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Coronavirus Live Updates: A Chinese Official Says He Feels ‘Guilty’ Coronavirus Live Updates: Delta and American Airlines Suspend Flights to China
(32 minutes later)
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases has gone up more than tenfold in a week, and Chinese officials on Friday reported the highest death toll in a 24-hour period.The number of confirmed coronavirus cases has gone up more than tenfold in a week, and Chinese officials on Friday reported the highest death toll in a 24-hour period.
◆ Forty-three more deaths in China were announced, bringing the toll to 213.◆ Forty-three more deaths in China were announced, bringing the toll to 213.
◆ Nearly 2,000 new cases were recorded in the country in the past 24 hours, raising the worldwide total to nearly 9,800, according to Chinese and World Health Organization data. The vast majority of the cases are inside China; about 100 cases have been confirmed in 19 other countries.◆ Nearly 2,000 new cases were recorded in the country in the past 24 hours, raising the worldwide total to nearly 9,800, according to Chinese and World Health Organization data. The vast majority of the cases are inside China; about 100 cases have been confirmed in 19 other countries.
◆ Tibet has reported its first confirmed case. This means that all of China’s provinces and territories have now been touched by the outbreak.◆ Tibet has reported its first confirmed case. This means that all of China’s provinces and territories have now been touched by the outbreak.
◆ Countries and territories that have confirmed cases: Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Malaysia, Macau, Russia, France, the United States, South Korea, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Britain, Vietnam, Italy, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Finland.◆ Countries and territories that have confirmed cases: Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Malaysia, Macau, Russia, France, the United States, South Korea, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Britain, Vietnam, Italy, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Finland.
◆ Cases recorded in Thailand, Taiwan, Germany, Vietnam, Japan, France and the United States involved patients who had not been to China. No deaths have been reported outside China.◆ Cases recorded in Thailand, Taiwan, Germany, Vietnam, Japan, France and the United States involved patients who had not been to China. No deaths have been reported outside China.
Delta Air Lines said on Friday that it planned to suspend all flights from the United States to China from Feb. 6 through April 30. The last flight to China will leave the United States on Feb. 3, while the last one returning to the United States will leave China on Feb. 5. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines each said on Friday that they were suspending all service to China as concerns about the coronavirus spread internationally.
Delta is the first American airline to completely suspend service to China because of the virus. Others, including American Airlines and United Airlines, reduced their service to the country this week. American Airlines said that it was suspending all flights to and from mainland China immediately through March 27.
Delta said it would suspend service as well, from early February through April 30. The last flight to China will leave the United States on Feb. 3, while the last one returning to the United States will leave China on Feb. 5.
Delta was the first American airline to completely suspend service to China because of the virus. United Airlines also reduced its service to the country this week.
Airlines outside the United States are also clamping down on travel. In Rwanda and Kenya, RwandAir and Kenya Airways said they would cancel all flights to and from Guangzhou, the southern Chinese metropolis, until further notice. There have been no confirmed cases in Africa.Airlines outside the United States are also clamping down on travel. In Rwanda and Kenya, RwandAir and Kenya Airways said they would cancel all flights to and from Guangzhou, the southern Chinese metropolis, until further notice. There have been no confirmed cases in Africa.
Poland’s national airline, LOT Polish Airlines, has suspended flights to China until Feb. 9 because of the outbreak, a deputy prime minister said on Twitter. More than a dozen people suspected of having the coronavirus are hospitalized in Poland, and over 500 people are being monitored by health services. Poland’s national airline, LOT Polish Airlines, has suspended flights to China until Feb. 9, a deputy prime minister said on Twitter. More than a dozen people suspected of having the coronavirus are hospitalized in Poland, and over 500 people are being monitored by health services.
Trinidad and Tobago has also imposed a two-week travel ban on Chinese visitors, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh announced on Thursday. Scientists have said that the incubation period for the coronavirus could last as long as 14 days.
Iran has suspended all flights to China because of the coronavirus outbreak, according to Reuters. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Friday that all flights from China to the Islamic Republic have also been banned.Iran has suspended all flights to China because of the coronavirus outbreak, according to Reuters. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Friday that all flights from China to the Islamic Republic have also been banned.
