owned newspaper, reported that two doctors had been attacked at the hospital, including one who was threatened and had his protective gown torn off.A relative of a coronavirus patient assaulted a doctor at a hospital in Wuhan, pulling and damaging the doctor’s mask and protective clothing, the state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday, citing the local police. The Beijing Youth Daily, a state-owned newspaper, reported that two doctors had been attacked at the hospital, including one who was threatened and had his protective gown torn off.
In the face of rising public anger, the central government has sought to present itself as intervening to hold accountable local officials in areas that have been hit hard by the epidemic.In the face of rising public anger, the central government has sought to present itself as intervening to hold accountable local officials in areas that have been hit hard by the epidemic.
CCTV aired footage on Thursday showing a central government inspection team grilling officials in Huanggang, a city about 50 miles from Wuhan, about the number of beds they had set aside for coronavirus patients. As the two local health officials fumbled their responses to seemingly basic questions, the visiting inspectors’ questions took on a more impatient tone.CCTV aired footage on Thursday showing a central government inspection team grilling officials in Huanggang, a city about 50 miles from Wuhan, about the number of beds they had set aside for coronavirus patients. As the two local health officials fumbled their responses to seemingly basic questions, the visiting inspectors’ questions took on a more impatient tone.
Unusual in its blunt portrayal of inadequate government response, the report was quickly shared on Chinese social media sites with the hashtag “one question, three don’t knows.”Unusual in its blunt portrayal of inadequate government response, the report was quickly shared on Chinese social media sites with the hashtag “one question, three don’t knows.”
Officials say medical supplies are running dangerously low in central China, despite gear being delivered in bulk from around the world. The Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan wrote on Weibo, a social media platform, that the city had received 240,000 masks, 25,000 protective gowns and 4,000 pairs of medical goggles from its alumni group in Germany. The Chinese community in Singapore sent 75,000 medical masks.Officials say medical supplies are running dangerously low in central China, despite gear being delivered in bulk from around the world. The Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan wrote on Weibo, a social media platform, that the city had received 240,000 masks, 25,000 protective gowns and 4,000 pairs of medical goggles from its alumni group in Germany. The Chinese community in Singapore sent 75,000 medical masks.
Photographs posted online showed hospital workers, many still in protective gear, slumped over their desks and on the floors in exhaustion.Photographs posted online showed hospital workers, many still in protective gear, slumped over their desks and on the floors in exhaustion.
From Chris Buckley, our chief China correspondent, on the ground in Wuhan:From Chris Buckley, our chief China correspondent, on the ground in Wuhan:
Since the central Chinese city of Wuhan went under official lockdown last week, most shops have shut, few cars venture onto the roads and fear has kept most people in their homes.Since the central Chinese city of Wuhan went under official lockdown last week, most shops have shut, few cars venture onto the roads and fear has kept most people in their homes.
When Wuhan residents do step outside, it’s mostly to the supermarkets, food stores and pharmacies that have stayed open as part of a government effort to sustain the city. Senior officials have promised that residents need not worry about supplies of vegetables, fruit or other staples, even as large swaths of the province, Hubei, are also locked down to curtail the outbreak.When Wuhan residents do step outside, it’s mostly to the supermarkets, food stores and pharmacies that have stayed open as part of a government effort to sustain the city. Senior officials have promised that residents need not worry about supplies of vegetables, fruit or other staples, even as large swaths of the province, Hubei, are also locked down to curtail the outbreak.
Yet Wuhan residents complained about price hikes, and expressed fear that a prolonged shutdown might choke off food supplies. Poorer people, both in urban Wuhan and in the countryside, would suffer more acutely from tightening supplies.Yet Wuhan residents complained about price hikes, and expressed fear that a prolonged shutdown might choke off food supplies. Poorer people, both in urban Wuhan and in the countryside, would suffer more acutely from tightening supplies.
“If we can’t bring in produce, it will become more expensive, or we might even have to close up,” said Zuo Qichao, who was selling piles of cucumbers, turnips and tomatoes. As he spoke, a woman accused him of unfairly raising the turnips’ price.“If we can’t bring in produce, it will become more expensive, or we might even have to close up,” said Zuo Qichao, who was selling piles of cucumbers, turnips and tomatoes. As he spoke, a woman accused him of unfairly raising the turnips’ price.
