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Coronavirus live updates: flight carrying Britons from Wuhan lands in UK Coronavirus live updates: flight carrying Britons from Wuhan lands in UK
(32 minutes later)
Cases also reported in Russia, as US advises against travel to ChinaCases also reported in Russia, as US advises against travel to China
Guardian journalist Katherine Purvis has found that lunar new year celebrations across the UK have been cancelled because of the outbreak of the coronavirus. If you are feeling concerned about how coronavirus is spread, here’s a good explainer by my colleagues Hannah Devlin and Ellen Wishart.
Read more here:
This is Nicola Slawson taking over the live blog in London.
If you have any coronavirus-related information, tips, questions or stories that you think we should be covering, please do get in touch.
You can reach me via email at nicola.slawson@theguardian.com or via my Twitter profile, @Nicola_Slawson.
Lunar new year celebrations across the UK have been cancelled because of the outbreak of the coronavirus.
Events due to take place this weekend have been called off in Oxford, Cambridge, Colchester, Exeter, Manchester, Wigan and Bristol.Events due to take place this weekend have been called off in Oxford, Cambridge, Colchester, Exeter, Manchester, Wigan and Bristol.
Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, said the decision to cancel the celebrations at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery had been made after discussions with the city’s Chinese community and in solidarity with those affected.Marvin Rees, the mayor of Bristol, said the decision to cancel the celebrations at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery had been made after discussions with the city’s Chinese community and in solidarity with those affected.
“Our deepest sympathies are with Chinese friends both at home and abroad who have been affected by coronavirus, and I want to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones,” he said.“Our deepest sympathies are with Chinese friends both at home and abroad who have been affected by coronavirus, and I want to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones,” he said.
The United States drew China’s wrath with a travel warning on Friday.The United States drew China’s wrath with a travel warning on Friday.
Russia, Britain, Sweden and Italy all reported their first cases, with Rome declaring its own national emergency as it sought to reconstruct the itinerary of two infected Chinese tourists.Russia, Britain, Sweden and Italy all reported their first cases, with Rome declaring its own national emergency as it sought to reconstruct the itinerary of two infected Chinese tourists.
“Do not travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan,” the US state department said, raising the warning for China to the same level as Afghanistan and Iraq.“Do not travel to China due to novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan,” the US state department said, raising the warning for China to the same level as Afghanistan and Iraq.
Beijing, which has only just started to mend tattered trade ties with the US, called that move “truly mean” given the World Health Organization had commended its containment efforts and not recommended travel or trade curbs.Beijing, which has only just started to mend tattered trade ties with the US, called that move “truly mean” given the World Health Organization had commended its containment efforts and not recommended travel or trade curbs.
“The World Health Organization urged countries to avoid travel restrictions, but very soon after that, the United States did the opposite,” the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement. “It’s truly mean.”“The World Health Organization urged countries to avoid travel restrictions, but very soon after that, the United States did the opposite,” the Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a statement. “It’s truly mean.”
Japan also advised citizens to put off non-urgent travel to China, while Bahrain recommended no travel to any country hit by the virus, and Iran and Mongolia urged a ban on all travellers from China.Japan also advised citizens to put off non-urgent travel to China, while Bahrain recommended no travel to any country hit by the virus, and Iran and Mongolia urged a ban on all travellers from China.
Singapore, a major travel hub in Asia, stopped entry of passengers with a recent history of travel to China and also suspended visas for Chinese passport holders. The ban extends to those just transiting Singapore.Singapore, a major travel hub in Asia, stopped entry of passengers with a recent history of travel to China and also suspended visas for Chinese passport holders. The ban extends to those just transiting Singapore.
Just a quick update on numbers:Just a quick update on numbers:
Just under 10,000 cases (9,692) have been confirmed by the Chinese authorities, with 213 people having died, all in China.Just under 10,000 cases (9,692) have been confirmed by the Chinese authorities, with 213 people having died, all in China.