A high-ranking Chinese official said on Friday that he felt responsible for the spread of the coronavirus, offering his most direct expression of responsibility for the crisis. Many residents and experts have said that the reluctance by the government in Wuhan — the city of 11 million people at the center of the outbreak — to warn the public about the spreading disease created dangerous complacency.A high-ranking Chinese official said on Friday that he felt responsible for the spread of the coronavirus, offering his most direct expression of responsibility for the crisis. Many residents and experts have said that the reluctance by the government in Wuhan — the city of 11 million people at the center of the outbreak — to warn the public about the spreading disease created dangerous complacency.
“Above all, I feel guilty and remorseful and I reproach myself,” said Feng Guoqiang, the Communist Party secretary of Wuhan. “I’ve been constantly thinking that if I’d made the decision earlier to take the kind of strict controls we have in place now, the outcome would have been much better than now.”“Above all, I feel guilty and remorseful and I reproach myself,” said Feng Guoqiang, the Communist Party secretary of Wuhan. “I’ve been constantly thinking that if I’d made the decision earlier to take the kind of strict controls we have in place now, the outcome would have been much better than now.”
Mr. Feng was asked about his feelings in an interview on China’s main television network, CCTV.Mr. Feng was asked about his feelings in an interview on China’s main television network, CCTV.
Wuhan’s mayor, Zhou Xianwang, who is less powerful than Mr. Feng, said the government’s own laws hindered faster public disclosure.Wuhan’s mayor, Zhou Xianwang, who is less powerful than Mr. Feng, said the government’s own laws hindered faster public disclosure.
The State Department on Thursday night issued a travel advisory telling Americans not to travel to China because of the public health threat posed by the dangerous new coronavirus. The department set the new advisory at Level 4, or red — its highest alert, reserved for the most perilous situations.The State Department on Thursday night issued a travel advisory telling Americans not to travel to China because of the public health threat posed by the dangerous new coronavirus. The department set the new advisory at Level 4, or red — its highest alert, reserved for the most perilous situations.
“Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice,” the State Department said. “Commercial carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China.”“Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice,” the State Department said. “Commercial carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China.”
A spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Hua Chunying, struck back on Friday at the United States’ decision, calling it an unfriendly act at a difficult time for China.A spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, Hua Chunying, struck back on Friday at the United States’ decision, calling it an unfriendly act at a difficult time for China.
“True feeling shines through in hardship,” Ms. Hua said. “Many countries have shown their support and help for China’s fight again the epidemic. By contrast, the United States’ words and deeds are not in keeping with the facts and less are they in keeping with friendship.”“True feeling shines through in hardship,” Ms. Hua said. “Many countries have shown their support and help for China’s fight again the epidemic. By contrast, the United States’ words and deeds are not in keeping with the facts and less are they in keeping with friendship.”
The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the outbreak a global emergency after cases were discovered in more than a dozen countries.The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the outbreak a global emergency after cases were discovered in more than a dozen countries.
Singapore on Friday announced a sweeping ban on Chinese visitors and other foreigners who had been to China in the past 14 days, in an escalation of travel restrictions by the Southeast Asian transportation hub.Singapore on Friday announced a sweeping ban on Chinese visitors and other foreigners who had been to China in the past 14 days, in an escalation of travel restrictions by the Southeast Asian transportation hub.
The city-state will also stop issuing all forms of visas to people holding Chinese passports, Lawrence Wong, the minister for national development, said on Friday.The city-state will also stop issuing all forms of visas to people holding Chinese passports, Lawrence Wong, the minister for national development, said on Friday.
Singapore currently has 13 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The outbreak and the entry shutdown will be another blow to its economy, which was already hit by the fallout from the United States-China trade war.Singapore currently has 13 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. The outbreak and the entry shutdown will be another blow to its economy, which was already hit by the fallout from the United States-China trade war.
Regional neighbors and airlines from countries that have not had any confirmed cases are also taking extra precautions to cope with the rapidly spreading epidemic.Regional neighbors and airlines from countries that have not had any confirmed cases are also taking extra precautions to cope with the rapidly spreading epidemic.
The government of Mongolia, a landlocked country between China and Russia, said on Friday that it would close its border with China until March 2 in an effort to prevent the virus from being imported.The government of Mongolia, a landlocked country between China and Russia, said on Friday that it would close its border with China until March 2 in an effort to prevent the virus from being imported.