“Every county, every village around here is now putting up barriers, worried about that disease,” Mr. Zuo said. “Even if the government says it wants food guaranteed, it won’t be easy — all those road checks.”“Every county, every village around here is now putting up barriers, worried about that disease,” Mr. Zuo said. “Even if the government says it wants food guaranteed, it won’t be easy — all those road checks.”
Several migrant workers who were trapped in Wuhan by the lockdown said they were getting by on cheap cartons of instant noodles and canned foods — partly because they had nowhere to cook proper meals, and partly because they were trying to save money, in case the nationwide emergency should lead to an economic downturn.“I’ve been eating so many containers of instant noodles that my mouth and nose are raw,” said Qiu Dongjun, a 38-year old construction worker from rural Hubei Province, who worried that the lockdown would threaten jobs in the city.Several migrant workers who were trapped in Wuhan by the lockdown said they were getting by on cheap cartons of instant noodles and canned foods — partly because they had nowhere to cook proper meals, and partly because they were trying to save money, in case the nationwide emergency should lead to an economic downturn.“I’ve been eating so many containers of instant noodles that my mouth and nose are raw,” said Qiu Dongjun, a 38-year old construction worker from rural Hubei Province, who worried that the lockdown would threaten jobs in the city.
“What will be do if we don’t have jobs?” he said. “I have to save money.”“What will be do if we don’t have jobs?” he said. “I have to save money.”
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Thursday that China’s loss might be America’s gain, because the coronavirus outbreak could prompt employers to move jobs to the United States.Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Thursday that China’s loss might be America’s gain, because the coronavirus outbreak could prompt employers to move jobs to the United States.
“I don’t want to talk about a victory lap over a very unfortunate, very malignant disease,” Mr. Ross said in an interview on Fox Business. “I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America. Some to the U.S., probably some to Mexico as well.”“I don’t want to talk about a victory lap over a very unfortunate, very malignant disease,” Mr. Ross said in an interview on Fox Business. “I think it will help to accelerate the return of jobs to North America. Some to the U.S., probably some to Mexico as well.”
Mr. Ross cited previous disease outbreaks in China, suggesting that a prevalence of diseases there would become a factor in businesses leaving the country and relocating to North America.Mr. Ross cited previous disease outbreaks in China, suggesting that a prevalence of diseases there would become a factor in businesses leaving the country and relocating to North America.
“You had SARS, you have the African swine virus there, now you have this,” Mr. Ross said.“You had SARS, you have the African swine virus there, now you have this,” Mr. Ross said.
His remarks may be seen as insensitive to a country in crisis, and he has faced such criticism in the past. During the government shutdown in early 2019, Mr. Ross suggested that furloughed workers should take out loans while they went without pay for more than a month.His remarks may be seen as insensitive to a country in crisis, and he has faced such criticism in the past. During the government shutdown in early 2019, Mr. Ross suggested that furloughed workers should take out loans while they went without pay for more than a month.
Italy has blocked thousands of people from leaving a cruise ship that docked on Thursday at an Italian port, over concerns that someone aboard might have the virus.Italy has blocked thousands of people from leaving a cruise ship that docked on Thursday at an Italian port, over concerns that someone aboard might have the virus.
According to Italy’s national news agency ANSA, a woman from Hong Kong aboard the Costa Smeralda, a vessel owned by Costa Cruises, had a fever and was experiencing respiratory problems. Both the woman and a man traveling with her, who did not present any symptoms, were being held in isolation in a hospital ward aboard the ship and were tested by infectious disease experts from a hospital in Rome.According to Italy’s national news agency ANSA, a woman from Hong Kong aboard the Costa Smeralda, a vessel owned by Costa Cruises, had a fever and was experiencing respiratory problems. Both the woman and a man traveling with her, who did not present any symptoms, were being held in isolation in a hospital ward aboard the ship and were tested by infectious disease experts from a hospital in Rome.
A statement from Costa Cruises confirmed that a “sanitary protocol” had been activated for a passenger. ANSA reported that about 6,000 people were aboard; the cruise line declined to give a number, but says the ship has a capacity of 6,522 passengers and 1,678 crew members.A statement from Costa Cruises confirmed that a “sanitary protocol” had been activated for a passenger. ANSA reported that about 6,000 people were aboard; the cruise line declined to give a number, but says the ship has a capacity of 6,522 passengers and 1,678 crew members.
The cruise line said in an emailed statement that a 54-year-old woman with Chinese nationality and her “travel mate” had been in isolation since Wednesday night.The cruise line said in an emailed statement that a 54-year-old woman with Chinese nationality and her “travel mate” had been in isolation since Wednesday night.
