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Coronavirus live updates: all arrivals to Hong Kong from mainland China face 'compulsory quarantine' – latest news Coronavirus live updates: all arrivals to Hong Kong from mainland China face 'compulsory quarantine' – latest news
(32 minutes later)
Thousands on board Diamond Princess cruise ship in offshore quarantine in Japan after 10 people test positive, as China death toll passes 490Thousands on board Diamond Princess cruise ship in offshore quarantine in Japan after 10 people test positive, as China death toll passes 490
AFP is now reporting that travelling from mainland China will be forced to face ‘compulsory quarantine’ when they arrive in Hong Kong. Here’s the Guardian’s report on the luxury cruise ship carrying 3,700 quarantined passengers off the Japanese port of Yokohama, after initial results showed 10 passengers have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Diamond Princess has been prevented from sailing on Monday after an 80-year-old passenger who had travelled on the vessel late last month tested positive after he arrived home in Hong Kong, according to Japan’s health minister, Katsunobu Kato.
Of a further 273 people on board who have since been tested following health screenings, 31 results had come back – and of those 10 were positive.
Hong Kong’s leader has released more information on the recently announced quarantine for all those arriving from mainland China. Carrie Lam said all people entering the semi-autonomous territory from the mainland, including Hong Kong residents, will be required to undergo 14 days of quarantine because of the outbreak of the new virus, according to a report by AP.
Lam said the measure will take effect on Saturday to allow Hong Kong day travellers to make necessary arrangements. She added that two cruise ship terminals, including one where a ship is under quarantine, will be shut down.
Lam said the government is looking for more quarantine facilities in addition to the three camps in use and stressed the authorities have remained vigilant and will not shy away from introducing stringent measures to stem the spread of the virus.
There’s been praise for the British embassy in Beijing, which is supporting the evacuation process. Paul Maloney, who works for the British Council in China, tweeted he was grateful the embassy was able to help evacuate his family, including his young son Theo, who needed an emergency passport in order to travel.
AFP is reporting that travellers from mainland China will be forced to face ”compulsory quarantine” when they arrive in Hong Kong.
More readers have got in touch in response to the Foreign Office’s advice urging UK nationals to leave China.More readers have got in touch in response to the Foreign Office’s advice urging UK nationals to leave China.
Liam Dutch, a 26-year-old teacher in Shenzhen, said he was “conflicted” about the British government’s advice to leave China. “Many of us have spent a lot of time building new lives here, it is not simply a case of ‘booking a flight home to then return at an unknown date’.Liam Dutch, a 26-year-old teacher in Shenzhen, said he was “conflicted” about the British government’s advice to leave China. “Many of us have spent a lot of time building new lives here, it is not simply a case of ‘booking a flight home to then return at an unknown date’.
“It would be like putting my life on pause. Firstly, it’s highly expensive to travel 10,000 miles home, and then come back again. Secondly, we do have contractual obligations, rent to pay, friends and girlfriends and of course, our general everyday lives, which we have become accustomed to.”“It would be like putting my life on pause. Firstly, it’s highly expensive to travel 10,000 miles home, and then come back again. Secondly, we do have contractual obligations, rent to pay, friends and girlfriends and of course, our general everyday lives, which we have become accustomed to.”
Andy Roberts, a university lecturer, said he is currently housebound with his wife in Ningbo. Roberts has been married to his wife, a 39-year-old Chinese national for 14 years. She has previously lived in UK for 10 years.Andy Roberts, a university lecturer, said he is currently housebound with his wife in Ningbo. Roberts has been married to his wife, a 39-year-old Chinese national for 14 years. She has previously lived in UK for 10 years.
The 59-year-old said they are restricted to staying in their apartment and only one family member is allowed to visit the supermarket every two days.The 59-year-old said they are restricted to staying in their apartment and only one family member is allowed to visit the supermarket every two days.
