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Coronavirus live updates: South Koreans and Britons evacuated as US says 'do not travel to China' Coronavirus live updates: South Koreans and Britons evacuated as US says 'do not travel to China'
(32 minutes later)
The death toll has reached 213 as the World Health Organization declares outbreak a global emergency. Follow live updates and latest newsThe death toll has reached 213 as the World Health Organization declares outbreak a global emergency. Follow live updates and latest news
Earlier I reported on a picture published of a man lying dead in the street in Wuhan. You can read our full story on the link below.
On South Korea’s evacuation of its citizens, 368 people were on the plane that arrived back at Gimpo airport near Seoul on Friday morning. It is planning up to three more flights.
Reuters reports that the government says none of the evacuees had any symptoms before departure, but one person could not board the plane due to fever after a final check at Wuhan airport, while 18 were sent to hospitals immediately upon arrival.
“There were different screening standards between China and us, and we conducted another check aboard the plane and put those who were showing symptoms in separate space on the second floor of the plane,” vice health minister Kim Gang-lip said.
The Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, told parliament on Friday the government has decided to raise its infectious disease advisory level for China, excluding Hubei province, to 2, urging citizens to avoid non-urgent trips to the country.The Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, told parliament on Friday the government has decided to raise its infectious disease advisory level for China, excluding Hubei province, to 2, urging citizens to avoid non-urgent trips to the country.
The government is already telling its citizens not to take any trips to China’s central province of Hubei. Wuhan, the epicentre of the newly-identified coronavirus outbreak, is located in Hubei.The government is already telling its citizens not to take any trips to China’s central province of Hubei. Wuhan, the epicentre of the newly-identified coronavirus outbreak, is located in Hubei.
Fake news and conspiracy theories about the origin of the coronavirus have swiftly followed the outbreak around the world. From fake alerts over no-go suburbs to pro-Trump conspiracy theories, crackpot stories and dangerous advice have gone viral, reports the Guardian’s Josh Taylor.Fake news and conspiracy theories about the origin of the coronavirus have swiftly followed the outbreak around the world. From fake alerts over no-go suburbs to pro-Trump conspiracy theories, crackpot stories and dangerous advice have gone viral, reports the Guardian’s Josh Taylor.
Flight Radar shows the flight carrying the British evacuees from Wuhan are currently just over Ulaanbatar, the capital of Mongolia. Still a long way to go - about 8 hours until touchdown in Brize Norton, north-west of London.Flight Radar shows the flight carrying the British evacuees from Wuhan are currently just over Ulaanbatar, the capital of Mongolia. Still a long way to go - about 8 hours until touchdown in Brize Norton, north-west of London.
Trinidad has imposed a 14-day restrictions on travellers from China because of the coronavirus, according to the country’s health minister.Trinidad has imposed a 14-day restrictions on travellers from China because of the coronavirus, according to the country’s health minister.
Tonga’s prime minister has asked for assistance from Australia and New Zealand in evacuating and quarantining Tongan citizens from China.Tonga’s prime minister has asked for assistance from Australia and New Zealand in evacuating and quarantining Tongan citizens from China.
More than 50 Tongans, many of whom are teenagers, became trapped in China while travelling to the country as part of a China Aid sports program, reported Matangi Tonga.More than 50 Tongans, many of whom are teenagers, became trapped in China while travelling to the country as part of a China Aid sports program, reported Matangi Tonga.
The members and officials of four Tongan sports teams – swimming, table tennis, weightlifting and boxing – were due to return to Tonga this week or next, but had flights cancelled.The members and officials of four Tongan sports teams – swimming, table tennis, weightlifting and boxing – were due to return to Tonga this week or next, but had flights cancelled.
There are also Tongan students studying at universities in Wuhan.There are also Tongan students studying at universities in Wuhan.
Matangi Tonga reports that Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa asked that the citizens be temporarily quarantined in Australia or New Zealand and that if they are found to have the virus, kept in Australia or New Zealand until they are well.Matangi Tonga reports that Prime Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa asked that the citizens be temporarily quarantined in Australia or New Zealand and that if they are found to have the virus, kept in Australia or New Zealand until they are well.
New Zealand has said it will launch an independent rescue mission to evacuate its citizens from Wuhan, chartering an Air New Zealand plane.New Zealand has said it will launch an independent rescue mission to evacuate its citizens from Wuhan, chartering an Air New Zealand plane.
The foreign minister, Winston Peters, said the plane would carry 300 people to New Zealand and that any additional seats on the Air New Zealand flight would be allocated to Pacific Islanders and Australians “as a matter of priority”.The foreign minister, Winston Peters, said the plane would carry 300 people to New Zealand and that any additional seats on the Air New Zealand flight would be allocated to Pacific Islanders and Australians “as a matter of priority”.
There are currently 82 New Zealanders registered on Safetravel as being in Wuhan, and 57 of those have sought consular assistance.There are currently 82 New Zealanders registered on Safetravel as being in Wuhan, and 57 of those have sought consular assistance.