“As soon as the suspected case was detected, the medical team on board immediately activated all the relevant health procedures,” the cruise line said.“As soon as the suspected case was detected, the medical team on board immediately activated all the relevant health procedures,” the cruise line said.
The ship arrived Thursday morning at Civitavecchia, a port town northwest of Rome, after sailing from Palma, on the Spanish island Mallorca. The seven-day cruise in the Western Mediterranean, also included stops in La Spezia and Savona, Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona and Palma in Spain.The ship arrived Thursday morning at Civitavecchia, a port town northwest of Rome, after sailing from Palma, on the Spanish island Mallorca. The seven-day cruise in the Western Mediterranean, also included stops in La Spezia and Savona, Italy; Marseille, France; and Barcelona and Palma in Spain.
The cruise line said that ensuring the health and safety of passengers and crew members was “our utmost priority.”The cruise line said that ensuring the health and safety of passengers and crew members was “our utmost priority.”
Russia prepared for a partial closure of its 2,600-mile border with China as fears about the coronavirus outbreak mounted in Moscow.Russia prepared for a partial closure of its 2,600-mile border with China as fears about the coronavirus outbreak mounted in Moscow.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Thursday ordered 16 of the approximately 25 crossing points that Russia operates on the Chinese border to be closed as of midnight local time. He said the closures would be part of a new raft of measures to stop the infection from spreading to the country from Russia’s southeastern neighbor.Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Thursday ordered 16 of the approximately 25 crossing points that Russia operates on the Chinese border to be closed as of midnight local time. He said the closures would be part of a new raft of measures to stop the infection from spreading to the country from Russia’s southeastern neighbor.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged Russians to postpone all travel to China and suspended the issuance of electronic visas for Chinese citizens.Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged Russians to postpone all travel to China and suspended the issuance of electronic visas for Chinese citizens.
Russian officials say that no cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in Russia.Russian officials say that no cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in Russia.
“We have to do everything to protect our people,” Mr. Mishustin said in televised remarks at a cabinet meeting. “We will inform everyone about the relevant actions being taken to close the border in the Far Eastern region and other measures being taken by the government.”“We have to do everything to protect our people,” Mr. Mishustin said in televised remarks at a cabinet meeting. “We will inform everyone about the relevant actions being taken to close the border in the Far Eastern region and other measures being taken by the government.”
Australia said it would quarantine its citizens evacuated from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, for two weeks on an island 2,000 miles off the coast of mainland Australia, amid global fears that the spread of the virus will accelerate.Australia said it would quarantine its citizens evacuated from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the outbreak, for two weeks on an island 2,000 miles off the coast of mainland Australia, amid global fears that the spread of the virus will accelerate.
Six people in Australia, all of whom recently spent time in China, have already been diagnosed with the new coronavirus. But there are also about 600 Australian citizens trapped in Hubei Province, where Wuhan and other cities have effectively been under lockdown for a week.Six people in Australia, all of whom recently spent time in China, have already been diagnosed with the new coronavirus. But there are also about 600 Australian citizens trapped in Hubei Province, where Wuhan and other cities have effectively been under lockdown for a week.
The government said it would transport those “isolated and vulnerable” people to Christmas Island, the site of a detention camp used for housing illegal immigrants and asylum seekers.The government said it would transport those “isolated and vulnerable” people to Christmas Island, the site of a detention camp used for housing illegal immigrants and asylum seekers.
Timing for the evacuation remains uncertain as the government awaits approval from China. Officials said Qantas Airways would facilitate the evacuation.Timing for the evacuation remains uncertain as the government awaits approval from China. Officials said Qantas Airways would facilitate the evacuation.
Christmas Island, which is near the Indonesian island of Java, has played an important but checkered role in Australia’s contentious use of faraway sites to house refugees and other migrants. Some Australians questioned the implications of using the island as a quarantine site.Christmas Island, which is near the Indonesian island of Java, has played an important but checkered role in Australia’s contentious use of faraway sites to house refugees and other migrants. Some Australians questioned the implications of using the island as a quarantine site.
Last year, the government reopened a detention center on the island, in a bid to counter legislation that would let sick detainees seek treatment on the mainland.Last year, the government reopened a detention center on the island, in a bid to counter legislation that would let sick detainees seek treatment on the mainland.