And cases have spread to more than 20 countries outside China, including England.And cases have spread to more than 20 countries outside China, including England.
Modelling research published in the Lancet estimates that up to 75,800 individuals in Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak, may have been infected with the new coronavirus by 25 January.Modelling research published in the Lancet estimates that up to 75,800 individuals in Wuhan, the centre of the outbreak, may have been infected with the new coronavirus by 25 January.
The coach company that collected British passengers after they landed in the UK on a flight from Wuhan has said its vehicles will be “deep cleaned”.The coach company that collected British passengers after they landed in the UK on a flight from Wuhan has said its vehicles will be “deep cleaned”.
At least seven coaches from Horseman Coaches Ltd were seen arriving at the Brize Norton RAF base in Oxfordshire at around 10am.At least seven coaches from Horseman Coaches Ltd were seen arriving at the Brize Norton RAF base in Oxfordshire at around 10am.
The drivers had agreed to take the job, a company spokesman said, and will be given paid leave to “remain at home for the next 10 days”.The drivers had agreed to take the job, a company spokesman said, and will be given paid leave to “remain at home for the next 10 days”.
The vehicles will also be removed from service for a minimum of 10 days after they are cleaned, the company said.The vehicles will also be removed from service for a minimum of 10 days after they are cleaned, the company said.
After several delays, the evacuation flight left Wuhan at 9.45am local time on Friday, carrying 83 Britons and 27 non-UK nationals, mostly from EU countries.After several delays, the evacuation flight left Wuhan at 9.45am local time on Friday, carrying 83 Britons and 27 non-UK nationals, mostly from EU countries.
The Horseman Coaches spokesman told the PA news agency: “The Department for Health have procedures in place for the vehicles to be deep cleaned.The Horseman Coaches spokesman told the PA news agency: “The Department for Health have procedures in place for the vehicles to be deep cleaned.
“That is part of the process of this undertaking, which will happen as soon as the vehicles are clear.”“That is part of the process of this undertaking, which will happen as soon as the vehicles are clear.”
He added: “I can give everybody assurance that everything will be cleansed sufficiently.”He added: “I can give everybody assurance that everything will be cleansed sufficiently.”
On arrival in the UK the British passengers on the evacuation flight boarded the coaches and faced the more than three-hour drive to Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral for a quarantine period of 14 days, where they will be housed in an NHS staff accommodation block with access to the internet.On arrival in the UK the British passengers on the evacuation flight boarded the coaches and faced the more than three-hour drive to Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral for a quarantine period of 14 days, where they will be housed in an NHS staff accommodation block with access to the internet.
The Horseman Coaches spokesman declined to comment on whether or not the drivers would also have to be put in isolation, but this was later clarified.The Horseman Coaches spokesman declined to comment on whether or not the drivers would also have to be put in isolation, but this was later clarified.
A statement on the company’s Facebook page said it had been contacted by the British government on Thursday afternoon, adding: “As an extra precaution Horseman Coaches have decided to take, the drivers involved will take paid leave and remain at home for the next 10 days, and likewise after the cleansing of the vehicles, the vehicles will be removed from service for a minimum of 10 days.”A statement on the company’s Facebook page said it had been contacted by the British government on Thursday afternoon, adding: “As an extra precaution Horseman Coaches have decided to take, the drivers involved will take paid leave and remain at home for the next 10 days, and likewise after the cleansing of the vehicles, the vehicles will be removed from service for a minimum of 10 days.”
Health officials are urgently trying to trace those who came into contact with two people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK.Health officials are urgently trying to trace those who came into contact with two people diagnosed with coronavirus in the UK.
Public Health England (PHE) confirmed that the two people taken ill had been staying in York when they became unwell.Public Health England (PHE) confirmed that the two people taken ill had been staying in York when they became unwell.
The pair are being treated by Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals NHS foundation trust in its specialist Airborne High Consequences Infectious Disease Centre (HCID). It is understood that they travelled to the UK from China recently.The pair are being treated by Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals NHS foundation trust in its specialist Airborne High Consequences Infectious Disease Centre (HCID). It is understood that they travelled to the UK from China recently.