“The UK advice is not very practical as getting to an airport and finding a flight would be difficult right now. And if I did go back where would I go? My home is here in China. We are keeping our spirits up; I’m cycling everyday on my indoor trainer, escaping to Zwift virtual worlds, while my wife is working out from YouTube Zumba clips. The cats aren’t fussed.“The UK advice is not very practical as getting to an airport and finding a flight would be difficult right now. And if I did go back where would I go? My home is here in China. We are keeping our spirits up; I’m cycling everyday on my indoor trainer, escaping to Zwift virtual worlds, while my wife is working out from YouTube Zumba clips. The cats aren’t fussed.
“At the moment we can still walk round the compound as long as we have masks on and we stop and chat to neighbours, albeit from a distance.”“At the moment we can still walk round the compound as long as we have masks on and we stop and chat to neighbours, albeit from a distance.”
Stock markets have staged a rapid reversal in the last few minutes, after reports of an effective treatment for coronavirus. The reports remain unconfirmed.Stock markets have staged a rapid reversal in the last few minutes, after reports of an effective treatment for coronavirus. The reports remain unconfirmed.
The FTSE 100 is up by 0.5% at about 7,477 points, having previously been down by 0.3%. The Euro Stoxx 600 index, which measures large companies across Europe, is up by 0.5% for the day, having previously dipped.The FTSE 100 is up by 0.5% at about 7,477 points, having previously been down by 0.3%. The Euro Stoxx 600 index, which measures large companies across Europe, is up by 0.5% for the day, having previously dipped.
Reuters reports that traders have cited a Chinese TV report that a research team at Zhejiang University has found an effective drug to treat people with the new coronavirus.Reuters reports that traders have cited a Chinese TV report that a research team at Zhejiang University has found an effective drug to treat people with the new coronavirus.
Oil prices, weighed down by concerns on coronavirus’s impact on demand, have gained a dollar after the reports.Oil prices, weighed down by concerns on coronavirus’s impact on demand, have gained a dollar after the reports.
Brent crude oil futures prices jumped from a low of $54.12 per barrel just after 8am to over $55.1 an hour later. They are now up by 2.2% for the day.Brent crude oil futures prices jumped from a low of $54.12 per barrel just after 8am to over $55.1 an hour later. They are now up by 2.2% for the day.
Cathay Pacific has asked its 27,000 employees to take three weeks of unpaid leave in the next few months as Hong Kong’s flagship carrier reels from coronavirus outbreak, according to a report by South China Morning Post.Cathay Pacific has asked its 27,000 employees to take three weeks of unpaid leave in the next few months as Hong Kong’s flagship carrier reels from coronavirus outbreak, according to a report by South China Morning Post.
“I am appealing to each and everyone of you to help,” said Augustus Tang Kin-wing, the company’s CEO, in a taped video recording, adding the situation the company faced was “just as grave” as the global financial crisis of 2009.“I am appealing to each and everyone of you to help,” said Augustus Tang Kin-wing, the company’s CEO, in a taped video recording, adding the situation the company faced was “just as grave” as the global financial crisis of 2009.
“Preserving our cash is now key to protecting our business,” he said.“Preserving our cash is now key to protecting our business,” he said.
The UK health secretary, Matt Hancock, said the government was expecting further cases in the UK. He insisted the government was “taking no chances” and adopting a science-led approach in its response to the outbreak.The UK health secretary, Matt Hancock, said the government was expecting further cases in the UK. He insisted the government was “taking no chances” and adopting a science-led approach in its response to the outbreak.
In an unexpected announcement on Tuesday, the Foreign Office urged UK citizens to leave China because of the coronavirus. Asked how, logistically, Britons are expected to return to the UK, Hancock told BBC Breakfast: “There are still commercial flights available. The principle that we are taking is that we want to take no chances with this virus. We want to take a science-led approach.”In an unexpected announcement on Tuesday, the Foreign Office urged UK citizens to leave China because of the coronavirus. Asked how, logistically, Britons are expected to return to the UK, Hancock told BBC Breakfast: “There are still commercial flights available. The principle that we are taking is that we want to take no chances with this virus. We want to take a science-led approach.”