The authorities said they would work to bring home 30 Mongolian nationals from Wuhan, and its citizens in China would have until Feb. 6 to return. Non-Chinese foreigners visiting Mongolia will also not be able to enter through China.The authorities said they would work to bring home 30 Mongolian nationals from Wuhan, and its citizens in China would have until Feb. 6 to return. Non-Chinese foreigners visiting Mongolia will also not be able to enter through China.
Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing government, rocked by months of antigovernment protests and public distrust, has come under fire for not sealing off its border with mainland China.Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing government, rocked by months of antigovernment protests and public distrust, has come under fire for not sealing off its border with mainland China.
Russia, which shares a 2,600-mile border with China, has been racing to prevent the spread of the disease. The country reported its first two coronavirus cases on Friday, both in Siberia and among Chinese nationals who had recently traveled to China.Russia, which shares a 2,600-mile border with China, has been racing to prevent the spread of the disease. The country reported its first two coronavirus cases on Friday, both in Siberia and among Chinese nationals who had recently traveled to China.
Russia closed the border to pedestrians and cars on Thursday, and Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana A. Golikova said that Russia’s border with Mongolia would be closed to Chinese citizens. Russia will also temporarily stop issuing work visas to Chinese citizens, she added.Russia closed the border to pedestrians and cars on Thursday, and Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana A. Golikova said that Russia’s border with Mongolia would be closed to Chinese citizens. Russia will also temporarily stop issuing work visas to Chinese citizens, she added.
On Friday, Britain’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, said that two residents had tested positive for coronavirus, the first known cases in the country.On Friday, Britain’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, said that two residents had tested positive for coronavirus, the first known cases in the country.
In a statement, Mr. Whitty said the patients were members of the same family.In a statement, Mr. Whitty said the patients were members of the same family.
“The N.H.S. is extremely well prepared and used to managing infections,” Mr. Whitty said. “We are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.”“The N.H.S. is extremely well prepared and used to managing infections,” Mr. Whitty said. “We are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.”
The announcement came as a flight carrying 83 British and 27 foreign nationals from Wuhan, China, the center of the outbreak, landed in Britain on Friday afternoon.The announcement came as a flight carrying 83 British and 27 foreign nationals from Wuhan, China, the center of the outbreak, landed in Britain on Friday afternoon.
The Britons were to be quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, in northwest England, according to the BBC. The others will be flown on to Spain.The Britons were to be quarantined at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, in northwest England, according to the BBC. The others will be flown on to Spain.
That brings to 19 the total number of countries outside mainland China and its territories with confirmed cases of the coronavirus.That brings to 19 the total number of countries outside mainland China and its territories with confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Britain’s National Health Service “is very well prepared and did an extremely good job creating and caring for patients with Ebola,” said Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, referring to the virus outbreak in 2014.Britain’s National Health Service “is very well prepared and did an extremely good job creating and caring for patients with Ebola,” said Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, referring to the virus outbreak in 2014.
Her team is developing a vaccine against the coronavirus and expects the first clinical testing in June, Professor Gilbert said in a phone interview on Friday.Her team is developing a vaccine against the coronavirus and expects the first clinical testing in June, Professor Gilbert said in a phone interview on Friday.
The Italian government declared a six-month state of emergency on Friday after the first two cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Rome, according to a government official.The Italian government declared a six-month state of emergency on Friday after the first two cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Rome, according to a government official.
In a statement, the government said that it had allocated the “necessary funds” to begin precautionary measures. A government official said on Friday that five million euros (about $5.5 million) had been set aside.In a statement, the government said that it had allocated the “necessary funds” to begin precautionary measures. A government official said on Friday that five million euros (about $5.5 million) had been set aside.
Two Chinese nationals were being held in isolation at Rome’s Spallanzani Hospital, which specializes in infectious diseases, after they tested positive for the virus.Two Chinese nationals were being held in isolation at Rome’s Spallanzani Hospital, which specializes in infectious diseases, after they tested positive for the virus.
The husband and wife arrived in Milan a week ago and traveled to Parma and other cities before arriving in Rome, where the husband began showing flu symptoms, the official said.The husband and wife arrived in Milan a week ago and traveled to Parma and other cities before arriving in Rome, where the husband began showing flu symptoms, the official said.
A group of Chinese tourists that had been traveling with the couple were also being held in isolation at the Spallanzani hospital in Rome, Italian officials said Friday.A group of Chinese tourists that had been traveling with the couple were also being held in isolation at the Spallanzani hospital in Rome, Italian officials said Friday.