Moving people to Christmas Island is not an “appropriate solution,” Dr. Tony Bartone, the president of the Australian Medical Association, said in a television news interview, adding that the government had other facilities it could use, such as military sites.Moving people to Christmas Island is not an “appropriate solution,” Dr. Tony Bartone, the president of the Australian Medical Association, said in a television news interview, adding that the government had other facilities it could use, such as military sites.
People trapped in Wuhan said they were torn between staying in China or spending two weeks at a remote detention facility.People trapped in Wuhan said they were torn between staying in China or spending two weeks at a remote detention facility.
“I have mixed feelings about it,” Daniel Ouyang, an Australian who visited Wuhan for the Lunar New Year holiday, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.“I have mixed feelings about it,” Daniel Ouyang, an Australian who visited Wuhan for the Lunar New Year holiday, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The government, he said, had not been forthcoming about what conditions they should expect on the island. “What’s going to happen to our freedom?” he asked.The government, he said, had not been forthcoming about what conditions they should expect on the island. “What’s going to happen to our freedom?” he asked.
“Christmas Island for 14 days is a long time,” Bon Lee, a Sydney man in Hubei Province, told The Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s a drastic measure.”“Christmas Island for 14 days is a long time,” Bon Lee, a Sydney man in Hubei Province, told The Sydney Morning Herald. “It’s a drastic measure.”
In Taiwan, anger has been growing over China’s refusal this week to let Taiwan evacuate about 300 of its people from Wuhan, even as it has given the United States, Japan and other countries permission to do so.In Taiwan, anger has been growing over China’s refusal this week to let Taiwan evacuate about 300 of its people from Wuhan, even as it has given the United States, Japan and other countries permission to do so.
China’s ruling Communist Party considers Taiwan, a democratically governed island, to be part of China, and the two sides have no formal ties. Referring to the rebuffed evacuation request on Tuesday, Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said in a statement that Taiwanese people in Hubei Province, which includes Wuhan, were receiving “appropriate care.”China’s ruling Communist Party considers Taiwan, a democratically governed island, to be part of China, and the two sides have no formal ties. Referring to the rebuffed evacuation request on Tuesday, Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said in a statement that Taiwanese people in Hubei Province, which includes Wuhan, were receiving “appropriate care.”
Kolas Yotaka, a spokeswoman for Taiwan’s government, said China was prioritizing politics over lives. Many of the Taiwanese seeking evacuation from Wuhan were tourists or on business trips, while others were residents of the city who suffered from chronic diseases, Ms. Kolas said.Kolas Yotaka, a spokeswoman for Taiwan’s government, said China was prioritizing politics over lives. Many of the Taiwanese seeking evacuation from Wuhan were tourists or on business trips, while others were residents of the city who suffered from chronic diseases, Ms. Kolas said.
“We call on the Chinese government to demonstrate basic humanity and agree to our request as soon as possible,” she said.“We call on the Chinese government to demonstrate basic humanity and agree to our request as soon as possible,” she said.
As part of its campaign to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, China has blocked it from participating in international bodies like the World Health Organization — a fact that has also angered Taiwanese people this week, as they try to prepare along with the rest of the world for the possibility of a worsening epidemic.As part of its campaign to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, China has blocked it from participating in international bodies like the World Health Organization — a fact that has also angered Taiwanese people this week, as they try to prepare along with the rest of the world for the possibility of a worsening epidemic.
American stores are selling out of masks, and health care workers risk infection if they cannot get the protective gear.American stores are selling out of masks, and health care workers risk infection if they cannot get the protective gear.
Some popular sellers on Amazon say deliveries will be delayed for weeks.Some popular sellers on Amazon say deliveries will be delayed for weeks.
Masks are thought to slow the spread of disease when they are worn by sick people in crowded places like emergency rooms, offices, subways and buses. By containing coughs and sneezes, masks stop virus-laden droplets from being spewed into the air and onto nearby surfaces.Masks are thought to slow the spread of disease when they are worn by sick people in crowded places like emergency rooms, offices, subways and buses. By containing coughs and sneezes, masks stop virus-laden droplets from being spewed into the air and onto nearby surfaces.
Hoarding by the healthy means that hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices could run out. Doctors and nurses treating patients for respiratory infections should wear masks and replace them often — as soon as they become soggy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hoarding by the healthy means that hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices could run out. Doctors and nurses treating patients for respiratory infections should wear masks and replace them often — as soon as they become soggy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The C.D.C. is reaching out to manufacturers to prevent shortages, especially in hospitals, an agency official said.The C.D.C. is reaching out to manufacturers to prevent shortages, especially in hospitals, an agency official said.