“The Government of Tonga are making all efforts to protect Tonga and its people from the virus, which has not been confirmed in Tonga.”“The Government of Tonga are making all efforts to protect Tonga and its people from the virus, which has not been confirmed in Tonga.”
Here’s some more on those Pakistani students stranded in Hubei from the Guardian’s Ben Doherty.Here’s some more on those Pakistani students stranded in Hubei from the Guardian’s Ben Doherty.
The BBC’s China correspondent, Stephen McDonell has a good point re the figures being quoted for people who have recovered from the virus. At the moment the figure is 171, from more than 9,700 confirmed infections. He suggests maybe Chinese authorities are keeping people in hospital for longer or they are not monitoring recoveries very closely.The BBC’s China correspondent, Stephen McDonell has a good point re the figures being quoted for people who have recovered from the virus. At the moment the figure is 171, from more than 9,700 confirmed infections. He suggests maybe Chinese authorities are keeping people in hospital for longer or they are not monitoring recoveries very closely.
There’s certainly some anger on Twitter about Qantas continuing to fly to and from China. What’s interesting is the degree to which countries’ advice is varying on this coronavirus epidemic.There’s certainly some anger on Twitter about Qantas continuing to fly to and from China. What’s interesting is the degree to which countries’ advice is varying on this coronavirus epidemic.
In the past few hours, the US upgraded its travel advice to its highest level, Level 4 ... which says “do not travel” to China.In the past few hours, the US upgraded its travel advice to its highest level, Level 4 ... which says “do not travel” to China.
Earlier today Virgin Atlantic suspended its flights between Britain and China and Air Canada has suspended flights to China until 29 February. But Qantas will continue to fly to and from Australia, as will China Eastern, China Southern and Air China.Earlier today Virgin Atlantic suspended its flights between Britain and China and Air Canada has suspended flights to China until 29 February. But Qantas will continue to fly to and from Australia, as will China Eastern, China Southern and Air China.
In Australia this morning there was quite an animated press conference by the premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, who demanded more national co-ordination of the crisis: “We would have had a number of planes that have come in from mainland China over the last 10 days. Where are all those people?,” she asked.In Australia this morning there was quite an animated press conference by the premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk, who demanded more national co-ordination of the crisis: “We would have had a number of planes that have come in from mainland China over the last 10 days. Where are all those people?,” she asked.
You can read the full story here.You can read the full story here.
Qantas has confirmed it will not be stopping direct flights between China and Australia. The Australian carrier, along with China Eastern, China Southern and Air China are still operating direct flights from a range of Chinese cities.Qantas has confirmed it will not be stopping direct flights between China and Australia. The Australian carrier, along with China Eastern, China Southern and Air China are still operating direct flights from a range of Chinese cities.
On Friday, Australia’s chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, said it was not a recommendation to stop direct flights – as most passengers can still enter Australia via other airports.On Friday, Australia’s chief medical officer, Brendan Murphy, said it was not a recommendation to stop direct flights – as most passengers can still enter Australia via other airports.
Qantas is also still standing by to provide the evacuation flight for Australians stranded in Wuhan and Hubei province – but it can’t take passengers direct to Christmas Island.Qantas is also still standing by to provide the evacuation flight for Australians stranded in Wuhan and Hubei province – but it can’t take passengers direct to Christmas Island.
A spokesman told Guardian Australia the prospective plane – a Boeing 747 – can’t land on the Christmas Island runway.A spokesman told Guardian Australia the prospective plane – a Boeing 747 – can’t land on the Christmas Island runway.
This means Qantas will bring people to the Australian mainland first, and then the government will bear the responsibility of shuttling them to quarantine on Christmas Island.This means Qantas will bring people to the Australian mainland first, and then the government will bear the responsibility of shuttling them to quarantine on Christmas Island.
The federal government announced the move on Wednesday, but is still waiting for permission to conduct the airlift, and the logistics have not been sorted.The federal government announced the move on Wednesday, but is still waiting for permission to conduct the airlift, and the logistics have not been sorted.
The capacity of the evacuation plane is 371. On Wednesday, foreign minister, Marise Payne said there were an estimated 600 Australians in Wuhan and Hubei who want assistance, and priority would be given to the young, elderly and most vulnerable.The capacity of the evacuation plane is 371. On Wednesday, foreign minister, Marise Payne said there were an estimated 600 Australians in Wuhan and Hubei who want assistance, and priority would be given to the young, elderly and most vulnerable.
Just while I’m checking in on the Global Times, it is also reporting that the number of travellers returning to Beijing increased at Beijing West Railway Station, from about 100,000 on Wednesday January 29 to 119,000 on Thursday.Just while I’m checking in on the Global Times, it is also reporting that the number of travellers returning to Beijing increased at Beijing West Railway Station, from about 100,000 on Wednesday January 29 to 119,000 on Thursday.