Police officers stopped the bus on which they were at a highway toll stop south of Rome and the bus returned to the capital.Police officers stopped the bus on which they were at a highway toll stop south of Rome and the bus returned to the capital.
At present, none of the Chinese visitors showed any symptoms, said the Lazio Region’s councilor for health, Alessio D’Amato, at a news conference on Friday. He said the group had been very collaborative with Italian authorities.At present, none of the Chinese visitors showed any symptoms, said the Lazio Region’s councilor for health, Alessio D’Amato, at a news conference on Friday. He said the group had been very collaborative with Italian authorities.
Three people who had come in contact with the infected couple were also being monitored at home, Mr. D’Amato said.Three people who had come in contact with the infected couple were also being monitored at home, Mr. D’Amato said.
The two cases were announced on Thursday, capping a tense day in Italy, after thousands of passengers had been blocked from leaving a cruise ship that docked at an Italian port for more than 12 hours over concerns that someone aboard might have had the virus. That episode was ultimately found to be a false alarm.The two cases were announced on Thursday, capping a tense day in Italy, after thousands of passengers had been blocked from leaving a cruise ship that docked at an Italian port for more than 12 hours over concerns that someone aboard might have had the virus. That episode was ultimately found to be a false alarm.
A Chinese national with a fever later tested negative for the coronavirus, and the Italian authorities said that passengers were allowed to disembark.A Chinese national with a fever later tested negative for the coronavirus, and the Italian authorities said that passengers were allowed to disembark.
In Germany, the Bavarian state Health Ministry confirmed a sixth case of the virus on Friday: the first child to be infected in the country. The child is related to another coronavirus patient identified this week. All six known cases in Germany are linked to a company based Starnberg, Bavaria.In Germany, the Bavarian state Health Ministry confirmed a sixth case of the virus on Friday: the first child to be infected in the country. The child is related to another coronavirus patient identified this week. All six known cases in Germany are linked to a company based Starnberg, Bavaria.
On Friday, a German Luftwaffe passenger jet left for China to evacuate more than 100 German citizens from Wuhan and Hubei province, according to the German foreign ministry.On Friday, a German Luftwaffe passenger jet left for China to evacuate more than 100 German citizens from Wuhan and Hubei province, according to the German foreign ministry.
Although none of the people on the passenger list appear to be infected, they will spend two weeks in quarantine once they are repatriated.Although none of the people on the passenger list appear to be infected, they will spend two weeks in quarantine once they are repatriated.
The health authorities in Thailand said that a taxi driver with no recent history of having traveled to China had tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the number of patients there to 19.The health authorities in Thailand said that a taxi driver with no recent history of having traveled to China had tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the number of patients there to 19.
Because the driver said he had not been to China, the health authorities suspect that he caught the virus from another person.Because the driver said he had not been to China, the health authorities suspect that he caught the virus from another person.
“The taxi driver is a Thai national and has no history of traveling to China,” said Dr. Tanarak Plipat, the deputy director general of the Department of Disease Control. “Therefore, we initially suspect that he contracted it from a Chinese traveler.”“The taxi driver is a Thai national and has no history of traveling to China,” said Dr. Tanarak Plipat, the deputy director general of the Department of Disease Control. “Therefore, we initially suspect that he contracted it from a Chinese traveler.”
Hong Kong’s executive, Carrie Lam, on Friday called for “social distancing” as officials asked civil servants to work from home and for schools to stay closed for a few more weeks.Hong Kong’s executive, Carrie Lam, on Friday called for “social distancing” as officials asked civil servants to work from home and for schools to stay closed for a few more weeks.
But Mrs. Lam said in a news conference that she would not seal off Hong Kong from mainland China, saying that such a move was “not in line with W.H.O.’s guideline.”But Mrs. Lam said in a news conference that she would not seal off Hong Kong from mainland China, saying that such a move was “not in line with W.H.O.’s guideline.”
The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the outbreak a global health emergency, though governments were not obligated to act on that decision.The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the outbreak a global health emergency, though governments were not obligated to act on that decision.