“The approach we have been taking is very much driven by the advice of the chief medical officer. This is a very serious virus and having a very serious impact in china,” Hancock added. “There are two cases only here in the UK but we do expect more, so we are taking no chances.”“The approach we have been taking is very much driven by the advice of the chief medical officer. This is a very serious virus and having a very serious impact in china,” Hancock added. “There are two cases only here in the UK but we do expect more, so we are taking no chances.”
The two people confirmed to have the virus in the UK remain in quarantine, while a Briton has tested negative after falling ill on a flight back from China.The two people confirmed to have the virus in the UK remain in quarantine, while a Briton has tested negative after falling ill on a flight back from China.
Hancock said people returning from China would not be quarantined and should instead remain at home and call medics if they express symptoms. “The advice is that if they have symptoms then they should stay at home, self-isolate as it’s called, and call 111, not go to the GP or to the A&E because there’s a risk of spreading the virus,” he told BBC Breakfast.Hancock said people returning from China would not be quarantined and should instead remain at home and call medics if they express symptoms. “The advice is that if they have symptoms then they should stay at home, self-isolate as it’s called, and call 111, not go to the GP or to the A&E because there’s a risk of spreading the virus,” he told BBC Breakfast.
Owen Moone, a British teacher in Shenzhen in Guangdong province, said he was stuck in Vietnam because his flight back was cancelled. The 34-year-old was on holiday in Vietnam for the lunar new year.Owen Moone, a British teacher in Shenzhen in Guangdong province, said he was stuck in Vietnam because his flight back was cancelled. The 34-year-old was on holiday in Vietnam for the lunar new year.
“Luckily it’s a cheap country, but I only have a 30-day visa. I’m not sure when flights will be reinstated to Hong Kong or mainland China, but I need to return either to work or get my stuff,” Moone said. “Part of me is tempted to go home or to Canada where my girlfriend is visiting family. Not sure when the situation will change as there is currently a lot of ambiguity and things are changing by the day.”“Luckily it’s a cheap country, but I only have a 30-day visa. I’m not sure when flights will be reinstated to Hong Kong or mainland China, but I need to return either to work or get my stuff,” Moone said. “Part of me is tempted to go home or to Canada where my girlfriend is visiting family. Not sure when the situation will change as there is currently a lot of ambiguity and things are changing by the day.”
Moone added his school was due to start back on 10 February, but has now been delayed until 17 February. “It’s the ambiguity and lack of clarity that is frustrating for me, although I am of course sympathetic that it is a rapidly changing situation so certainties are hard to come by,” he said.Moone added his school was due to start back on 10 February, but has now been delayed until 17 February. “It’s the ambiguity and lack of clarity that is frustrating for me, although I am of course sympathetic that it is a rapidly changing situation so certainties are hard to come by,” he said.
The spread of a new coronavirus could throw “cold water” on the 2020 Olympics, senior organisers have warned.The spread of a new coronavirus could throw “cold water” on the 2020 Olympics, senior organisers have warned.
Toshiro Muto, the chief executive officer, sounded a grave note speaking at a meeting with officials of the International Paralympic Committee, according to a report by AP. “I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the momentum toward the Games,” Muto said. “I hope that it will be stamped out as soon as possible.”Toshiro Muto, the chief executive officer, sounded a grave note speaking at a meeting with officials of the International Paralympic Committee, according to a report by AP. “I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the momentum toward the Games,” Muto said. “I hope that it will be stamped out as soon as possible.”
Saburo Kawabuchi, the mayor of the Athletes Village, where 11,000 Olympians will stay, was also apprehensive. “I truly hope that the infectious disease will die down somehow so that we will be able to operate the Paralympics and Olympics smoothly,” he said. “In the worst case we will do our utmost for the athletes so that they will be able to concentrate on performing their best.”Saburo Kawabuchi, the mayor of the Athletes Village, where 11,000 Olympians will stay, was also apprehensive. “I truly hope that the infectious disease will die down somehow so that we will be able to operate the Paralympics and Olympics smoothly,” he said. “In the worst case we will do our utmost for the athletes so that they will be able to concentrate on performing their best.”