Prof Sharon Peacock, director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the confirmed cases. The two cases were staying in York when they became unwell.Prof Sharon Peacock, director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said: “Public Health England is contacting people who had close contact with the confirmed cases. The two cases were staying in York when they became unwell.
“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases.“Close contacts will be given health advice about symptoms and emergency contact details to use if they become unwell in the 14 days after contact with the confirmed cases.
“This tried-and-tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”“This tried-and-tested method will ensure we are able to minimise any risk to them and the wider public.”
Earlier, Peacock said that while staff were working to trace people who had been in contact with the pair, they did not currently have “any idea” of how high that number might be.Earlier, Peacock said that while staff were working to trace people who had been in contact with the pair, they did not currently have “any idea” of how high that number might be.
On Wednesday night, the StayCity apartment-hotel in York was put on lockdown when some family members, believed to be Chinese nationals, were taken to hospital after falling ill.On Wednesday night, the StayCity apartment-hotel in York was put on lockdown when some family members, believed to be Chinese nationals, were taken to hospital after falling ill.
The Guardian reporter Josh Halliday has been speaking with families living near the Merseyside hospital being used to quarantine potential coronavirus cases.The Guardian reporter Josh Halliday has been speaking with families living near the Merseyside hospital being used to quarantine potential coronavirus cases.
They have said they are concerned and confused as dozens of evacuated Britons were due to arrive at the NHS facility.They have said they are concerned and confused as dozens of evacuated Britons were due to arrive at the NHS facility.
Some residents expressed concern about the proximity of the quarantine site to their homes and questioned whether the busy hospital would be able to cope with the additional pressure.Some residents expressed concern about the proximity of the quarantine site to their homes and questioned whether the busy hospital would be able to cope with the additional pressure.
Del Willden, 53, said he had nothing but praise for hospital staff and was pleased the evacuees had returned safely from China. But he added: “My concern is for the hospital. This is my local hospital and I know and have experienced the struggles they suffer on a daily basis.”Del Willden, 53, said he had nothing but praise for hospital staff and was pleased the evacuees had returned safely from China. But he added: “My concern is for the hospital. This is my local hospital and I know and have experienced the struggles they suffer on a daily basis.”
Singapore has announced that it is closing its borders with China. The island nation banned Chinese visitors and other foreigners who had been to China in the past 14 days.Singapore has announced that it is closing its borders with China. The island nation banned Chinese visitors and other foreigners who had been to China in the past 14 days.
The visa suspension will come into effect immediately so travellers can be informed in advance, while the travel restriction will start at 11.59pm on Saturday. The government did not say when these restrictions would be lifted.The visa suspension will come into effect immediately so travellers can be informed in advance, while the travel restriction will start at 11.59pm on Saturday. The government did not say when these restrictions would be lifted.
Singapore, which currently has 13 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, has China as one of its biggest trading partners and is a popular destination for Chinese tourists.Singapore, which currently has 13 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, has China as one of its biggest trading partners and is a popular destination for Chinese tourists.
Previously, the government of Mongolia said on Friday that it would close its border with China until 2 March in an effort to prevent the virus from being imported.Previously, the government of Mongolia said on Friday that it would close its border with China until 2 March in an effort to prevent the virus from being imported.
The first case of the coronavirus has been confirmed in Sweden, according to a report in the digital news publisher The Local.The first case of the coronavirus has been confirmed in Sweden, according to a report in the digital news publisher The Local.
A patient at the Ryhov county hospital in Jönköping, central-southern Sweden, has tested positive for the coronavirus, the Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten) confirmed to the website.A patient at the Ryhov county hospital in Jönköping, central-southern Sweden, has tested positive for the coronavirus, the Public Health Agency of Sweden (Folkhälsomyndigheten) confirmed to the website.
The patient is a woman who landed in Sweden on 24 January after visiting the Wuhan area in China. At that point she had no symptoms, said the agency.The patient is a woman who landed in Sweden on 24 January after visiting the Wuhan area in China. At that point she had no symptoms, said the agency.