Hong Kong, a semiautonomous territory of China that has been embroiled in anti-Beijing protests for months, has confirmed 12 cases of the coronavirus. All but one victim contracted the disease on the mainland and brought it to Hong Kong, officials say. They are investigating the 12th infection, Mrs. Lam said.Hong Kong, a semiautonomous territory of China that has been embroiled in anti-Beijing protests for months, has confirmed 12 cases of the coronavirus. All but one victim contracted the disease on the mainland and brought it to Hong Kong, officials say. They are investigating the 12th infection, Mrs. Lam said.
Mrs. Lam cited a lack of masks for the new rules limiting personal contact. Since the growing threat from the coronavirus became clear last week, Hong Kong residents have lined up outside pharmacies to buy masks, hand sanitizer and other supplies in the belief they would stem the spread of the outbreak.Mrs. Lam cited a lack of masks for the new rules limiting personal contact. Since the growing threat from the coronavirus became clear last week, Hong Kong residents have lined up outside pharmacies to buy masks, hand sanitizer and other supplies in the belief they would stem the spread of the outbreak.
As foreign governments evacuated their citizens from China this week, the government of China said it was arranging chartered flights to bring Wuhan residents who were overseas back to the epicenter of the outbreak.As foreign governments evacuated their citizens from China this week, the government of China said it was arranging chartered flights to bring Wuhan residents who were overseas back to the epicenter of the outbreak.
Citing the “practical difficulties recently encountered” by residents abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday that evacuations would begin as soon as possible.Citing the “practical difficulties recently encountered” by residents abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Friday that evacuations would begin as soon as possible.
The decision to facilitate people’s return came after Wuhan’s mayor revealed that five million people had left the city last week ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, before travel restrictions were enforced.The decision to facilitate people’s return came after Wuhan’s mayor revealed that five million people had left the city last week ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, before travel restrictions were enforced.
Unnerved by the exodus, some regional countries and territories have banned entry to people from Wuhan or Hubei Province.Unnerved by the exodus, some regional countries and territories have banned entry to people from Wuhan or Hubei Province.
Travel restrictions across China and the suspension of international flights to the country have left Chinese travelers stranded around the world.Travel restrictions across China and the suspension of international flights to the country have left Chinese travelers stranded around the world.
But it was unclear if the Chinese government was also targeting those who had intentionally fled the center of the outbreak. It was similarly unknown where the residents had traveled.But it was unclear if the Chinese government was also targeting those who had intentionally fled the center of the outbreak. It was similarly unknown where the residents had traveled.
Chinese schools and universities have extended their holidays to help contain the coronavirus. Foreign students in China are leaving in droves. Some American and Australian universities have restricted travel to China.Chinese schools and universities have extended their holidays to help contain the coronavirus. Foreign students in China are leaving in droves. Some American and Australian universities have restricted travel to China.
China’s education ministry ordered schools and universities to lengthen their winter holidays, though it was left to each province to decide on dates. In Hong Kong, a semiautonomous region, a few universities have suspended classes until March 2, and local news media reported that primary and secondary schools would do the same, along with kindergartens.China’s education ministry ordered schools and universities to lengthen their winter holidays, though it was left to each province to decide on dates. In Hong Kong, a semiautonomous region, a few universities have suspended classes until March 2, and local news media reported that primary and secondary schools would do the same, along with kindergartens.
Chinese education officials urged students to stay at home and not to participate in group activities. Schools and universities across the country asked teachers and students to report their temperature and health conditions every day over messaging apps. Renmin University in Beijing asked faculty and staff who were out of town for the Lunar New Year holiday to delay their return trips.Chinese education officials urged students to stay at home and not to participate in group activities. Schools and universities across the country asked teachers and students to report their temperature and health conditions every day over messaging apps. Renmin University in Beijing asked faculty and staff who were out of town for the Lunar New Year holiday to delay their return trips.
About half a million foreign students were studying in China as of 2018, including over 20,000 Americans.About half a million foreign students were studying in China as of 2018, including over 20,000 Americans.
The Inter-University Program for Chinese Studies, a language training program on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing, canceled classes for the spring semester. New York University Shanghai delayed the start of the spring semester until Feb. 17. Duke Kunshan University near Shanghai delayed it until Feb. 24.The Inter-University Program for Chinese Studies, a language training program on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing, canceled classes for the spring semester. New York University Shanghai delayed the start of the spring semester until Feb. 17. Duke Kunshan University near Shanghai delayed it until Feb. 24.