After a planned flight to take 200 British citizens home was not allowed to take off from Wuhan, the British government said it had organized a charter flight that would leave Friday morning.
An evacuation flight from Wuhan to a military base in England was scheduled to take off at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Ben Pinkerton, a 23-year-old who teaches English in Wuhan, said in a Facebook message on Thursday. The British people were to meet at a place about two miles from the airport that is “used for medical checks before getting onto the flight,” he added.
But early that morning, he got a call from the British Foreign Office, saying that the evacuation had been delayed because the Chinese authorities had yet to give permission, and that it would probably take place on Friday. “Emphasis on probably,” said Mr. Pinkerton, who is from Northern Ireland and has lived in Wuhan for over a year.
On Thursday, Britain’s foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, said in a statement that the Britons would leave on a flight from Wuhan’s airport at 5 a.m. on Friday.
Matt Hancock, the British health secretary, said on Wednesday that anyone arriving from Wuhan would be put into quarantine for two weeks.
“Anyone who returns from Wuhan will be safely isolated for 14 days, with all necessary medical attention,” he wrote in a tweet.
Comments from a doctor in Shanghai surged across Chinese social media after he described challenging Communist Party members to take the lead in fighting the coronavirus outbreak.Comments from a doctor in Shanghai surged across Chinese social media after he described challenging Communist Party members to take the lead in fighting the coronavirus outbreak.
Dr. Zhang Wenhong, the head and party secretary of the infectious disease department at Huashan Hospital, said the first wave of doctors from Shanghai to head to the outbreak’s epicenter in Hubei Province were volunteers, but that he later ordered Communist Party members to follow suit.Dr. Zhang Wenhong, the head and party secretary of the infectious disease department at Huashan Hospital, said the first wave of doctors from Shanghai to head to the outbreak’s epicenter in Hubei Province were volunteers, but that he later ordered Communist Party members to follow suit.
“The first batch were all amazing doctors,” he said, adding that they went to the front line when they didn’t even know the risk of the virus.“The first batch were all amazing doctors,” he said, adding that they went to the front line when they didn’t even know the risk of the virus.
But it was unfair to take advantage of their altruism, said Dr. Zhang, who is responsible for organizing the medical teams sent from Shanghai.But it was unfair to take advantage of their altruism, said Dr. Zhang, who is responsible for organizing the medical teams sent from Shanghai.
“I changed and gave all the front line positions to the Communist Party members,” he said. “Didn’t the Communists say when they took the oath that they put the interests of the people first?”“I changed and gave all the front line positions to the Communist Party members,” he said. “Didn’t the Communists say when they took the oath that they put the interests of the people first?”
His comments hinted at the ruling Communist Party’s efforts to control the response to the epidemic, even as some critics have said that its obsession with secrecy aided the initial spread of the disease.His comments hinted at the ruling Communist Party’s efforts to control the response to the epidemic, even as some critics have said that its obsession with secrecy aided the initial spread of the disease.
On Tuesday, the party’s Central Committee called on members in the medical community to “play the vanguard roles and build a strong defense network” against the disease, the official Xinhua news agency reported.On Tuesday, the party’s Central Committee called on members in the medical community to “play the vanguard roles and build a strong defense network” against the disease, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
The response online to Dr. Zhang’s remarks was widely supportive, with many commenters praising his blunt language. Some even suggested that he replace leaders in Hubei, who have been heavily criticized over the outbreak.The response online to Dr. Zhang’s remarks was widely supportive, with many commenters praising his blunt language. Some even suggested that he replace leaders in Hubei, who have been heavily criticized over the outbreak.
People’s reasons for joining the party have grown less ideological in recent decades, and membership is increasingly seen as a way to make connections and boost career prospects. Some social media users suggested that they supported Dr. Zhang because he was forcing party members to live up to their pledges of public service.People’s reasons for joining the party have grown less ideological in recent decades, and membership is increasingly seen as a way to make connections and boost career prospects. Some social media users suggested that they supported Dr. Zhang because he was forcing party members to live up to their pledges of public service.
“What we’re left to infer is many party members hid at the back and let the sincere people charge to the front,” wrote one commenter on Weibo. “The reality is many party members are out for status and personal benefit and not to serve the people.”“What we’re left to infer is many party members hid at the back and let the sincere people charge to the front,” wrote one commenter on Weibo. “The reality is many party members are out for status and personal benefit and not to serve the people.”