But she later developed a cough and contacted the health services in Jönköping.But she later developed a cough and contacted the health services in Jönköping.
She is being kept in isolation at the clinic for infectious diseases and is not seriously ill.She is being kept in isolation at the clinic for infectious diseases and is not seriously ill.
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“It is important to remember that individual cases is not the same thing as the infection spreading in Sweden. We currently consider this risk to be very low based on experiences from other countries,” said Karin Tegmark Wisell, head of the Public Health Agency’s department for microbiology.“It is important to remember that individual cases is not the same thing as the infection spreading in Sweden. We currently consider this risk to be very low based on experiences from other countries,” said Karin Tegmark Wisell, head of the Public Health Agency’s department for microbiology.
Nearly 10,000 Chinese flights have now been suspended since the coronavirus outbreak, according to global travel and data analytics expert Cirium.Nearly 10,000 Chinese flights have now been suspended since the coronavirus outbreak, according to global travel and data analytics expert Cirium.
The thousands of cancellations in the last week, come as authorities in China, and around the world, grapple with the spread of the virus.The thousands of cancellations in the last week, come as authorities in China, and around the world, grapple with the spread of the virus.
Cirium statistics show that 9,807 scheduled flights within, to and from mainland China did not fly from 23 January. The data spans the period from the day before the first reported flight cancellation to 28 January – the latest day for which figures are available.Cirium statistics show that 9,807 scheduled flights within, to and from mainland China did not fly from 23 January. The data spans the period from the day before the first reported flight cancellation to 28 January – the latest day for which figures are available.
A growing number of international carriers are suspending scheduled flights to mainland China, including UK airlines. British Airways has cancelled all of its 129 flights that were scheduled to fly to Beijing and Shanghai from London Heathrow, from 29 January until 29 February, affecting up to 24,000 passengers.A growing number of international carriers are suspending scheduled flights to mainland China, including UK airlines. British Airways has cancelled all of its 129 flights that were scheduled to fly to Beijing and Shanghai from London Heathrow, from 29 January until 29 February, affecting up to 24,000 passengers.
Similarly, Virgin Atlantic has today announced it will be suspending its flights to and from China, as of 2 February, until further notice. According to Cirium data, the decision could affect 56 of the British carrier’s scheduled flights and as many as 11,500 passengers to the end of February.Similarly, Virgin Atlantic has today announced it will be suspending its flights to and from China, as of 2 February, until further notice. According to Cirium data, the decision could affect 56 of the British carrier’s scheduled flights and as many as 11,500 passengers to the end of February.
This is despite the World Health Organization specifically asking countries not to impose travel and trade restrictions with China. The health organisation said it would question border closures, quarantining of aeroplane passengers who aren’t ill, and similar steps.This is despite the World Health Organization specifically asking countries not to impose travel and trade restrictions with China. The health organisation said it would question border closures, quarantining of aeroplane passengers who aren’t ill, and similar steps.
The hospital in Newcastle which is treating Britain’s first confirmed cases of coronavirus has urged other patients to attend their appointments as normal.The hospital in Newcastle which is treating Britain’s first confirmed cases of coronavirus has urged other patients to attend their appointments as normal.
Two Chinese nationals were taken to the hospital from a hotel in York after displaying symptoms of the virus.Two Chinese nationals were taken to the hospital from a hotel in York after displaying symptoms of the virus.
In a statement this afternoon, Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals NHS foundation trust said there was “no risk” to other patients and visitors while the pair were undergoing treatment.In a statement this afternoon, Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals NHS foundation trust said there was “no risk” to other patients and visitors while the pair were undergoing treatment.
It said: “Our hospital is one of five highly specialised infectious diseases units capable of dealing with this illness.It said: “Our hospital is one of five highly specialised infectious diseases units capable of dealing with this illness.
“You should not be concerned – there is no risk to other patients and visitors.“You should not be concerned – there is no risk to other patients and visitors.