Duke urged all its students to return home as soon as possible, except those from Hubei Province, where the outbreak began.Duke urged all its students to return home as soon as possible, except those from Hubei Province, where the outbreak began.
The education ministry also canceled standardized English-language exams that were scheduled for January and February. Many universities in English-speaking countries require foreign students to take such tests as part of their applications.The education ministry also canceled standardized English-language exams that were scheduled for January and February. Many universities in English-speaking countries require foreign students to take such tests as part of their applications.
While the students can reschedule the tests, the change of plan will create uncertainties. Many Chinese students plan for those tests months in advance, or even years.While the students can reschedule the tests, the change of plan will create uncertainties. Many Chinese students plan for those tests months in advance, or even years.
The effects could ripple across universities abroad that rely on tuition fees paid by Chinese students. Australia is currently home to more than 150,000 Chinese students, and one-third of the international students in the United States — nearly 370,000 — came from China last year.The effects could ripple across universities abroad that rely on tuition fees paid by Chinese students. Australia is currently home to more than 150,000 Chinese students, and one-third of the international students in the United States — nearly 370,000 — came from China last year.
The prominence of Chinese students on those campuses raises the possibility that they could be perceived as vulnerable to the virus. The University of New South Wales in Sydney said one of its students had tested positive for the virus after traveling directly to Sydney from the city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak.The prominence of Chinese students on those campuses raises the possibility that they could be perceived as vulnerable to the virus. The University of New South Wales in Sydney said one of its students had tested positive for the virus after traveling directly to Sydney from the city of Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Someone stole 25,000 face masks from a warehouse in Hong Kong on Friday as the city, still haunted by memories of SARS nearly 17 years ago, is struggling with a severe shortage.Someone stole 25,000 face masks from a warehouse in Hong Kong on Friday as the city, still haunted by memories of SARS nearly 17 years ago, is struggling with a severe shortage.
The police said 500 boxes containing 50 masks each were reported missing from a building in an industrial neighborhood. The warehouse mostly supplied an e-commerce platform in the city, The Apple Daily newspaper reported.The police said 500 boxes containing 50 masks each were reported missing from a building in an industrial neighborhood. The warehouse mostly supplied an e-commerce platform in the city, The Apple Daily newspaper reported.
The theft came as residents in Hong Kong desperately searched for the item, often displayed at inflated prices, in pharmacies and retailers. In a dangerous practice, families that cannot not afford new disposable masks have resorted to reusing them, according to local reports.The theft came as residents in Hong Kong desperately searched for the item, often displayed at inflated prices, in pharmacies and retailers. In a dangerous practice, families that cannot not afford new disposable masks have resorted to reusing them, according to local reports.
Matthew Cheung, the city’s No. 2 official, said Thursday that Hong Kong would use prison labor to boost supplies. Inmates already produce about 50,000 masks each day for hospital and government workers, and they will work around the clock to make millions more, Mr. Cheung said.Matthew Cheung, the city’s No. 2 official, said Thursday that Hong Kong would use prison labor to boost supplies. Inmates already produce about 50,000 masks each day for hospital and government workers, and they will work around the clock to make millions more, Mr. Cheung said.
Nearly 300 people were killed in the city by SARS, a coronavirus that originated in mainland China in 2002.Nearly 300 people were killed in the city by SARS, a coronavirus that originated in mainland China in 2002.
The Red Cross has become the latest target of public outrage in China, as the country’s 1.4 billion people grapple with the grim reality of the coronavirus crisis.The Red Cross has become the latest target of public outrage in China, as the country’s 1.4 billion people grapple with the grim reality of the coronavirus crisis.
The Red Cross is the government agency in China in charge of distributing relief supplies. Donations must go through the Red Cross, Chinese traditional news outlets reported in recent days. The rule was meant to help manage donations in case bad people took advantage of the chaotic situation, Wuhan’s top Communist Party official said at a news conference on Tuesday.The Red Cross is the government agency in China in charge of distributing relief supplies. Donations must go through the Red Cross, Chinese traditional news outlets reported in recent days. The rule was meant to help manage donations in case bad people took advantage of the chaotic situation, Wuhan’s top Communist Party official said at a news conference on Tuesday.