I want to hear your news, experiences and questions about the Coronavirus outbreak. You can email me at aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com, or reach me through my Twitter profile, @aamnamohdinI want to hear your news, experiences and questions about the Coronavirus outbreak. You can email me at aamna.mohdin@theguardian.com, or reach me through my Twitter profile, @aamnamohdin
Good morning, this is Aamna Mohdin taking over the blog from Martin Farrer.Good morning, this is Aamna Mohdin taking over the blog from Martin Farrer.
LG has become the first major technology company to pull out of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) due to take place in Barcelona over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.LG has become the first major technology company to pull out of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) due to take place in Barcelona over concerns about the coronavirus outbreak.
PA Media reports that the Korean firm would not be attending the technology convention, one of the largest events in the industry calendar, to announce its latest gadgets. The company will instead hold separate events in the near future.PA Media reports that the Korean firm would not be attending the technology convention, one of the largest events in the industry calendar, to announce its latest gadgets. The company will instead hold separate events in the near future.
A number of other technology companies, including Sony, Samsung, Huawei and Microsoft are still due to appear at MWC.A number of other technology companies, including Sony, Samsung, Huawei and Microsoft are still due to appear at MWC.
LG said in a statement:LG said in a statement:
That’s about it from me for today. I’m handing our rolling coverage to my colleague Aamna Mohdin. Thanks for joining me. Here are the main points from today so far:That’s about it from me for today. I’m handing our rolling coverage to my colleague Aamna Mohdin. Thanks for joining me. Here are the main points from today so far:
The death toll from novel coronavirus has climbed to 490 in mainland China. There remains one additional fatality in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines.The death toll from novel coronavirus has climbed to 490 in mainland China. There remains one additional fatality in Hong Kong and one in the Philippines.
There are now 24,505 confirmed cases around the world, 24,292 being in mainland China.There are now 24,505 confirmed cases around the world, 24,292 being in mainland China.
Thousands of crew and passengers onboard a cruise ship in Japan are being held in quarantine for at least two weeks after 10 people tested positive for the virus. Hundreds more people have been tested and results are awaited.Thousands of crew and passengers onboard a cruise ship in Japan are being held in quarantine for at least two weeks after 10 people tested positive for the virus. Hundreds more people have been tested and results are awaited.
A British passenger, David Abel, said the Diamond Princess was like a “ghost town”.A British passenger, David Abel, said the Diamond Princess was like a “ghost town”.
Passengers and crew on another cruise ship, the World Dream, are also being quarantined in Hong Kong after 30 crew members showed symptoms of coronavirus, including fever.Passengers and crew on another cruise ship, the World Dream, are also being quarantined in Hong Kong after 30 crew members showed symptoms of coronavirus, including fever.
Britain is sending a final evacuation plane to Wuhan this weekend where it is understood that about 165 Britons remain. Japan is sending a fourth plane.Britain is sending a final evacuation plane to Wuhan this weekend where it is understood that about 165 Britons remain. Japan is sending a fourth plane.
A plane carrying New Zealanders, Australians, Britons and people from several Pacific nations has landed in Auckland from Wuhan. They will be quarantined for two weeks.A plane carrying New Zealanders, Australians, Britons and people from several Pacific nations has landed in Auckland from Wuhan. They will be quarantined for two weeks.
The economic impact on China is mounting as more cities went into lockdown. Oxford Economics say two percentage points could be knocked off the country’s growth this quarter.The economic impact on China is mounting as more cities went into lockdown. Oxford Economics say two percentage points could be knocked off the country’s growth this quarter.
United and American Airlines have suspended flights in and out of Hong Kong.United and American Airlines have suspended flights in and out of Hong Kong.
The World Health Organization says there is a “window of opportunity” to halt the spread of the disease.The World Health Organization says there is a “window of opportunity” to halt the spread of the disease.
Financial markets in Asia have rallied again on Wednesday as investors continued to believe that the economic impact of the crisis will be limited.Financial markets in Asia have rallied again on Wednesday as investors continued to believe that the economic impact of the crisis will be limited.