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Coronavirus live updates: returning Britons taken to Wirral for quarantine period Coronavirus live updates: returning Britons taken to Wirral for quarantine period
(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
At the StayCity hotel on Friday, business carried on as usual, with guests continuing to check in for weekend breaks in York despite the firm confirming that two people who have tested positive for coronavirus in the UK had been staying there.
Outside the hotel, two guests told the Guardian that as recently as Friday morning they had been told by reception staff the reports that two tourists had been taken ill from their apartment on Wednesday were “lies”.
“This morning they said it was a lie and not to listen to it,” said Andy Neale, 21, who is staying at StayCity for the night with his girlfriend. “It’s not ideal. They should’ve taken some precaution.”
He added that the incident had marred the couple’s getaway, saying: “My girlfriend is stressing out, she’s using hand wipes on everything.”
A family who were staying in the hotel on a visit from Asia to see their daughter, who is a student in York, said they had been told the cases were “false information” when they asked staff if reports were true.
Helen Papakosta, 15, from Greece, showed reporters a video she had taken on her phone of people in hazmat suits arriving at the hotel on Thursday morning – presumably to deep clean the suite where the affected guests had been staying.
Although her mother, Chrisa Papakosta, 48, whom she had been staying at the hotel with, was unfazed by the event she was “concerned” by it.
A statement from StayCity, the chain that owns the hotel, read:
Following on from the earlier post about health officials urgently trying to trace anyone who came into contact with two people diagnosed with coronavirus, Public Health England have clarified the definition of close contact.Following on from the earlier post about health officials urgently trying to trace anyone who came into contact with two people diagnosed with coronavirus, Public Health England have clarified the definition of close contact.
A new statement defines close contact as coming within two metres of the infected person for 15 minutes.A new statement defines close contact as coming within two metres of the infected person for 15 minutes.
Earlier we reported that Sharon Peacock, the director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said:Earlier we reported that Sharon Peacock, the director of the National Infection Service at PHE, said:
Up to 35,000 passengers could be affected by the cancellation of flights to mainland China by UK airlines, PA Media reports:Up to 35,000 passengers could be affected by the cancellation of flights to mainland China by UK airlines, PA Media reports:
British Airways announced on Wednesday it had grounded its daily flights connecting Heathrow with Beijing and Shanghai, after a change in government travel advice relating to the outbreak. It has cleared its schedules until at least the end of February.British Airways announced on Wednesday it had grounded its daily flights connecting Heathrow with Beijing and Shanghai, after a change in government travel advice relating to the outbreak. It has cleared its schedules until at least the end of February.
Virgin Atlantic initially continued its flights between Heathrow and Shanghai, but on Thursday night it announced it will suspend the route for 14 days. Several Chinese carriers are running their usual schedule to UK airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.Virgin Atlantic initially continued its flights between Heathrow and Shanghai, but on Thursday night it announced it will suspend the route for 14 days. Several Chinese carriers are running their usual schedule to UK airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.
Global travel and data analytics firm Cirium calculated that the decision of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to suspend flights has affected the travel plans of as many as 35,000 passengers.Global travel and data analytics firm Cirium calculated that the decision of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to suspend flights has affected the travel plans of as many as 35,000 passengers.
Peter Morris, chief economist at Ascend by Cirium, said:Peter Morris, chief economist at Ascend by Cirium, said:
If you are feeling concerned about how coronavirus is spread, here’s a good explainer by my colleagues Hannah Devlin and Ellen Wishart.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:Read more here:
This is Nicola Slawson taking over the live blog in London.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.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.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.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.