Instead, the Red Cross appears to have run into a bottleneck. The Wuhan Red Cross disclosed on Tuesday that it had received nearly $58 million from the public but had distributed only one-eighth of it.Instead, the Red Cross appears to have run into a bottleneck. The Wuhan Red Cross disclosed on Tuesday that it had received nearly $58 million from the public but had distributed only one-eighth of it.
A social media post on Wednesday said the prestigious Union Hospital in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, was running out of medical protective gear.A social media post on Wednesday said the prestigious Union Hospital in Wuhan, the center of the outbreak, was running out of medical protective gear.
“We’re not in danger of running out,” a doctor at the hospital wrote under his verified account. “We’ve run out.”“We’re not in danger of running out,” a doctor at the hospital wrote under his verified account. “We’ve run out.”
The post spread widely and was reposted by the Weibo account of The People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official newspaper. It raised the question: When so many people are donating money and emergency supplies to Wuhan, why aren’t medical workers at a prestigious hospital at the front line of the epidemic getting any?The post spread widely and was reposted by the Weibo account of The People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official newspaper. It raised the question: When so many people are donating money and emergency supplies to Wuhan, why aren’t medical workers at a prestigious hospital at the front line of the epidemic getting any?
The People’s Daily account also reposted photos of Union Hospital staff members making their own protective gowns out of yellow garbage bags and masks and footwear with medical bedsheets.The People’s Daily account also reposted photos of Union Hospital staff members making their own protective gowns out of yellow garbage bags and masks and footwear with medical bedsheets.
Facebook on Thursday said it was taking several steps to prevent the spread of misinformation related to the coronavirus, including removing “content with false claims or conspiracy theories that have been flagged by leading global health organizations and local health authorities that could cause harm to people who believe them.”Facebook on Thursday said it was taking several steps to prevent the spread of misinformation related to the coronavirus, including removing “content with false claims or conspiracy theories that have been flagged by leading global health organizations and local health authorities that could cause harm to people who believe them.”
The statement provided examples: “This includes claims related to false cures or prevention methods — like drinking bleach cures the coronavirus — or claims that create confusion about health resources that are available.”The statement provided examples: “This includes claims related to false cures or prevention methods — like drinking bleach cures the coronavirus — or claims that create confusion about health resources that are available.”
The company, which plans to promote important virus-related updates at the top of its News Feed, also said that when its third-party fact checkers rate information as false, that information’s spread will be limited on Facebook and Instagram, and users will be shown accurate information instead. Users who try to share posts identified as false, or who have already shared them, will be told that the content has been debunked, the company said.The company, which plans to promote important virus-related updates at the top of its News Feed, also said that when its third-party fact checkers rate information as false, that information’s spread will be limited on Facebook and Instagram, and users will be shown accurate information instead. Users who try to share posts identified as false, or who have already shared them, will be told that the content has been debunked, the company said.
On Wednesday, Twitter made changes to its search algorithm to prioritize results from reputable health organizations. It said those changes were in place only in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Britain and Vietnam, but that they would expand as needed. Twitter is blocked in mainland China.On Wednesday, Twitter made changes to its search algorithm to prioritize results from reputable health organizations. It said those changes were in place only in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, Britain and Vietnam, but that they would expand as needed. Twitter is blocked in mainland China.
Reporting was contributed by Russell Goldman, Chris Buckley, Elaine Yu, Li Yuan, E. Justin Swanson, Kate Conger, Miriam Jordan, Emma Bubola, Elisabetta Povoledo, Jason Horowitz, Geneva Abdul, Richard C. Paddock, Alex Marshall, Anton Troianovski, Joanna Berendt, Christopher Schuetze, Niraj Chokshi, Tariro Mzezewa and Mike Arnot. Elsie Chen, Zoe Mou, Albee Zhang, Amber Wang, Yiwei Wang and Claire Fu contributed research.Reporting was contributed by Russell Goldman, Chris Buckley, Elaine Yu, Li Yuan, E. Justin Swanson, Kate Conger, Miriam Jordan, Emma Bubola, Elisabetta Povoledo, Jason Horowitz, Geneva Abdul, Richard C. Paddock, Alex Marshall, Anton Troianovski, Joanna Berendt, Christopher Schuetze, Niraj Chokshi, Tariro Mzezewa and Mike Arnot. Elsie Chen, Zoe Mou, Albee Zhang, Amber Wang, Yiwei Wang and Claire Fu contributed research.