“All of our services are operating as usual. If you have a hospital appointment, please attend this as planned.”“All of our services are operating as usual. If you have a hospital appointment, please attend this as planned.”
The two patients taken unwell are being treated in the Royal Victoria Infirmary’s High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) unit, which has specialist areas where patients can be isolated to ensure infectious diseases are not spread further.The two patients taken unwell are being treated in the Royal Victoria Infirmary’s High Consequence Infectious Diseases (HCID) unit, which has specialist areas where patients can be isolated to ensure infectious diseases are not spread further.
There are specific areas where staff can change in and out of protective clothing and equipment, while patient isolation rooms have tightly controlled air flow and filtering.There are specific areas where staff can change in and out of protective clothing and equipment, while patient isolation rooms have tightly controlled air flow and filtering.
In severe cases of infection for patients, treatment can include life support such as the use of a ventilator, dialysis to support the kidneys and artificial hydration or nutrition.In severe cases of infection for patients, treatment can include life support such as the use of a ventilator, dialysis to support the kidneys and artificial hydration or nutrition.
Eagle eyed readers are questioning why the driver of the coach, which is transferring passengers on the evacuation flight from Wuhan to the UK to Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral, is not wearing any protective clothing.Eagle eyed readers are questioning why the driver of the coach, which is transferring passengers on the evacuation flight from Wuhan to the UK to Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral, is not wearing any protective clothing.
The driver, in a high-vis jacket, is next to a medic who is wearing a full Hazmat suit including a helmet with a visor.The driver, in a high-vis jacket, is next to a medic who is wearing a full Hazmat suit including a helmet with a visor.
Passengers on the evacuation flight from Wuhan to the UK have been speaking to the media.Passengers on the evacuation flight from Wuhan to the UK have been speaking to the media.
The 83 British passengers who landed at at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire earlier today are now being transferred by coach to an accommodation block at Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral, where they will be quarantined for 14 days, monitored and treated if any symptoms develop.The 83 British passengers who landed at at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire earlier today are now being transferred by coach to an accommodation block at Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral, where they will be quarantined for 14 days, monitored and treated if any symptoms develop.
The remaining 27 passengers, all non-UK nationals, will then be flown on to Spain.The remaining 27 passengers, all non-UK nationals, will then be flown on to Spain.
James Convey told Sky News from the plane: “It was quite a positive atmosphere to be honest. Everyone was relieved to get out of China.James Convey told Sky News from the plane: “It was quite a positive atmosphere to be honest. Everyone was relieved to get out of China.
“There were a lot of obstacles for a lot of people to get on that plane and a lot of us overcame those obstacles with the help of the British and Chinese authorities.“There were a lot of obstacles for a lot of people to get on that plane and a lot of us overcame those obstacles with the help of the British and Chinese authorities.
“We’re all very relieved to be back in the UK.“We’re all very relieved to be back in the UK.
“It was a very tight turnaround. We had about 1.5 hours’ notice to get to Wuhan airport. All the transport was locked down. The roads were closed.“It was a very tight turnaround. We had about 1.5 hours’ notice to get to Wuhan airport. All the transport was locked down. The roads were closed.
“But my mother-in-law managed to call in a few favours … amazingly we did get there on time.“But my mother-in-law managed to call in a few favours … amazingly we did get there on time.
“I think there’s probably a lot of people who didn’t … but also there were lots of people on the flight.”“I think there’s probably a lot of people who didn’t … but also there were lots of people on the flight.”
A plan to evacuate Australians stranded in China is likely to go ahead over the weekend, the AAP news agency is reporting.A plan to evacuate Australians stranded in China is likely to go ahead over the weekend, the AAP news agency is reporting.
Evacuees will be flown out of China on a Qantas passenger plane and could leave Wuhan in the early hours of Monday morning.Evacuees will be flown out of China on a Qantas passenger plane and could leave Wuhan in the early hours of Monday morning.