Fears that a mysterious and fast-moving virus in China could impact the global economy drove investors in Asia to dump stocks on Thursday.Fears that a mysterious and fast-moving virus in China could impact the global economy drove investors in Asia to dump stocks on Thursday.
Money fled riskier assets like stocks and oil and flowed instead into investments that are considered safe havens like gold as growing numbers of policymakers, economists and corporate executives have sounded alarms. Major benchmarks across the region fell by more than 1 percent. Europe and Wall Street also looked poised for a day of selling.Money fled riskier assets like stocks and oil and flowed instead into investments that are considered safe havens like gold as growing numbers of policymakers, economists and corporate executives have sounded alarms. Major benchmarks across the region fell by more than 1 percent. Europe and Wall Street also looked poised for a day of selling.
Early on, economists had speculated that China’s economy would not likely be as badly hit as it was during the 2002-2003 SARS epidemic. Some have now begun to revise their outlooks as more details emerge about the number of cases and speed of transmission of the coronavirus.Early on, economists had speculated that China’s economy would not likely be as badly hit as it was during the 2002-2003 SARS epidemic. Some have now begun to revise their outlooks as more details emerge about the number of cases and speed of transmission of the coronavirus.
A growing number of companies have also warned they will have to close or shift operations and could take a financial hit from widespread business disruptions in China.A growing number of companies have also warned they will have to close or shift operations and could take a financial hit from widespread business disruptions in China.
In Tokyo and Hong Kong, stocks were down 1.5 percent, while in Seoul they fell 1.7 percent. Traders in Taipei, returning from the Lunar New Year holiday, pushed the market down by 5.8 percent. China’s markets remain closed for an extended holiday until Feb. 3.In Tokyo and Hong Kong, stocks were down 1.5 percent, while in Seoul they fell 1.7 percent. Traders in Taipei, returning from the Lunar New Year holiday, pushed the market down by 5.8 percent. China’s markets remain closed for an extended holiday until Feb. 3.
Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, hit its lowest price this year before paring some of its losses. It was trading at about $59 a barrel.Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, hit its lowest price this year before paring some of its losses. It was trading at about $59 a barrel.
Policymakers in Japan and the United States issued warnings about the potential impact of the virus on the economy. “There will clearly be implications,” said the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome H. Powell, on Wednesday. “We just have to see what the effect is globally.”Policymakers in Japan and the United States issued warnings about the potential impact of the virus on the economy. “There will clearly be implications,” said the Federal Reserve chair, Jerome H. Powell, on Wednesday. “We just have to see what the effect is globally.”
Reporting was contributed by Russell Goldman, Austin Ramzy, Tiffany May, Elaine Yu, Alexandra Stevenson, Motoko Rich, Christopher Buckley, Anton Troianovski, Isabella Kwai, Chris Horton, Megan Specia, Makiko Inoue, Daisuke Wakabayashi, Karen Weise and Mike Isaac. Elsie Chen, Zoe Mou, Albee Zhang, Amber Wang, Yiwei Wang and Claire Fu contributed research. Two of the Japanese citizens who have been evacuated from Wuhan refused to be tested for the coronavirus, leading the prime minister to explain that citizens could not be forced to submit to a medical examination.
Japanese social media users said the travelers, who arrived in Tokyo on Wednesday, were putting the country at risk. Some called them terrorists.
“We tried to persuade the two returnees from Wuhan for many hours” to be tested, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in Parliament on Thursday, when asked about the government’s treatment of repatriated citizens.
“But there is no legally binding force, and that’s a great regret,” Mr. Abe said, adding that “there is an issue of human rights.”
He said that all citizens evacuated to Japan, on a government-sponsored charter plane Thursday and any subsequent flights, would be asked to submit to testing.
Reporting was contributed by Russell Goldman, Austin Ramzy, Tiffany May, Elaine Yu, Alexandra Stevenson, Motoko Rich, Christopher Buckley, Anton Troianovski, Isabella Kwai, Chris Horton, Megan Specia, Christopher Cameron, Makiko Inoue, Daisuke Wakabayashi, Karen Weise, Iliana Magra, Elisabetta Povoledo and Mike Isaac. Elsie Chen, Zoe Mou, Albee Zhang, Amber Wang, Yiwei Wang and Claire Fu contributed research.