According to the China State Railway, the country’s rail sector will strengthen prevention and control measures to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, it says.According to the China State Railway, the country’s rail sector will strengthen prevention and control measures to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, it says.
Interesting charts from the state-run tabloid the Global Times on the increase in coronavirus cases.Interesting charts from the state-run tabloid the Global Times on the increase in coronavirus cases.
This post doesn’t need much explanation.This post doesn’t need much explanation.
In the US, the director of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, is questioning if Americans are safe from coronavirus, given the cuts to various government agencies by the Trump administration.In the US, the director of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, is questioning if Americans are safe from coronavirus, given the cuts to various government agencies by the Trump administration.
International students trapped in Hubei province – from countries not evacuating their citizens – say they feel abandoned at the epicentre of the global coronavirus outbreak.International students trapped in Hubei province – from countries not evacuating their citizens – say they feel abandoned at the epicentre of the global coronavirus outbreak.
As the US, Japan, South Korea and UK have flown citizens out of Hubei, followed by commitments from Australia, NZ, France, Indonesia, India and Afghanistan to also repatriate their citizens, students from countries such as Pakistan – which is not repatriating its citizens – have begged for government intervention.As the US, Japan, South Korea and UK have flown citizens out of Hubei, followed by commitments from Australia, NZ, France, Indonesia, India and Afghanistan to also repatriate their citizens, students from countries such as Pakistan – which is not repatriating its citizens – have begged for government intervention.
Husnain Chisti, a Pakistani student at the Hubei University of Science and Technology, said the university gates were locked and students were stranded on campus.Husnain Chisti, a Pakistani student at the Hubei University of Science and Technology, said the university gates were locked and students were stranded on campus.
“The coronavirus is spreading rapidly… our city is totally locked down, all public transport, markets, the railway stations, in fact our university gates are locked. We can’t go outside.”“The coronavirus is spreading rapidly… our city is totally locked down, all public transport, markets, the railway stations, in fact our university gates are locked. We can’t go outside.”
In a plea posted online, he said there were about 40 Pakistani students at his university, who were essentially confined to their rooms.In a plea posted online, he said there were about 40 Pakistani students at his university, who were essentially confined to their rooms.
“Our classmates from Indonesia and India are getting evacuated from this city. The US and Japan have already evacuated their citizens, so I appeal to Pakistan government to please take… action and evacuate us from here by any means, because this virus is deadly and it is spreading day by day even [in a] city that is under lockdown.“Our classmates from Indonesia and India are getting evacuated from this city. The US and Japan have already evacuated their citizens, so I appeal to Pakistan government to please take… action and evacuate us from here by any means, because this virus is deadly and it is spreading day by day even [in a] city that is under lockdown.
“It is my humble request to Pakistan government to evacuate us by any means, thank you.”“It is my humble request to Pakistan government to evacuate us by any means, thank you.”
Another Pakistani national, who did not give her name, is a third year medical student at Hubei Polytechnic University near Wuhan in Hubei.Another Pakistani national, who did not give her name, is a third year medical student at Hubei Polytechnic University near Wuhan in Hubei.
She said students at the university were on lockdown and confined to the campus. They were sharing food and unsure for how long they would be locked down.She said students at the university were on lockdown and confined to the campus. They were sharing food and unsure for how long they would be locked down.
“We are suffering … we depend on each other for meals … when we need food, we ask our friends or colleagues who have enough to share with us.”“We are suffering … we depend on each other for meals … when we need food, we ask our friends or colleagues who have enough to share with us.”
Global infections of the coronavirus now stand at 129, across 22 countries, Reuters news agency is reporting. This is obviously a fairly difficult figure to keep track of as the numbers are constantly moving.Global infections of the coronavirus now stand at 129, across 22 countries, Reuters news agency is reporting. This is obviously a fairly difficult figure to keep track of as the numbers are constantly moving.
There have been no deaths outside of China.There have been no deaths outside of China.
South Korea has reported reported its seventh confirmed case of coronavirus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. On Friday a Korean Air flight carrying more than 350 Koreans arrived from Wuhan.South Korea has reported reported its seventh confirmed case of coronavirus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan. On Friday a Korean Air flight carrying more than 350 Koreans arrived from Wuhan.
With the multiple reports of evacuations and infections of the coronavirus, it’s worth remembering the very human cost of this outbreak. This picture below is from Wuhan on Thursday. It shows shows officials in protective suits checking on an elderly man wearing a face mask who collapsed and died on a street near a hospital in Wuhan. Journalists from Agence France-Presse saw the body on 30 January, not long before an emergency vehicle arrived carrying police and medical staff in full-body protective suits.With the multiple reports of evacuations and infections of the coronavirus, it’s worth remembering the very human cost of this outbreak. This picture below is from Wuhan on Thursday. It shows shows officials in protective suits checking on an elderly man wearing a face mask who collapsed and died on a street near a hospital in Wuhan. Journalists from Agence France-Presse saw the body on 30 January, not long before an emergency vehicle arrived carrying police and medical staff in full-body protective suits.