A scheduled Qantas plane leaving Sydney for Hong Kong on Friday night will stay there waiting for the green light from Chinese officials to enter Wuhan.A scheduled Qantas plane leaving Sydney for Hong Kong on Friday night will stay there waiting for the green light from Chinese officials to enter Wuhan.
Evacuees will be flown back to Darwin first before being transported on to Christmas Island in smaller aircraft where they will be met by medical specialists who have spent the weekend preparing a quarantine facility.Evacuees will be flown back to Darwin first before being transported on to Christmas Island in smaller aircraft where they will be met by medical specialists who have spent the weekend preparing a quarantine facility.
The nation’s top health bureaucrats have not yet recommended suspending all flights from China but the Transport Workers Union is calling on the government to do so.The nation’s top health bureaucrats have not yet recommended suspending all flights from China but the Transport Workers Union is calling on the government to do so.
This is Nazia Parveen taking over the live blog from Manchester now. As usual, please send me any coronavirus-related information, tips, questions or stories that you think we should be covering and I’ll do my best to get them in. You can reach me via email at nazia.parveen@theguardian.com or via my Twitter profile, @NParveenGThis is Nazia Parveen taking over the live blog from Manchester now. As usual, please send me any coronavirus-related information, tips, questions or stories that you think we should be covering and I’ll do my best to get them in. You can reach me via email at nazia.parveen@theguardian.com or via my Twitter profile, @NParveenG
Patrick Graham, one of the British citizens evacuated from Wuhan, shared footage of the plane touching down at RAF Brize Norton.Patrick Graham, one of the British citizens evacuated from Wuhan, shared footage of the plane touching down at RAF Brize Norton.
He joked with his social media followers: “The infected are coming,” before adding: “Thank you staff wamosair for getting us home – they also have to go into a period of quarantine for bringing us home.”He joked with his social media followers: “The infected are coming,” before adding: “Thank you staff wamosair for getting us home – they also have to go into a period of quarantine for bringing us home.”
He shared a screenshot of the news the UK has confirmed two cases of the deadly virus and wrote: “Please don’t blame us … we have only just landed.”He shared a screenshot of the news the UK has confirmed two cases of the deadly virus and wrote: “Please don’t blame us … we have only just landed.”
The Unite union has released a statement saying the welfare of staff at Arrowe Park hospital, where those travelling from China are being quarantined, needs to be a top priority.The Unite union has released a statement saying the welfare of staff at Arrowe Park hospital, where those travelling from China are being quarantined, needs to be a top priority.
Unite has more than 1,000 members at the Wirral University teaching hospital NHS foundation trust, which includes the hospital. Its regional officer Derek Jones said:Unite has more than 1,000 members at the Wirral University teaching hospital NHS foundation trust, which includes the hospital. Its regional officer Derek Jones said:
These are the first pictures of the chartered passenger jet carrying 83 British nationals repatriated from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, as it lands at RAF Brize Norton in Charterton, west of London, this afternoon.These are the first pictures of the chartered passenger jet carrying 83 British nationals repatriated from Wuhan, the Chinese city at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak, as it lands at RAF Brize Norton in Charterton, west of London, this afternoon.
British nationals who have returned to the UK are to be transported to Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral where accommodation has been arranged to keep them in quarantine for two weeks - the expected incubation period of any potential infection.British nationals who have returned to the UK are to be transported to Arrowe Park hospital in Wirral where accommodation has been arranged to keep them in quarantine for two weeks - the expected incubation period of any potential infection.
The military medical personnel who have been aboard the flight for the evacuation will also be placed in quarantine, but at a separate military facility, Sky News reports.The military medical personnel who have been aboard the flight for the evacuation will also be placed in quarantine, but at a separate military facility, Sky News reports.
After Britons have disembarked, the jet is due to continue on to Spain, where the home countries of European Union citizens will take responsibility for the remaining 27 passengers.After Britons have disembarked, the jet is due to continue on to Spain, where the home countries of European Union citizens will take responsibility for the remaining 27 passengers.